The ANS is responsible of the body's automatic functions - the things we don’t consciously don't think about doing for example our heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, digestion, kidney function spacial orientation, dilation and constriction of the pupils in our eyes and lots more.
Individuals with dysautonomia have difficulty regulating some of these functions which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, light headedness, fainting, high/low blood pressure, abnormal heart rates, poor temperature control, difficulties with the digestive system, bladder control, stress response and more.
Worldwide dysautonomia affects approximately 70 million people.
There is no cure, however there are management strategies, such as having a high salt diet, eating smaller meals, pumping your feet in increase blood flow before standing and standing up slowly, elevation, and laying down. Occasionally medication may be prescribed for certain things.
Dysautonomia and Me
Dysautonomia is common in people like myself with conditions like M.E. and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
The three main dysautonomia conditions I have are Orthostatic Intolerance, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Raynaud’s.
I also find it hard to regulate my body temperature, circulation, blood pressure, my heart rate and I’m often dizzy and light-headed. I also have issue with my digestive system and bladder. So dysautonomia really does affect me a lot!
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| Funky compression socks |
- Spending a lot of time reclined or laid down
- Elevating my legs, my profiling bed also tilts so I’ll use that feature too
- Wearing compression socks
- Monitoring my vitals such as my temperature, blood pressure and heart rate
- Using my wheelchair
- Investing in good cooling fans
- Stying out of the heat and keeping cool to avoid my Severe Heat Intolerance symptoms - these can affect me even when it’s not a heatwave
- Ensuring I’m warm even when it’s mildly cold
- Ensuring I’m well hydrated (I find it helps to use an app to monitor my fluid intake)
- Sitting up slowly in the morning - as I have a profiling bed I can easily do this
- Resting regularly (or as regularly as I’m able to)
- Having medical massage therapy that helps with things like my circulation
- Wearing thermal gloves and mitts when I go out sometimes even in summer if the weather is cool
