It’s that time of year again when everyone starts to claim ‘New year, new me’. It’s been one hell of a year with so many changes. There have been ups and downs for all of us but we can smile and be thankful for the prospects of the new year ahead. 

If this is my first post you have come across, I would like to welcome you to my site. I began writing my blog in October 2015 and began with the purpose of raising awareness of my chronic illness, Functional Neurological Disorder. I’m delighted to say that since starting my blog, I have managed to enlighten people all over the world. I am always honoured when someone takes the time to follow my story. 

FND has made me appreciate my life so much more. I know that I can’t just make it disappear but I am learning to self manage my illness and listen to my limitations. I have been extremely lucky to have a great team managing my illness at the National Neurological hospital in Queen’s Square, London. Unfortunately, many others have not been so lucky and don’t receive the support and understanding they need. The main reason for this is a lack of knowledge and education in the medical world. That’s why I want to work to spread awareness through our registered charity ‘FND Action’.

http://www.fndaction.org.uk
My first plan is to hold a pamper evening to raise funds. Following this, my Mr Right and some of my friends and family have offered to take part in a sponsored run, I will have more details to follow in the new year. These are just a few ideas but I have many more. I think it’s absolutely fantastic that FND Action are up and running. It’s about time that this terrible, life changing illness is recognised as a serious problem and the more awareness and understanding of it the better chances we have.

Functional Neurological Disorder has many different debilitating symptoms. These can include: non epileptic seizures, brain fog, neuropathy  (electric shock pains all over your body) and in some cases, paralysis. I have recently experienced loss of movement in my legs, it is terrifying. You can find more information about FND at the FND Action website and also at;

http://www.neurosymptoms.org

I have no intention of claiming that this new year I will make incredible life transformations. I will be happy to make just some steps towards feeling well again. I have learnt to take each day as it comes and to always be thankful for the people who surround me. 

I wish you all the best for 2017. Let’s hope it’s a good one for everyone and for FND discoveries and research. 

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. 

Charlotte xxx