FND Awareness Day UK | 25th March 2022 | Macey’s Story

My name is Macey, I am 16 and live in Hampshire.

In September 2020 I started developing panic attacks which within days turned into tics. My FND symptoms started early 2021 and after a lot of tests, including an EEG in May 2021 at the beginning of August my joint locking started.

On the 13th of august 2021 I had my first paralysis in both of my legs, which lasted 3 days. I was the diagnosis with FND, and also diagnosed with Anxiety and a Tic Disorder.

My life has completely changed and I am the only 16 year old I know who cannot leave the house by myself. I suffer from non-epileptic seizures (lasting from a minute to 2 hours), collapsing (“fainting” like episodes), paralysis, joint locking, muscle weakness, chronic pain, Functional Myoclonus, Fleeting sensations, Hypersensitivity, Cognitive problems (such as memory loss, poor concentration, word finding difficulties, and speech disturbances). I am now a part time wheelchair user and although I am turning 17 in the upcoming months, I will not be able to drive.

I am currently a student at college studying business but have not yet got a job due to my condition.

Written by Macey, Hampshire