A 21-year-old woman from the U.K. is preparing to have both of her legs amputated after spending years battling a rare neurological condition that left her unable to walk.
Megan Dixon says her condition gradually became so severe that her legs permanently locked upward at roughly a 45-degree angle.
Symptoms Began When She Was Just 13
Dixon’s health problems reportedly began after she developed whooping cough and glandular fever as a teenager.
Over time, her condition rapidly worsened, eventually leaving her unable to walk by the age of 14.
She was initially diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Her Body Slowly Began Shutting Down
According to Dixon, her condition became increasingly frightening over the following years.
She says she experienced coma-like episodes, severe pain, loss of speech, partial paralysis, seizures, and eventually lost the ability to sit upright on her own.
Doctors later diagnosed her with Functional Neurological Disorder, often referred to as FND, a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals throughout the body.
Years of Pain Left Permanent Damage
Dixon says her legs remained locked for so long that irreversible damage developed in her knees and joints.
She claims multiple surgeons declined treatment before one specialist finally informed her that amputation had become the only remaining option.
Her left leg reportedly remains permanently bent upward, making movement extremely painful and limiting her ability to perform everyday tasks.
Living With Constant Physical Challenges
The 21-year-old now relies heavily on a wheelchair and assistance from loved ones for daily activities.
Simple movements such as transferring from the floor to a bed or using the bathroom can reportedly cause intense pain due to pressure on her damaged knees.
Despite the difficulties, Dixon says she hopes amputation could eventually give her more independence and improve her quality of life.
She Continues Sharing Her Journey Online
Dixon has documented much of her medical journey on TikTok, where thousands of viewers have followed her recovery efforts and emotional struggles.
She has also used social media to encourage others facing disabilities, chronic illness, or amputation.
In recent posts, she shared moments with fiancé Oliver Carrick, including modifications built to help improve accessibility around their home.
Doctors Say FND Is Often Misunderstood
Functional neurological disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, including seizures, paralysis, pain, speech difficulties, and movement problems.
Medical experts say the condition is still widely misunderstood and can sometimes be difficult to diagnose properly.
Awareness around FND has grown in recent years as more patients have spoken publicly about their experiences.
Holding Onto Hope for the Future
Although she admits the decision to amputate her legs has been emotionally devastating, Dixon says she remains hopeful about building a better future afterward.
She hopes to eventually regain some independence, spend more time outside with loved ones, and pursue her dream of becoming a nail technician.
For now, she says she is taking life “one day at a time” while preparing for the major surgery scheduled later this year.
