Autonomic Nervous System problem or ?

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I'm at a loss or that's what I feel like. Three weeks ago out of the blue I had to call an ambulance. I was working 50 hrs week in a very stressful job, start graduate school for nursing, and extremely exhausted. I worked on a paper exhausted...drank a pot of coffee and when I was done I tried to go to sleep but could not. I watch TV for a couple hours and thought well I will try to lay down. I slid down in the bed quickly where my chin touched my chest wall and I was laying flat. Out of no where I tasted metal in my mouth, had trouble breathing and could not control my respirations, had chest heaviness, and made my husband call an ambulance because something was wrong. I had all kinds of test and they found nothing. I went to ED 2x more in the same week when I was working because of dizziness and confusion. Still nothing besides your potassium a little low. I kept thinking my mind is not right, I can not control my body. After seeing a cardiologist, Hematologist, Pulmonologist; I finally seen a neurologist. He tested me for seizures sleep deprived and regular...still nothing. Then he tested my ANS (automatic nervous system) and said look you failed this. He said, "you have an automatic nervous system dysfunction, don't know why but here a med to help control your blood pressure because it is not changing or heart rate changing when you get up". He put me on Noratriptyline 10mg 1x for 7 days, then increase to bid after. It made me have panic attacks, hot flashes (because I am starting mens pause but never had symptoms), and my brain feels weird. Also put me on Buspar... (pharmacist said it takes weeks for Buspar to work, so I was taking some Zanax to help with the anxiety). I told my neurologist that I was taking zanax because it was the only thing that helped the symptoms and he said don't take it... but did not tell me why. I feel like my body is dying. I made appointments to see a rheumatologist because they dx me several years ago with a ribinose deficiency and the doc said I don't make ATP right and said don't exercise extensive just do light walking and 2 lb weights only but you seeaidhould be fine. So during the last year I have been having increased urgency to urinate but go very little. The Noratriptyline does help some but I feel something is causing this dysfunction of my ANS. I need answers. A year ago I got in an altercation and was thrown about 15 feet. A little bruising but never went to the doctor. Never thought much about it until I started reading these post. I can not even work and out on FMLA. Just trying to finish this semester of grad school so I don't fail but my mind is a mess. I spend my day in bed with internal body shakes, increase yawning, anxiety attacks I can still partially feel even though on meds, sometimes my left leg and hand go numb. The doctors have no idea I can tell by the way they look at me. I got online yesterday and filled out app to go to big hospital in Az. To see a autoimmune neurology specialist. I feel like I have to be my own advocate and my emotions are on the rise. Forgot to see a at the beginning I have a iron absorb problem and strated taking Infed IV 5 months ago and since then my symptoms have increased. Please help me with any suggestions or where to go to get help. Thanks

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3 Replies

  • Posted

    I have several symptoms similar to yours but many many mnore. I am wondering what hospital in AZ you applied to. Mayo clinic is the only one I know of in Phoenix that works with the Autonomic Nervous System. They DX'd dysautonomia due to traumatic brain injuries in 2012. Since then I have had 2 more angiograms for a total of 4 since 2000. Veterans administration has quit working with Mayo so they keep sending be to alternative doctors that can't find any answers or relief fo rme. My last Cardiologist suggested I go to a Neurologist for Dysautonomia. II can't do anything physical and if I bend over to pick something up, I usually end up on my face. I have had 2 instances of blacking out while driving, the first in 2000 and the last in 2014. The vertigo is so bad I have sold my motorcycle and very seldom drive alone. If you can give me any information of another Neurologist who works with the ANS in Phoenix it would be greatly appreciated.

    Blessings to you and I hope you find answers.

    • Posted

      Mayo is where I was talking about. I'm trying to get an appointment. I also could not control my bp or respiration just out of the blue. Why? What's causing it? I live in AR and feel that all these doctors look at me like I'm crazy. The Noratriptyline bid at night and Florenef x1 at night has helped my bp greatly. Noratriptyline Blocks stuff in my brain the neurologist said and it is working. Might try it for bp if u have it. Its all the other symptoms like panic attacks, numbness, shortness of breath, and etc that are taking over my life.

  • Posted

    Read about Psuedopheochromocytoma. I know most people have not heard of this condition, and it's difficult to believe, but it really is worth learning more about it. It can account for a wide variety of unexplained, "out of control" bodily symptoms. Just Google it. I hope this helps.

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