****TW/SPOILER**** DETAILS OF SYMPTOMS • TESTS • MISDIAGNOSIS • RESULTS OF MISSED INFECTION

Summer of 25 has changed everything for me. Although I'm grateful my utter stubborness has finally given me some answers (and will hopefully mean the full return of my health, and hair!). I'm angry.

Angry that I've been made to feel like a burden to the health service while in hospital. Angry I've had to rely on my phone and social media for answers. Angry I was told "it's in your head"/"it's a software issue"/"it's the trauma". Angry that I had to order a test online which showed a very serious and potentially deadly infection! I'm angry I've been left too weak to walk longer than the length of my home. I'm covered in massive bruises which seem to appear under the slightest of pressure, my skin is grey and I can barely make it through cooking a meal without having to sit down because the pain is too much, and all I got were constant referrals to the mental health team!!!

One consultation with a nurse in the clinic I attended yesterday (after 2 positive at home rapid tests), had her calling in a doctor, who had to take bloods from my groin since all my other veins are not working due to the iron deficiency anemia. She listened to all of my symptoms, knows I'm in the high risk category, saw the positive test and counselled me to the strong likelihood of it being correct. She held my hand and told me they "won't let me die"....

Yes the treatment will get my health back to normal. But imagine if I'd just accepted the FND diagnosis. Not only would I have had a slow and horrendous end, but I'd have actually passed on this virus to others, like my partner who has been a huge support throughout this nightmare. Thankfully it's 2025 and HIV is no longer a death sentence, but the fact not one single doctor thought to test me (despite all of my symptoms being textbook for it!) is infuriating.

My nightmare began in August this year after a bug bite, got infected. Then a small cut led to septic arthritis, which travelled through my body and gave me meningitis! I was a healthy person in their 30's, this should have been a huge red flag! While in hospital I had infection after infection, iron transfusions due to "unexplained iron deficiency anemia", I lost the use of my bladder and bowels. I have a catheter. My peripheral nerves aren't working properly, I could go on...the symptoms of HIV were screaming at the doctors and ignored.

I know this potentially isn't the right group for this, but I still have my FND diagnosis and likely will do forever. I just needed an outlet, and to say please, if anyone is still in doubt. Test test test!!! I still believe FND is a real diagnosis, but with my health declining and the NHS essentially saying "well, sorry mate we don't know so here's the psych team!" I'm glad my refusal to accept it has saved my life!