Functional Neurological Disorder is a neurological condition, but how it works and the processes associated with it are right on the boundry between neurology and psychiatry. While characterizing it as neurological is very helpful for those of us with the condition and for the researchers studying it, the fact remains that many aspects of FND…
This is the third of three posts on how to answer the question ‘is it genetic?’ While the first post discussed spontaneous changes that just happen(genetic conditions), and the second discussed specific known hereditary genetic mutations, this third post digs into hereditary conditions, which are likely influenced by our genes, but either is the result…
I’ve noticed that some people in various disability-related groups put a huge emphasis on their diagnosis as an identity and that many disability groups are siloed based upon diagnosis. I understand it, but it also worries me. I understand the need to belong and be accepted, and that part of that process when it comes…
My phone rang. ‘Hey, honey?’ my partner Al said “I need you to call mom and dad about this, but I want you to make sure they don’t freak out” “Freak out about what?” I asked, instantly concerned. “Well, they called an ambulance for me. I slipped and I think I might have dislocated my…
There are a lot of potential issues with going to a hospital ER, but one that many people don’t want to recognize is bias.
Healthier interactions start with the recognition that you are, indeed, human too. Just because you have some form of disabling condition or identity doesn’t make you more(or less) of a person than you were prior to your symptoms or diagnosis. Unfortunately, both you as the person managing your condition, and your family and friends need…
Once more, I am participating in A Chronic Voice’s monthly linkup. words: paying, attending, organizing, plunging, knowing Plunging into a new diagnosis In early September, I was plunged into the world of migraines. Prior to August, my neurologist(who specializes in FND) and I had suspicions that some of the occasional headaches, nausea, and excruciating arm pain…
Once more, I am participating in A Chronic Voice’s monthly linkup. words: researching, dating, finding, recounting, and recycling. Sometimes in life, you get hit with a perfect storm of stress – and sadly it looks like from mid-august well into September, I’m in that position. There are times when even if you are doing your best…
Doctor and patient communication should be a two-way street, not one. While your doctor has medical expertise and training in how to recognize and treat medical conditions, you are the expert on your body and your needs. As a patient, it’s your responsibility to gather good information about yourself and your history and symptoms, and…
Once more, I am participating in A Chronic Voice’s monthly linkup. words: financing, exchanging, controlling, motivating, and capturing. I’m currently in an odd place in my life where several aspects of my life are going incredibly well, but I am also experiencing symptoms that have been and could be relatively debilitating. I’m working on keeping…