Imagine waking up five days after your dream wedding and suddenly being unable to see out of one eye. That’s exactly what happened to 28-year-old Chelsea Shields from South Yorkshire. What started as a joyful new chapter with her husband, Connor, quickly turned into a nightmare.
Chelsea’s world shifted when she awoke to find her vision deteriorating rapidly. Despite her and her doctors’ worst fears of multiple sclerosis, it wasn’t until after a challenging four-week battle that she was finally diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This condition, often misunderstood, disrupts how the brain interacts with the body, leading to symptoms like paralysis and severe pain.
In her own words, Chelsea describes a constant struggle: “The worst symptoms came just days after my wedding. I was in darkness, terrified of missing my children’s future.” A sudden thunderclap headache sent her into a panic, leading to hospitalisation where she was reliant on crutches and even lost the ability to walk unaided.
Though the journey has been challenging, Chelsea is determined not to let FND define her. Now on a mission to raise awareness, she’s launched a Facebook page to share her story, hoping to foster better understanding and support for those with the condition.
Chelsea courageously opens up about her daily life, from medication routines to the tough mental and physical battles she faces. “I’ve gone from a fully functional mum of three to feeling like I’m 90,” she confides, yet she’s committed to shining a light on FND, stating, “I can’t work, so I’m pouring my energy into raising awareness. Sharing my journey can help others.”
Let Chelsea’s inspiring determination motivate us all to learn more about FND and support those who struggle with challenges we can’t always see. 🌟💪 #FNDawareness #ShareToSupport