A woman was standing in line at a Costco in Virginia Beach, Virginia, when she experienced an episode associated with functional neurological disorder (FND). Her husband was there to assist, and when the episode was over, she was more worried about losing her spot in the line.
Justin Poole shared the clip on his TikTok account, JD Life With FND. He is married to Rachel Poole, a woman who suffers from functional neurological disorder, or FND, a condition she has suffered from since she was stabbed while pregnant over a decade ago, as per WAVY. The clip above went viral, garnering 3.5 million views, 136,900 likes, and nearly 600 comments.
While standing in line at Costco, the Virginia woman started to have FND seizures. Justin, knowing exactly what was happening, held her from behind and then tapped her firmly on the chest, which appeared to help bring her out of the episode. The couple has previously said this approach is specific to Rachel’s condition and is not intended as medical advice. However, as they have explained before, in Rachel’s particular case it helps her “reset” and aligns with her unique neurological condition.
“I’m okay,” Rachel says as she reacts to the hit. “I can’t move my foot. It’s tipped up, I can’t…“
Then Rachel appears to tell Justin or another person off-camera that she would move if she could, even apologizing. Probably, someone unaware of what was going on had told her to move with the line.
The Virginia woman suddenly bent over and closed her eyes. Her husband used the same approach, now in the back, and she immediately “woke up,” telling him to move the cart forward, adding, “Sorry, baby. […] I didn’t mean to.”
Rachel began to breathe slowly and regained her composure. Then, she revealed that she was worrying about something else.
“I’m being petty in my head. The person we were behind is already paying. And I’m frustrated that I’m way back in this line instead,” the woman said, while laughing. “I told you I was being petty.”
Internet Shocked
The video sparked multiple responses.
Many viewers were moved by Rachel’s repeated apologies. One said, “You don’t have to be sorry,” along with a crying emoji. Another one commented, “Honey. Stop apologizing for something you can’t help. That man obviously cares for you.”
Others empathized with what the couple goes through every day, as they have shared before. One user wrote, “This looks so exhausting, but you’re both doing amazing.” Another one added, “That would scare me no matter which side of it I was on,” to which Justin replied, “It can be. But she’s worth it.”
The video prompted many viewers to comment on the support Justin provides during Rachel’s episodes. Since they are both advocates, the couple will likely continue to post about these episodes.
