Derry woman discusses her FND diagnosis and hopes to support others through their journey 

Derry woman, Shelly McLaughlin, led a normal life until her devastating diagnosis at just 38 years old.

Shelly was diagnosed two and half years ago with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

FND is a medical condition in which there is a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body sends and/or receives signals.

The mum of two explained: "Life was normal, I was doing what I love the most; Slimming World, training in the gym and being a full time mum to Ava and Eoin.

"Then, on Saturday October 19, I had a toothache so I took two paracetamol and headed on to work. I was running my Slimming World Group from the Guildhall at the time. 

"By the afternoon my mouth began to swell and the pain was unbearable. On Sunday I couldn't bear the pain any longer so I called the Out of Hours Dentist.

"I was given an antibiotic and I went and saw my own dentist on Monday morning. 

"Then the nightmare really began. On Tuesday morning my face was so Swollen and I was struggling to breathe.

"I went straight to A&E and was taken to Maxfax where I was numbed and they sliced my mouth open to help drain the infection. 

"I was then admitted into the ward and went for emergency surgery on my neck the next morning to drain the rest of the infection from my mouth.

"I was released from hospital on Friday and headed home for some TLC, this is when my life was turned upside down."

Shelly's legs began to shake uncontrollably. She initially put the symptom down to lack of movement and lack of food, but by Saturday she could no longer walk.

Shelly continued: "At first, I laughed. It was almost like my legs had a mind of their own. But when it didn't go away, I'll not lie, I was absolutely petrified. 

"Once again I was admitted into hospital. I had the best care at Altnagelvin Hospital. I had test after test done on me and doctors were puzzled.

"I was so grateful to have my best friend by my side, Michelle Armstrong. She's an amazing nurse and kept me calm and asked all the right questions.

"This is when I was diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder.

Shelly was diagnosed with FND after losing control of the movement in her legs

"FND can have similar symptoms to most other types of condition seen in neurological practice such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and epilepsy.

"As you can imagine, I cried and cried and asked the questions, 'Why me? What about my kids? What about my work and my life?'

"I have to admit that two and a half years after my Diagnosis, it's still hard to get your head around it all.

"I suffer from chronic pain and chronic fatigue every day and I have to walk with two crutches. 

"I was a gym lover and trained seven days a week, but that all had to stop.

"I went through neuro physiotherapy and I made no improvement. I was prescribed medication to help ease the pain in my legs, I take them daily. My right hand also tremors and that can be challenging in itself.

"It's the little things you take for granted like running into the shop for milk, that's not possible for me. Everything has to be planned in advance."

With the help of her Occupational Therapist, Shelly is able to have some independence at home with many aids that have been added to help around the house. 

"My kids, Ava who is now 16 and Eoin now 12, have been my rock; we are an amazing little team. 

"At times I do feel guilty as they have had to grow up a little faster than their peers, but they are just amazing. 

"Slimming World as a company has been amazing and I am still able to do what I love, but that doesn't come without its challenges.

"I have the best team of colleagues who have helped with my groups when I'm going through relapses.

"My members are also just incredible. They have helped and supported me through it all, they help me so much in and out of the group. 

"If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be able to do what I love. They help set up my room and clear it down, carry my stuff in from the car, I am truly blessed. 

"My family and friends have been through it all with me and I will be eternally grateful to each and every one of them."

Shelly, along with her friend, have set up a support group for those with FND to create a safe network for those going through similar experiences.

Shelly said: "When I was first diagnosed, I felt so isolated and alone and I met Paul Coyle. He was my saviour. He explained loads to me and was an amazing support. 

"So, we both decided to start a support group. This is just a safe place for us to talk and support each other.

"I hope by reading my story this might even just give one person a little hope. I was lost in darkness for a long time but there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Shelly and Paul's support page is accessible on Facebook, titled FND support group.