Fiancé with FND

[PurpleManiac]

Hi all, my Fiancé suffers with FND primarily manifested as PNES however recently she's been displaying more symptoms including tics and speech imparement.

We've been fighting to get her neurology appointment but the doctors keep moving the date with no regard for her situation.

I have two queries, one does anyone think this increase in symptoms could be a result of increased stress? She is going through so much right now I couldn't even tell you.

And two, does anyone know anything that has helped them in similar situations? I'm doing my level best to be calming but I'm rowing this boat with no oars right now and could do with some support.

Thank you all in advance and stay safe

[210272]

As far as I can tell, tics and speech impairment can often follow on from primary manifestations of PNES but I am not an expert at all so hope you can access neurology soon, both for your fiancé and you, because you definitely need support too. No neurological condition only has an impact on the person with it - our family members/partners need oars, for sure.

Stress is usually not the friend of anyone with neurological conditions - yes, some of it is unavoidable but if it hikes up a lot it can cause symptom levels to hike up and/or cause new symptoms. So I am very grateful that you are being calming and supportive but hope you won't have to do that without professional support for long. I don't know where you are located or if this is possible but if you can spend time with your beloved, walking or sitting outdoors in green spaces (wear your shades if either of you have migraine) that can help a lot regarding keeping calm and getting your free vitamin D. Very gentle breathing exercises can help too.

[Riley-Roo]

Stress for sure does not help and can make new symptoms show up. I find meditation helps me during stressful times, I use the Calm app. A regular sleep schedule is also important for me, fatigue makes my symptoms worse too. My husband has felt very helpless in helping me manage/live with my FND. We live in Oregon, US and support is very difficult to find here so we rely on a councilor who specializes in chronic conditions, doctors and family and friends. Due to my seizures I am not left alone very much but he does take a day off once in awhile, which is very important that he is taken care of too. I rely so much on my support systems because I never know what the day will be like so it is really important that my support system stays healthy and cared for too.

I am sorry she is having a hard time getting in to see a neurologist. It took me a year to find a neurologist and get in, the good thing is now that I am established with him he is amazing. He can get me in within a reasonable amount of time and is prompt at answering emails.

Good luck with your journey and take care.