Jim Cosper’s Fight with FND

Welcome!

Hi Friends and Family – thanks for connecting with us! Your prayers and support continue to mean so much.

As you know, it’s been several rough years for Jim… most recently, he was diagnosed with FND - Functional Neurological Disorder. FND is a debilitating disease that affects everything. Some days he is physically and mentally unable to even leave the house.

We’ve recently run into roadblocks with insurance. As it turns out, FND treatments and appointments are not covered by our insurance. These treatments are imperative to sustaining Jim’s mobility and quality of life.

A Little Background…

In 2015, while attending a friend’s birthday party, Jim experienced stroke-like symptoms and was rushed to the hospital. He was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). At that time, he lost 92% of the hearing in his left ear, which required extensive vestibular therapy to address the significant balance issues he was having. At the time, he had an MRI to clarify it was not a brain tumor. He took medications and daily injections.

Four years into this aggressive treatment, a spinal tap indicated he did not have MS. He was misdiagnosed.

Jim has now been diagnosed with FND, Functional Neurological Disorder. FND is a crippling disease that takes over the nervous system and does not send the correct signals to the brain for daily functions and activities.

Jim’s FND is now so severe that he experiences several “drop attacks” (uncontrolled falls) per week as well as increased tremors, slurred speech, and depressive episodes. His ongoing balance issues require him to use a scooter, cane and mechanical stair chair to help him get up to the bedroom.

As you can imagine, this whole scenario is physically and mentally exhausting… and, as expected, FND also contributes to excessive fatigue. The fatigue that comes with FND has been described as a battery in a cell phone, you must recharge the battery so the phone functions as needed. Jim’s energy is very limited.

Where We are at Today…

A new treatment program that Jim is undergoing has identified more neurological issues. Some of the newer symptoms include his left eyelid not opening as it should, his eyes flickering, and whole-body tremors resulting in excruciating pain, dystonia, muscle spasticity, memory issues, fatigue, and other neurological issues.

The Umbrella for FND has many symptoms, including seizures. Thankfully, Jim has not experienced a seizure at this point. However, the possibility is always there.

Why GoFundMe?

Jim is no longer working because he cannot function as he once could. He’s always had a very strong work ethic and used to put in 50-60 hours per week to keep things in IT running smoothly for his company. When the challenges first started, his employer placed him on short-term disability, which eventually turned into long-term disability. He is now on Social Security disability.

Jim can no longer do the daily activities he is used to doing. This includes physical household tasks as well as brain work involved with multi-tasking. These changes continue to escalate. Tammy is still employed full-time at Jefferson County Health Services and goes into the office 2 days each week and works from home as much as possible to be Jim’s caretaker.

This FND prognosis will be a lifelong challenge. For that reason, we have launched a GoFundMe to help offset the growing medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Thank you!

Jim and Tammy Cosper