"Speech and language therapy a year on"

A whole year of waiting to be diagnosed,  started May 2023 with feeling of lump in throat then slurred voice then muscle weakness and walking gait. The Doctor started with throat /voice quick response to have camera investigation at Exeter hospital ENT. lovely Doctor suggested it was a neurological disorder,  but also had a glotted chink. then onto a waiting list to see neurologist. 

Meanwhile swallowing and voice was a worry, in February started SLT in Exeter hospital marvellous service which rectified the glotted chink with easy exercise. Jen was wonderful and gave exercises to try. Then she referred me to Okehampton to see Kerry to help with swallowing advice, this was very beneficial,  finally I was referred to Whipton hospital where Ellie took me on. From May to September I attended weekly sessions this very patient lady helped me enormously to see the pattern to my almost constant slurred speech. Although I have finished my sessions she has told me the door is always open. The real stresses in my life have been on the waiting lists saw  neurologist April 2024 he sent me for Mri scan in June didn't get to see neurologist again until September when she confirmed I had a functional neurological disorder (FND) so I had 5 months of constantly worrying what have I got.  

All the SPL therapists thought this is what I had and were using their knowledge to help, for which I am most grateful as it eased the anxiety knowing I wasn't making it up and that what I have is very real. 

I am now receiving physiotherapy from my local hospital and Louise is keeping a close eye on me and also keeping my spirits up and I know I'm in very capable hands. I can only praise the NHS it's been a tough year with many tears on my part.   Everyone along the way has said " you will get better" and I actually believe them.