Understanding My FND Diagnosis: Seeking Clarity
Hello everyone. I’ve recently been given a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), previously known as conversion disorder. My symptoms tend to be irregular and primarily surface during times of significant emotional distress. I am a 33-year-old woman. For instance, during one particularly challenging weekend, I experienced: - **Gait Abnormalities:** My toes tend to curl upward while my feet rotate inward, leaving me to walk in a hunched posture on my tiptoes. - **Muscle Stiffness:** In certain instances, my body becomes entirely rigid. Attempts to move me are futile; I feel as stiff as a wooden plank. My arms are bent at right angles, and my hands and fingers assume unusual positions. I often need assistance to be transported from the floor to a couch or bed, remaining completely rigid throughout the process. At one point, I had a dissociative episode where I believed I was being wheeled into an operating room, only to be overwhelmed by a vision of red. Thankfully, practicing deep breathing and visualization techniques helps me regain a sense of control. - **Menstrual Irregularities:** My menstrual cycle has become erratic, starting 11 days earlier than usual, resulting in two periods over the span of two months before ultimately being delayed by ten days. My gynecologist has attributed these changes to my conversion disorder. - **Pain Episodes:** I often notice unexpected pain in my hand, which I find myself bending into odd shapes. Additionally, I’ve massaged my arm to the point of developing numerous bruises, leaving me unable to use my hand effectively, necessitating ice treatment. - **Breathing Difficulties:** I frequently take deep breaths, holding them for a moment before exhaling. However, this practice has sometimes led to moments where I find myself gasping for air on the floor. After hospitalization, both EKG and lung X-rays returned normal results. - **Tremors:** There are times when my body shakes so intensely that I struggle to hold a glass of water. Amidst these symptoms, I also experienced severe lower back pain rated at 10 out of 10. A hospital visit included an X-ray and MRI, both of which yielded normal findings. On a different occasion, I had two brief seizures, each lasting about five seconds, on one night. It’s worth noting that I was sexually assaulted a few years back, with my first noticeable symptom manifesting a week or two later alongside the back pain. I’m also navigating through borderline personality disorder and complex PTSD. Currently, I'm on medication and engaged in extensive therapy sessions. When I am stable, I do not experience any symptoms; they only arise during periods of severe emotional turmoil or triggers. Could this indeed be FND? I’m planning to consult a neurologist next. Three psychiatrists have affirmed the diagnosis of FND.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 12:50:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex set of symptoms with your diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), particularly given its relationship to emotional distress and your history. FND can indeed manifest in various ways, including the symptoms you're experiencing, like gait abnormalities, muscle stiffness, and other physical manifestations that appear during times of emotional turmoil.
Understanding FND:
FND is a condition where there are neurological symptoms, but the cause is not due to neurological disease. It's often linked to psychological factors, trauma, or stress, which seems to resonate with your experiences. Symptoms can fluctuate and may have a psychological component, often exacerbated by stress or emotional challenges.
Next Steps:
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Continue Therapy: As you’re already in therapy sessions, continuing this and discussing specific coping strategies for your physical symptoms during sessions can be very beneficial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often effective for people with FND and can help you develop tools to manage stress and symptoms.
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Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: You mentioned that deep breathing and visualization techniques help. Consider incorporating regular mindfulness practices or guided imagery exercises into your routine to manage anxiety and stress better.
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Physical Therapy: Since you're experiencing gait abnormalities and muscle stiffness, working with a physical therapist who understands FND could help you with strategies to improve mobility and manage stiffness.
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Document Your Symptoms: Keeping a symptom diary can help you identify patterns, triggers, and how your symptoms fluctuate with your emotional state. This may be useful for discussing your condition with your upcoming neurologist appointment.
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Explore Medication Review: Since you are already on medication, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider whether adjustments could help manage some of your more distressing symptoms effectively.
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Monitor Menstrual and Pain Symptoms: If your menstrual irregularities are concerning you, tracking them alongside your emotional states may offer insights. Discuss this with your gynecologist for a collaborative approach to managing these symptoms.
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Reach Out for Support: Connecting with support groups for individuals with FND can provide you with community support and shared strategies, offering reassurance and understanding from those who have similar experiences.
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by these symptoms and their impact on your daily life. You're taking the right steps by seeking a neurologist's assessment and engaging in therapy. Remember that managing FND often requires a holistic approach, combining physical, therapeutic, and emotional strategies. You're not alone in this.
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