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Welcome back to my blog, where I delve into my experiences living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). In this edition, I’ll be covering various aspects of my life, including work, family, and the challenges of socializing. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and join me on this journey. Navigating Work with FND Recently,… Welcome back to my blog, where I delve into my experiences living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). In this edition, I’ll be covering various aspects of my life, including work, family, and the challenges of socializing. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and join me on this journey. Navigating Work with FND Recently, I made the decision to return to work part-time after taking some time off to care for my children. As some of you may know, managing my FND symptoms and focusing on work has always been a challenge for me. To ease myself back into the workforce, I searched for suitable part-time opportunities. Eventually, I found a job that seemed like the perfect fit for me—a three-day-a-week position.However, I soon discovered that the job was through an agency, which meant I was not directly employed by the company. Despite this, I was determined to get back to work, so I embraced the opportunity. Unfortunately, I recently received communication indicating that some agency contracts would not be renewed. Naturally, this sparked concerns about the future of my job. In response, I’ve begun exploring other employment options while maintaining open communication with my managers. Though I’ve had one unsuccessful job interview so far, I remain optimistic and will continue searching for the right opportunity. The Impact on My Health and Family The pressure to secure new employment has taken a toll on my well-being. The mounting stress led to a blackout and seizure, resulting in the return of some FND symptoms. As a result, I’ve had to take some time off work to prioritize self-care and rest. Additionally, I find myself juggling the responsibilities of organizing my daughter’s upcoming 7th birthday party alongside managing my symptoms. This situation has added extra strain on my wife, who is currently working full-time and taking on additional household tasks. I am incredibly grateful for her unwavering support and dedication. The Challenges of Socializing Socializing has been an important aspect of my life, providing an opportunity for connection and enjoyment. Over the past year, I’ve been part of a dads group organized by my best friend, Gareth. We used to meet monthly, either for a night in playing poker and board games or for a day out engaging in various activities. However, these gatherings have become less frequent recently, and I’m unsure why. Consequently, I’ve been exploring alternative ways to socialize with like-minded individuals. Recently, I stumbled upon Lancaster Round Table—a group of men of a certain age who come together to participate in activities. Although I haven’t attended an event with them yet, I’m excited about the prospect of meeting new people and engaging in enjoyable experiences. However, I must admit that my FND symptoms have made me hesitant and self-conscious about going out. The fear of being perceived negatively by others can be overwhelming at times. Future Plans In addition to my personal journey, I’m also considering making some changes to the layout of my blog and the hosting platform. I believe these updates will enhance the overall user experience and provide a fresh look. Thank you for joining me on this update of my life with FND. Stay tuned for the next instalment, where I’ll share more insights and experiences. Take care, and lots of love to all of you! Matthew