Comparing U.S. 5-Day Outpatient FMD Intensive Therapy Programs with U.K. Inpatient FMD Therapy Programs Lasting Many Weeks

[sgaetna2013]

While most intensive FMD treatment programs in the U.S.--and there are just a handful--are 5-day intensive outpatient programs, FMD patients in the U.K. seem to spend many weeks as inpatients in order to receive their FMD treatment.

This discrepancy disturbs me. I don't see how a U.S. FMD patient is likely to reap the same benefits as a U.K. patient who is treated for a much longer time in an inpatient setting. I would appreciate feedback from both U.S. and U.K. patients.

I am especially interested in the experience of U.S. patients who travel to another U.S. city for a 5-day intensive outpatient program. (I suppose Mayo Clinic is the best example.) By definition, these programs offer no follow-up treatment because they are located far from the patient's home city. What benefit, if any, is to be gleaned from such a program?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[MONIREN]

I'm regional Australia, I don't have access to inpatient or outpatient FND programs here. Not sure if this helps, I have had time in outpatient programs for chronic pain, in very short time, I was able to be helped. Sure, I still have pain, but years of no flare ups. Their expert help and simple ways to cope, invaluable. Getting shown how to do simple things like walk and manage own housework. I had to walk on treadmill with mirror, I didn't realise my way of walking was aggravating back. I heard some do programs for FND and had no benefit and others helped. Sometimes it's personality and listening with an open mind. Grab whatever you can, usually we don't get offered anything. Take care. Moni

[overthevalley]

Hey there,

FND symptoms are really tough for us patients. And, FNDs are tough for healthcare providers, hospitals, and insurers too.

A decade ago I was diagnosed at Mayo — then twice inpatient in their neurorehab program. I improved well the first time after about a month there. But then I deteriorated shortly after. The second time I was inpatient/outpatient for five months; most of that was outpatient with PM&R treatment each day. Unfortunately things didn’t turn out as we hoped.

The Mayo folks are experienced, helpful, and motivated. They care about us and they know lots about FNDs.

I’d think their 1-week program would be worth it. Without Mayo I wouldn’t have many of the tools/strategies for living with my FND.

Hope this helps, sgaetna2013. All the best to you.

[Daesin]

I’m in Midwest, USA.From what I have experienced:

When you receive an FND/CD diagnosis your medical care ends. You can almost hear the screeching of the brakes. You are then sent to a psychiatrist and they treat you for depression and anxiety only. Any physical complaints or deficits are listed as anxiety-based and not cared for. Every issue you have is just rolled right back into the conversion disorder or FND.

I call it a terminal diagnosis. Not because it’s gonna kill you but because it just killed your medical care.

I hope others have a different experience because this almost ended my life. I’m still trying to crawl out of the hole.