My FND story.

What challenge does this story focus on?

My battle with FND and how I’m defying the odds.

How has this challenge affected you?

It’s affected every part of my life and had a huge impact not only on me but my family as well. FND stands for functional neurological disorder and the symptoms I experienced and still experience are debilitating.

My FND symptoms first started when I was 12 but then within a few weeks my brain and body shut down on me leaving me unable to walk or talk. I was bedridden for three years and felt trapped inside my own body.

I couldn’t walk for five years but I’m now learning to walk again. FND can affect people in different ways but in my case it was very severe. I spent many months in hospital because I was very poorly.

What has or is helping you to move forward with this challenge?

Motivation and determination to achieve my dreams and goals.

What have you learnt as a result of this challenge?

To never take my body for granted and to live life to the full. For me, living life to the full to me means doing what I want and going where I want, travelling and being adventurous and trying new things. I never take things for granted because I know what it’s like to have my abilities taken away from me.

After being housebound for many years due to my illness I want to raise awareness and show the life changing impact FND has.

How do you use this learning in your life now?

I always try to be positive.

What positive message would you like the reader to go away with?

To never give up hope for the future.