McConnellogue had no power in the left side of her body, and her speech was seriously impacted.
In the initial stages, she could not lift her legs or wiggle her toes.
She stayed in hospital for five weeks while therapists helped her regain her ability to move independently.
The road to recovery has been challenging for the life-long Derry City supporter.
Before her diagnosis, McConnellogue described herself as a “non-stop Duracell bunny, on the go 24/7”.
“The physical part is very tough; I walk with a zimmer frame or a crutch and I have to be helped up the stairs, my husband has to physically put me to bed,” she added.
She said the diagnosis had “floored” her and she had relied on counselling services to keep her going.
“My independence is gone. I cannot drive, I can’t go to the shop on my own – all those things I took for granted,” she said.
Country music singer Lisa McHugh spoke publicly last year about being diagnosed with FND.
According to the NHS, there is no cure for FND but it is treatable providing you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it.
McConnellogue has been sharing her recovery journey on social media.
“I do believe FND is misunderstood and I want people to know they are not alone,” she said.
“It is a very real neurological condition, and I want to show others you can recover.”
