I have just got back from a wonderful holiday with my family and I’m thrilled to say that other than on the journey home my FND symptoms didn’t get in the way!

I was scared as I didn’t know how my body was going to cope with the travelling and the change in temperature. Living with a chronic illness makes it difficult to know what can happen next. My brain functions differently and doesn’t always read messages in the right way. My senses are heightened and when I first got off the plane, my skin became extremely painful, tingling and burning. I did panic, I thought it was going to be a disaster but after an hour or so the pain subsided and I actually felt fine. I feel extremely blessed and ridiculously happy. We really did have the holiday of a lifetime so much so that we are already planning our next break away šŸ˜‚ I definitely need to work on my language skills first!!

One of the most awful times I have experienced happened in Spain. I have to admit that when we were booking our holiday earlier this year, it did cross my mind that going back there could be a huge trigger for my PTSD. I spoke with Mr Right about it and instead of him thinking I’m a complete loony, he listened and understood. He said that this was our opportunity to build new, amazing and happy memories. I knew that I could trust him, he seems to know me better than I know myself. I think he just gets it and understands that as much as I act like I don’t need anyone else, he is always there to fill in the cracks of my broken pieces. I am a strong woman but sometimes I need a little support even if it’s silent.

The support network I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by has been vital. My partner has stood with me through it all. My amazing, resilient boys, who are turning into great young men. My beautiful sister who has always lifted me up when I have been low and my parents who have helped me as much as they could. My wonderful Uncle A and Auntie K who sadly have chosen to break contact since we moved away. They went above and beyond for me and the boys. I have told them how much they mean to us. My lovely bestie who has worked so hard to understand and support me. All of my other wonderful friends and family. Thank you so much ā¤ļø

Functional Neurological Disorder is still a very misunderstood condition. That’s why spreading awareness is so important. So many fellow sufferers are rejected by friends, family and professionals. Unfortunately, it’s a human instinct if people don’t understand something they push it away. The knowledge is constantly improving. I have been very lucky to have always been treated with respect and understanding. This should be the case for everyone. No one chooses to be ill and have their life turned upside down. If you know someone going through it, please support them and believe in them. They need you now more than ever.

I have finally began writing again, with all that has happened in the past year, I had fallen off the wagon. However, I am now back on it and I am loving it. I get so much from it and I hope one day to be brave enough to share my story with the world.

Thanks as always for taking the time to read my story.

Charlotte xxx

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