Explanation of trauma: When I ask... - Functional Neurol...

Functional Neurological Disorder - FND Hope

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Explanation of trauma

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
17 Replies

When I ask people's opinion on if they think that they can get FND because of trauma in thier life i'm meaning childhood sexual abuse as this is what happened to me so the neurologist blamed my FND on that,I put the sexual abuse behind me and got on with my life as I had 2 kids to bring up,I said to myself that it wasn't going to ruin my life.What I don't understand is why didn't I get FND earlier in my life if it was caused by being sexually abused as a child,I was 50years old when I got it I know they say it can be in your subconscious mind(I think that right)even that doesn't make sense to me as you would think you would get FND when your most stressed(example, when the abuse is actually happening.) I understand that a lot of people who have been sexually abused might not want to answer to this maybe through embarrassment.

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GrEeNbEeNs
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Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One

I have tons to say on this subject so I’ll try to keep it brief. I’m 44 and also have a history of abuse that never stopped until I finally got away from my family. I was abducted at 6 & sold to a pimp. Incest in my family was treated as normal. There were no games that the kids played that weren’t sexual in some way. My parents were/are both abusive & my older brother started to torture me for hours on end when I was 7 (out of anger towards my parents).

When I finally left for college, I was gang raped by 5 men and my PTSD was so bad, I had to drop out…only to land right back in my mother’s house where she blamed me for being raped & constantly told me I was going to hell because by allowing myself to be raped, it hurt her so deeply. She denied me access to a therapist.

Once I became disabled w/FND at 28, it meant having to rely on my abusive family for help. 20-something “friends” don’t stick around through hardship. As awful as my life has been, I’ve always done an almost immaculate job of concealing my pain from others. I was conditioned at a young age to always appear strong & capable.

Apparently, this quality of overcoming so much repeated trauma and maintaining an outward appearance that says, “I’m okay. No really, I’m okay!” is what my doctors blame for my FND. I don’t know if I buy it but in theory, it makes sense that if you’ve had only yourself to rely on while experiencing horrors that require compassion that never comes, you keep pushing the pain down. Eventually, the brain reaches a breaking point. My doctor blames my resilience for my FND. Unlucky all the way around.

I’m very glad to hear you were able to create a life & family for yourself and hopefully have found some happiness! I’m currently at the start of my 3rd year never leaving my apartment because I’ve developed a deep fear of other people. I haven’t seen a doctor in 4 years, as they’ve only made me feel less than human. I’ve never had a break from my trauma so I can’t relate on that level but I also feel certain neurologists, in reality, know very little about how our brains actually function. I’m always trying to learn more through my own research. I hope you’re doing well!

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

OMG what a life you've had in so so sorry to hear what you've been through, that is very brave of you to have posted this.I don't go out much myself due to anxiety I fall about all over the place and get a lot of attention which I don't like.When me and my sister told my mum that we were abused she called us liars but after my dad died she had the cheek to ask me what had happened she's sick in the head but at the same time it must have been hard for her to accept.You have made me feel very emotional after reading this I wished that I could do something to help you.Thankyou so much for replying it has sort of made me feel as though iv'e been lucky in away that I havn't had to go through as much as you have.Hopefully you will find the strength to start going out again and maybe meet someone nice.I don't trust people either i'm suspicious of everybody This is the saddest story I've read on this forum it will stick in my head for a long time.I TRULY HOPE THAT YOU MANAGE TO BUILD A LIFE FOR YOURSELF AND THAT ?YOU MANAGE TO GET THE ANSWERS YOUR LOOKING FOR THROUGH YOUR RESEARCH.I ?WISH YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE TAKE CARE ?AND GOD BLESS.MY FRIEND GAVE ME A WEE GUARDIAN ANGEL IN GOING TO GET IT AND SAY A WEE PRAYER FOR YOU.THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR REPLY.X

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One in reply toGrEeNbEeNs

You’re so very sweet! Such kind words that mean a lot to me. Your experience carries its own pain and I’m so sorry that it sounds like it was your father who hurt you. I no longer talk about the things I’ve been through, as I was repeatedly told to get over it and “There are people who’ve had it worse than you. Be grateful you’re not them.” That one came from my father and it surprised me at the time these wounds were fresh that I was mostly criticized by other women. This is why I never considered reporting these incidents to the police. If my supposed “loved ones” didn’t believe me or care, why would the police, you know?

It’s much easier to discuss these things in this type of forum. I absolutely welcome your prayers! I’m a very spiritual person and fight each day to keep a smile on my face and to try to have hope for a better tomorrow. I’m actually sorry that hearing about my experience caused you pain. But I want to thank you for the compassion you’ve shown and for sharing your own experience. It helps hearing stories like yours that have an element of healing & growth. I hope to be at least somewhat free of this burden eventually. I have no sense of community so I bear it alone. So, thank you for making me feel less alone in this world. 😌

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Thanks for your reply your story didn't cause me pain so don't worry about that it just made me feel emotional and think to myself how the hell could do cope with that My dad used to say that if I told my mum what was happening then she would hit me with the belt.I did try to speak to a psychiatrist at one point but it was horrible it just made me relive it all over again but everyone is different it might help some people and not help others.Do you mind me asking what symptoms you suffer from with FND.Yet again I wish you all the best and send you love.I try to do a lot of talking to myself when I get negative thoughts I try to turn it around by saying don't let anyone get you down their not worth it but then again I havn't been through half as much as you have.I really struggle with FND I use crutches and sometimes a wheelchair I fall about all over the place,I have taken a few overdose because of FND ask i'm 60years old and it's getting harder to live with as I get older.TAKE CARE ❤

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One

Keeping secrets is itself excruciating. I sometimes wish I could go back and rescue the little girl I once was. Therapy only got me so far. I really wish I could relocate but I’m on disability & barely getting by.

My symptoms are all over the place! Like you, mobility is an issue. I spent almost 10 years using a wheelchair and a cane. Crutches are so painful! I had about 3 years where I had massive improvements & was walking 5 miles/day & no longer needed my cane. I lost all that progress when I went back to my ex, who is very neglectful (long story). Now, I need to use my cane again.

I have severe nerve pain in my legs, especially my feet & it’s worse when I’m at rest. I developed a series of tics a few years ago so it appears like I have Tourette’s. They began after I started having seizures & blackouts. I suffered many head injuries from blacking out & that’s what first made me fearful about leaving my home. Things that set them off include loud sounds and light. If a siren goes off, I’m in immediate danger of losing consciousness, so living in a city, where the environment is unpredictable, is scary. Ideally, I’d live in a somewhat remote place, preferably in the mountains, surrounded by nature.

I’ve never heard of anyone else with FND having issues with skin but that’s been the hardest to tackle. I went my whole life never having allergies but a few years ago, I almost died several times from anaphylactic shock. Even an allergist couldn’t figure it out but my hair conditioner, lotions, and laundry detergents were suddenly toxic to me. Even Free & Clear detergents cause me to break out in hives. I keep an EpiPen on me. I started making my own products for skin & hair and wanted to create a real product line for people with skin/hair issues but my health is so unstable that it’s hard to bathe and cook these days.

I also lost the ability to speak clearly when I was at my sickest. That’s improved but when I’m under stress, it comes back. I barely sleep. Anywhere from 45 mins-4 hours a day is typical. Funny thing is, I never get sleepy. I don’t understand it. My last doctor thought it was my thyroid. My PTSD had taken hold at that point and I never got it checked.

I’m SO sorry for the lengthy response! My symptoms are vast & I never have any idea what I’m going to go through, hour to hour. Managing symptoms is a full-time job for me. You know, I don’t come on this site often but maybe we can direct message each other? I’d love to keep chatting with you!

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Please don't worry about the lengthy post I honestly don't mind,i'm very hypersensitive to noise and I've had to live with people above me for years which has been very hard for me especially because they've got wooden floors i'm moving house soon because I went to a mental health and told them that I couldn't live below someone any longer as it was affecting my mental health, I also spoke to an MP both the mental health and MP contacted the council so now i'm moving in to a bungalow I can't wait.My symptoms are problems swallowing,numb legs,chronic pain from head to toe involuntary movements, memory and concentration problems,various sensations in my legs that drive me crazy,and neck and facial ticks which I get very embarrassed about.This is none of my business but I hope that your getting the highest rate of care and mobility,there is also a disability premium that you can get added to WAS if you get higher mobility and live in yours own.I don't want to know your business so don't feel that you have to explain anything to me about your benefits.I live in my own which I do prefer but I have 3 friends that phone me all the time so I can have a good moan to them one of them takes me out once a week I hate going out because I suffer from dissociation and most of the time I havn't got a clue what's going on around me. If your not getting the full benefits I was thinking that if you could try to contact welfare rights they are good at helping with benefits and maybe that would give you more money to try to move.I know it won't be easy by any means because of what your having to cope with and most days it's bloody difficult even trying to get out your bed and have breakfast,and with depression it's very hard to get motivated that's how I feel anyway.You could also contact an advocate who would come to your house and help you to communicate with relevant people that could possibly help you in some way.I would love nothing more than to see a post saying that things are changing for you for the better.If I stayed near you I would have tried to make sure that you weren't lonely but you probably wouldn't trust me which is understandable after what you've been through.I honestly don't know how you cope on your own.Please try to stay strong I know it's hard i'm thinking about you and praying that good things will come your way. TAKE CARE SENDING HUGS X

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One in reply toGrEeNbEeNs

Only able to scan your response right now because my eyes hurt but I wanted to say despite my traumatic past, I fight the urge to completely give up on the good in people. I trust my perceptions and believe I’m a pretty good judge of character and I think you have a beautiful spirit! We’ll talk more later!

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

I hope your migraine doesn't last to long I'm going for an MRI in my brain due to new symptoms i'm also moving house in a weeks time bloody murder when your in so much pain and feel weak.I will give you peace until you feel better but you can contact me anytime if you want to talk.I will email you at some point with my email address as I don't want to put it on the website .TAKE CARE X

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One in reply toGrEeNbEeNs

Take your time getting back to me. Moving is the absolute worst under the best conditions! You’ll need to conserve as much energy as you can & I’m sorry you’re not feeling better right now. Hope your MRI provides you with some answers. I also hope you have all the help you’ll need to get it done-the move. Hugs!!!🤗

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Thanks for your reply.X

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

I was trying to find out if there was an option for me to talk to you personally but I don't think there is.

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Good morning Prosaic -one,I hope you have as good a day as possible,i've just managed to pull myself out of bed after lying there for about and hour or waiting for my legs to work and the stiffness and weakness in my body to ease of a bit before I could get up.Iv'e got a few things that's needing done and I really don't have the energy to do it.I would have given you my phone number if I could so that you had someone to talk to but it says don't give anyone your personal details.I'm quite a caring person I would help anybody if I can,I'm a good listener I don't like hearing about people suffering on there own especially to the extent you are and I can't do anything to help.I don't know how I would cope if I didn't have my friends phoning me.Anyway i'm thinking about you I need to get myself moving take care.X

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One in reply toGrEeNbEeNs

The past few days have been really rough on me too…that’s why the delayed response. I’m fighting a migraine right now so my eyes are too sensitive to read every line, but I will come back later to do so! I’m in the US and by your speech, it sounds like you’re from the UK, so I don’t know if I could actually afford to call you! 😄 But my email is keli.etowah@gmail.com. I really would like to chat more. I’ll be back later to check in & read responses. For now, let’s all take care and talk soon! 💕

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Hi prosaic one it's greenbeens, how have you been doing,hope you've not been suffering to much I've b feeling like a total zombie with this dizziness really struggling to concentrate and function it like i'm constantly spaced out it's my 60 th birthday and I hadn't done anything to celebrate it I didn't see the point as I wouldn't have enjoyed it died to pain and fatigue.Hope you are wellw.X

GrEeNbEeNs profile image
GrEeNbEeNs in reply toProsaic_One

Sorry meantIME to pain

IceOwl profile image
IceOwl

I’m so sorry to read your stories. I’m currently reading The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van de Kolk and finding it enormously helpful in understanding the physical manifestations of my own PTSD. Sending peace and best wishes x

Prosaic_One profile image
Prosaic_One in reply toIceOwl

I’ve had that book recommended to me so many times but always seem to forget to look for it! I’m gonna screen shot this so I’ll find it later. Thank you for your show of support. Means a lot. It can be difficult to distinguish between the PTSD symptoms and FND, as one seems to feed the other. I hope you’re doing well! ❤️

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