JUST ANOTHER CHAPTER
BRENDAN
I was diagnosed in October last year as having functional neurological disorder. I didn’t know what this was or what it meant. In August I woke up one afternoon after feeling slightly off, with a massive vertigo attack. This vertigo lasted for months and during that time along with many scans my symptoms began to change. I didn’t realise that I was struggling with my speech until it was pointed out to me by my parents. I didn’t release I had no strength in my arms or legs until I went to hospital. I knew very little about what was going on with my body and I was fatigued every day.
I used to be a national business and education support manager in a large corporate firm. But since then I have lost my job, and have been unable to work since. But, it’s not all bad, I am taking things one day at a time, and I appreciate life more. I have learnt to let go of the fast paced society of what success is meant to be and realised that success comes from within and is not money oriented or the statue of your career. I am know playing and recording more songs than ever, and I am using my IT knowledge and creative flair to help spread awareness for FND by making videos and being a part of a team that is experiencing the same feelings I am. I feel like I belong. I know there is hope. I know that some people can get better. I know deep down even if I don’t, that’s ok, everything will work out, and I will continue to take life as it comes. I will continue to appreciate nature and not consumeristic opportunities. I will continue to love those who have supported me and help support them back. FND is not the end of my life, just another chapter. How I choose to deal with it, will be what defines me. And I choose to be at peace with myself.