Carmel McConnellogue described her life as being a "non-stop Duracell bunny, on the go 24/7" before experiencing sudden immobility and speech difficulties. While hospitalized for dehydration, she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a condition that caused her to lose all power in the left side of her body.
In the initial stages of her illness, McConnellogue was unable to lift her legs or wiggle her toes. She spent five weeks in the hospital, undergoing therapy to regain her ability to move independently. The recovery process has been arduous, with McConnellogue now requiring a zimmer frame or crutch to walk and needing assistance to navigate stairs. Her husband helps her with daily tasks, including getting into bed.
"My independence is gone. I cannot drive, I can't go to the shop on my own - all those things I took for granted," she said. The diagnosis has been profoundly impactful, and McConnellogue has relied on counseling services to cope.
According to the NHS, there is no cure for FND, but it is treatable through life adaptation and management strategies. McConnellogue has been documenting her recovery on social media, aiming to raise awareness and support others who may be experiencing the condition. "I do believe FND is misunderstood and I want people to know they are not alone," she stated. "It is a very real neurological condition, and I want to show others you can recover."
Country music singer Lisa McHugh also spoke publicly about her FND diagnosis last year.