career & life advice for fnd

[Kenzieb]

Hello everyone! I was recently diagnosed with fnd + functional walking issue. (yes, it said functional movement disorder before. I was wrong.) I have started PT and am now using a stick to walk with. I also experience on and off brain fog and lightheadedness/ dizziness/ instability. I was a full- time student but I withdrew before diagnosis to deal with the symptoms (I was studying to become a nurse). I was wondering if anyone had gotten to a point where you could have a normal to more strenuous career. I kinda just need to figure out if I ought to try and go back to school for that or start fresh in a less stressful and physical exertion based area. What do you all think?

[Handbagmad]

Hi there, I too have only been diagnosed recently. I am having to sell my beloved motorcycle after waiting 31 years to get her, my episodes made it impossible for me to drive her, I have found that a lot has changed for me in my life and in my family's life, its affecting everything, even though I am battling through everyday. At the moment I'm using music and dance to work through the episodes.

[tabey]

Hi Kenzied

I worked in healthcare before this all started a lovely 22 years of nursing i loved it but sadly i got FND in around 2015 and that was my lot

I had to give it up i found it so hard and still do.

Nursing is a hard job on both your body and mind however never say never we are all different and we all hace good and bad days but talking from Experience walking onto a ward for a 13 hour shift and you have Fnd Symptoms is not a good idea.

I fell terrible writting this but i wanted to be say the Truth i wish you all the best

And message me any time

Tabe

[Kenzieb in reply to tabey]

I appreciate your honesty! I do have a backup plan, it just isn't my first choice. I'm just trying to gauge how far I could hope to go within reason right now

[dbar126 in reply to tabey]

Hi Tabe, I worked as a nurse for about 25 years (all realmns from bedside to management) when I came down with symptoms of FND almost 4 years ago. I have not been able to work since due to mobilityissues, weakness and memory issues. I still look for even volunteer positions but where I also am unable to drive it makes it difficult. I keep trying to think of little projects I can do at home but so badly wish to be in a more sicial light with other people. I'll keep trying!

[christopher_cms]

do you have dystonia ? were you diagnosed by a movement disorder specialist ?

[Kenzieb in reply to christopher_cms]

looking back, I think I mis-termed it. I just double checked and that isn't it. Rather, I have weak legs and one of them gives out at random. I thought that was what my neurologist called it but I meant a functional walking problem. Guess I'll double check next time!

[christopher_cms in reply to Kenzieb]

what specialty diagnosed you ?

[Kenzieb in reply to christopher_cms]

I was diagnosed by my neurologist. We spent a great amount of time eliminating other probable causes, and FND is the conclusion she came to after seeing me walk. It does make sense from everything I've read about it.

[christopher_cms in reply to Kenzieb]

that's good you saw a neurologist ... a movement disorders specialist can tell you if you have dystonia

[DALLYSALLY]

Hi. I was in the same position 11 years ago in my final year of nursing, unfortunately my FND in stressful situations sometimes mimics a stroke with total left sided paralysis and has lasted over a week in hospital. After lots of tests and diagnosis I also left my course because I still get daily movement/ problems dizziness and other horrible symptoms that I'm sure yourself and many with FND can relate to. The only thing I can say is that I was a mature student in my early 40s, also with arthritic joint problems so I couldn't cope, but not knowing your age, if it's something you enjoy with support and decent pain medication maybe you could talk it over with occupational health? At least when you qualify you could maybe do bank nursing and choose to do less hours if you find it too much? Take care.

[M3rry]

Not being from a medical background, I'm a scientist though - I had to go through a similar assessment of myself and my own abilities many years before FND due to fibromyalgia. I basically got forced to change industry and stop doing lab work.

Now I have FND as well - I (currently) have difficulty even searching for work and so am sitting at home frustrated that I cannot even do things at home due to my exhaustion.

Now as EVERYONE is different everyone will have a different set of symptoms and reaction to this disease. Check with your tutors, do they know of anywhere you can apply for a support role in nursing. Something where your sudden changes in ability will not put someone else's care at risk, but still requires a qualified nurse .

Unfortunately you will have to be harsh and brutally honest with yourself. You know how physical Nursing is, you know how bad your symptoms were to get a diagnosis - consider these facts and make the right decision for yourself.

[DMA1664]

Hi Kenzieb

I'm a recently qualified Personal Trainer with a desire to help those with disabilities. I've suffered with FND, PTSD, NEAD and anxiety now for the last 2.5 years with some awful symptoms. My journeys not been easy but I'm getting there. I still have a walking stick and still have off days, but I'm better than 2.5 years ago. I've accepted that I can't do much too stressful as it sets me back. It's just a new me. Keep plodding on.

Dave

[Justdrea81]

It took a year, but I am back to my job in the office as a software development QA. It's a very intense job, thinking wise. I still come home exhausted a lot, but I'm back to work! It took about 3 months of PT and OT to get to this point, plus I started something called ldn (low dose naltrexone). That stuff has been amazing, and gave me my life back. I still struggle, but I struggle so much less than I used to.

[Justdrea81 in reply to Justdrea81]

I also worked with a biofeedback clinic, which helped a lot. And meditation seems to help too.