Rue’s Story | FND Awareness Day UK 2026

My name is Rue, I’m 19 and have lived with unexplained abdominal pain since childhood, spending many nights in hospital searching for answers. I’ve had multiple MRIs, tests, and tried many painkillers. In June 2024, my appendix was removed and my abdomen explored, but nothing significant was found. In February 2025, the pain became so severe I collapsed and was admitted to two hospitals in one week. I was investigated for endometriosis and had a diagnostic laparoscopy in October 2025, which found nothing. I later had a colonoscopy in February 2026.

In July 2025, I began experiencing periodic paralysis in my legs. In October 2025, I started having frequent seizures, brain fog, and weakness. After many A&E visits, I was taken to hospital by ambulance in February 2026 after multiple tonic-clonic seizures and lost the ability to walk.

A nurse suggested Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and on March 9th 2026 I received my diagnosis.

I now use a wheelchair to attend college and had to stop working, but I’m determined to get my qualifications and become a nurse. I’m incredibly grateful for my family, friends, my boyfriend, and my mum for supporting and advocating for me.

I’m still at the start of this journey and refuse to settle. If anyone has advice on managing chronic abdominal pain or where I could look next for answers, I’d really appreciate it.