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Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Nov 8, 2023 | Replies (123)

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@pkh3381

I'm not sure it would be worth my time and effort. He even corrected me when I said "FND", to "FMD", but I wasn't going to argue with him. I could tell he had an ego problem, and I suspect he would have problems with a woman speaking up to him. Once I get the results of the tests he has ordered, I will transfer to the Dr I originally wanted to see in this group. This Dr has an excellent reputation, but I'm not crazy about his attitude. But, thanks! But, it just sets me back in accepting the Dx of FND. I know the onset of my involuntary body movement was not caused by stress or a need for attention, and this is what so many people think, including many Drs.
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Replies to "I'm not sure it would be worth my time and effort. He even corrected me when..."

I am an educated woman that has held several CEO and Board positions. I used to be a key speaker at conferences and on television. I know how to research and NEVER go to doctor appointments without reams of medical literature, all highlighted and tabbed. And yet, most doctors and I rarely get along. Many good specialists are VERY smart and simply don't have any people skills. Kinda like they failed Bedside Manner 101.
What I would say is: choose your fights wisely. You want to win the 'war', not every 'battle'. Does it REALLY make a difference if they want to call your dx FMD or FND? Just let it go - at least it's in the same general direction. Focus on the involuntary body movement and get them to tell you what to do to manage their perceived stress response or attention response. Stroke the ego. You may be surprised what they eventually talk themselves into - or out of. Same deal with the psych's. Go along and see what they talk themselves out of. And always get referral notes from them to show the next doctor. (For when the next one suggests the same thing!)
But let me tell you a story:
I was referred to a TOP specialist who ordered every test under the sun, which all came back perfectly normal. So he took a little Post-it note, wrote the name and number of a psychiatrist and told me to see him. I stood up and confirmed his thoughts by rolling said Post-it into a ball, threw it at him and stomped out.
About a year later I was asked by my new (wonderful) doctor to be the key note speaker at a regional Medical Association luncheon. Never one to say no to a free lunch, I accepted. When I stood up to speak I noticed my old doctor and said TOP specialist in the audience. My speech was about doctors that fail to listen closely to their patients, and when the illusive diagnosis gets outside their immediate sphere of knowledge, rather than using it as an opportunity to learn more by doing some homework, the patient just gets shuffled off, usually to a psychiatrist. I mentioned the number of doctors I had been through before finding one that was prepared to travel my journey with me. I tried really hard not to stare at these two doctors! But I did notice that, rather than stay for the rest of the program, both ran out without stopping to say goodbye to anyone!!!
Good luck. Do some homework so you can make notes of what is wrong with what they are saying. Phrase your arguments as questions using the homework you have brought with you. AND don't throw Post-It notes !!!!