After I returned home from the Mayo Clinic BeST Clinic, things didn’t proceed as hoped in managing the newest diagnosis, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
As my loving husband, greatest champion and caregiver said, “It took seven years to reach this verdict. It took one week to smash it.”
Tom McDonald
I headed off on a much-loved video project for one of our Fireside Production clients. Usually on these trips, I dig in and spend every moment working so that when I head home, I can focus on my family. This time was different because I was staying in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
The smell of the hot springs, the crisp mountain air… it took me back in time to happier, healthier days when I lived in Steamboat Springs and attended Colorado Mountain College.
I treated myself to dinner out – even though it meant walking up many stairs to get into the restaurant and then, headed to the hot springs by myself for a good soak. It wasn’t easy but it felt like a major victory. A tiny piece of the ol’ Naomi – adventurous and fun – was back! I remember FaceTiming Tom and the girls to share in my bliss.
The next day, our video shoot was more physical than I expected – but was just type of video storytelling that fills my cup! We were headed to our second location – hours away – for another shoot day, when I started quite suddenly to feel sick. Very, very sick.
We rushed to the emergency room in Gunnison. I had severe abdominal pain. I was throwing up and my muscles were spasming violently. I would remain in that ER (not even admitted into the actual hospital) for five nightmarish days – with a stomach virus that for most, would require a day – if any intervention at all.
Five days in the emergency room. Five more recovering at home. Those were some dark days as we realized my health was continuing to deteriorate. I was so vulnerable to illness.
I felt ashamed. I had been sharing the hope and struggles of my journey and family, friends and even strangers had helped to cover the costs of my trips to the Mayo Clinic through the GoFundMe inspired by my family. I didn’t have the heart to share with people that here I was… with more bad news. Honestly, that’s not me. I used to be so optimistic and strong.
From Invisible Illness to Progressive Disability 
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