Abnormal biopsy, positive MPO x6, still labeled FND at 1st Mayo visit
My illness started at 27, and I've been living with progressive neurologic symptoms for about 15 years: right-sided weakness and foot drop, gait and balance problems, vision loss, and breathing-muscle weakness. I came to Mayo expecting the coordinated, multidisciplinary approach Mayo is known for. Instead, each specialty has worked separately, and neurology reached its conclusion before the others had seen me.
Some of what's in my record:
• MPO-ANCA positive six times since 2012, at four different labs, including Mayo's own; plus positive P-ANCA
• A 2012 brain biopsy showing changes in the small blood vessels and scarring. The neurosurgeon documented a hypervascular brain surface during surgery.
• Brain lesions on the left side, matching my right-sided deficits (now bilateral)
• Three episodes of left optic neuritis (2022, 2023, 2025) 2022 with 3-day IV steroid treatment
• Severely reduced expiratory muscle strength at two different labs, months apart. One measurement was taken when I'd been told the test wasn't being done. PFT still showing mild restriction even with multi tiered medication protocol
• A lymphocyte count about twice the upper limit, absolute basophils 4x upper limit and 2 discovered lymph nodes on CT chest while on daily prednisone
At my first Mayo neurology visit, the note concluded that functional neurological disorder (FND) was most likely and suggested I go to the headache clinic. It was signed the same afternoon, before my pulmonary function and hematopathology results came back and before my rheumatology and pulmonology appointments. Those results have since come back abnormal, even though I've been on prednisone for months.
I've submitted a written response and a correction request through the proper channels. I'm not posting to attack anyone. I'm posting because once FND is in a chart, every provider afterward reads it first, and I know I'm not the only one this has happened to.
For those who've been through this: were you able to get an FND conclusion revisited after new results came in? What actually worked: a second opinion, a request for multidisciplinary review, or something else? Also, who was able to get a “round table” type of appointment instead of remaining siloed for something impacting multiple organs and body systems?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.
Connect

I feel your pain. I worked in Healthcare after 20 years the folks who came in to the profession - do not have the calling. The last 21 years I worked w/ clients who would tell me stuff like that. However I seen the docs who just won’t answer questions. It is hard when you live w/ this on a daily basis. You need to look towards your support network. You need some TLC. Hopefully, you have supportive friends. You need some TLC like your fave dinner or dessert. Maybe catching peewee football game, Maybe your fave music. It’s not like I know this stuff. I have to live this daily. So thanks for your reminder. Jeneane
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@jeneanebizzymom I had a good cry about it over the weekend. I decided to focus on requesting an amendment to my record by pulling all relevant testing to supporting abnormal functions while advocating for a more multidisciplinary approach to my care.
Also, you’re so right, having an outlet and support is so needed. I rely heavily on comfort shows because sometimes familiarity is what you need while facing the unknown. I truly hope everyone is eventually able to get the care that they need.