LIVING WITH FMD AND FND: KELLY’S JOURNEY TO A DIAGNOSIS

In this deeply personal episode of Let’s Talk About It with Kelly, the roles are reversed. John Ranney asks Kelly about her experience living with two rare and frequently misunderstood conditions: Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Kelly shares her story openly, including her frightening symptoms, physical pain, emotional struggles, repeated medical appointments, and the difficult journey to finding answers. She discusses what it feels like to know something is wrong with your body while struggling to be heard, understood, and properly diagnosed.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia is an uncommon blood-vessel disorder that can cause narrowing, enlargement, twisting, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries. It most commonly affects women and is often found in arteries supplying the kidneys, neck, and brain. Because symptoms can differ greatly between patients, obtaining a diagnosis can be complicated.

Kelly also opens up about Functional Neurological Disorder—a condition in which the brain’s communication with the nervous system is not functioning properly. FND can cause genuine and disabling neurological symptoms, even when conventional medical testing does not reveal the type of structural damage doctors may initially expect to find.

In this episode, Kelly and John discuss:

• Kelly’s first symptoms and warning signs
• Her experience being diagnosed with Fibromuscular Dysplasia
• Arterial dissections and vascular complications
• The physical pain and uncertainty of living with a rare disease
• Why FMD awareness is especially important for women
• The long and complicated road to an FND diagnosis
• Symptoms that can be difficult to explain or understand
• The frustration of feeling dismissed by medical professionals
• The emotional effects of not having clear answers
• Advocating for yourself within the healthcare system
• The importance of listening to women’s health concerns
• Living with two complex and misunderstood conditions
• Finding strength, support, and hope during an uncertain journey

This is a vulnerable, emotional, and honest conversation about the realities of rare and invisible illnesses. Kelly shares not only the medical side of her experience, but also the fear, exhaustion, frustration, and isolation that can accompany a condition other people cannot always see.

FND symptoms are real and are not imagined or “all in someone’s head.” The condition can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may resemble those of other neurological disorders. A thorough medical assessment is important to identify the condition and determine appropriate treatment and support.

By sharing her story, Kelly hopes to raise awareness of Fibromuscular Dysplasia, Functional Neurological Disorder, women’s health, medical dismissal, and the need for patients to feel heard. She wants other people living with unexplained symptoms or rare conditions to know that they are not alone—and that continuing to ask questions and advocate for their health matters.

This special episode of Let’s Talk About It with Kelly creates space for the conversations people are often afraid to have. It is a story about illness, resilience, advocacy, vulnerability, and the search for answers.

Follow the podcast and share this episode to help raise awareness of FMD, FND, rare diseases, neurological conditions, vascular health, and women’s experiences within the healthcare system.

Please note: This podcast shares Kelly’s personal experience and is intended for awareness and general education only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms, complications, and experiences vary between individuals. Anyone concerned about possible vascular or neurological symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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