May 2021
The struggles of FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) and my Mental Health continues from April into May. In case you didn’t read my last blog, I’ve been dealing with Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive thoughts since March. Being in and out of the hospital over the last two in a half months is taking a toll on me. Surprisingly being hospitalized, I’ve seen an improvement into the second month in regards to the frequency of my seizures which is related to the FND. With that being said, I’ve been able to move about more freely in the hallways which is allowing some form of exercise during admission. I’ve had a few incidences of tremors which I needed assistance from nursing to get me to a location safely. But all in all my FND symptoms have been in check for me.
During my hospitalizations, I attended all groups and was taught many different coping and grounding skills that will help me on a daily basis. These skills will not only help with my mental health but also can help keep me calm in regards to when my FND symptoms appear. The techniques overall seem common sense, but it really makes sense when you are paying a huge hospital bill, haa! When you are feeling anxious, try some of these things to help relax you and allow yourself to relax with each step. Some of my favorite grounding techniques to try include, running cold or warm water over your hands, touching various items around you, jumping up and down, stretching, and taking 5-10 long breaths. My favorite coping skills are: walking outside and observing your surroundings, aromatherapy, jogging in place, meditate, dancing and catching and/or kicking a ball. This past week, I really enjoyed getting out back and getting the gardens ready for some veggies/herbs. That in itself is relaxing to me.
When I went into the hospital late April, this was extra hard on my boys. They just had me back for a week before I had to go back to the hospital again. I made sure to call the boys and talk to each of them separately. I made it clear that it had nothing to do with them. I had to go back in so I can be the best mom/wife possible. They understood although it was still hard. The hospital staff were great and they even bent the rules a few times. They allowed the kids to come in for a visit. It was very therapeutic for all.
Something wonderful that came out of it was that I had multiple interactions with a neurologist. He was impressed by my knowledge of FND and how I’ve been handling it over the last four years. He has a podcast in which he usually interviews fellow doctors and nurses about various topics. This doctor wanted me to be an upcoming guest in his show. I’m beyond excited for this opportunity to spread what having FND is like and the barriers that I still face in the medical field and also how I handle my symptoms in my everyday life. As a former teacher, I truly feel like no one can ever take the teacher out of me.
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