I live with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) and severe food sensitivities.  This diagnose came shortly after my initial diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.  This is one pain in the butt to say the least.  Most of the sensitivities center around food and chemicals.  All of a sudden most foods became unpalatable.  I found myself living on a diet of meat, beans, and certain veggies for a long period of time.   Furthermore, I was unable to handle most chemicals touching my skin.

​Multiple chemical sensitivity can include a wide range of symptoms, which some people link to their environment. It's also known as “environmental illness,” "sick building syndrome,” or “MCS.” Your doctor may call it “idiopathic environmental intolerance.”

The symptoms people report are wide-ranging. They include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, congestion, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, diarrhea, bloating, gas, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes.

Possible triggers that set off people's symptoms vary a lot, too. They include tobacco smoke, auto exhaust, perfume, insecticide, new carpet, chlorine, and such. 

The American Medical Association doesn’t consider multiple chemical sensitivity to be an illness. Nor do they consider food sensitivities a real illness either, but it can wreck havoc on your daily life.  

One issue with having this illness is that you can't go out to eat and enjoy a normal dinner like most people.  You never know you will be affected by what you ingest.  You could be sitting there eating a meal with family and friends, and then wham! All of sudden you are overcome with dizziness, shortness in breath, and a huge amount of disorientation until your body redirects.  That could last a minimum of 20 minutes or days.  

Now I have my menu choices in my head for EACH restaurant BEFORE I sit down to avoid such catastrophes.

But I think the worst of it is the hair salon.  I used to LOVE getting pampered while getting my hair done.  It is a small kuddo in life that most woman appreciate.  You spend your days taking care of others, and then all of a sudden, every six weeks or so, you get someone to take care of you.  

If you are over 40 it is often a necessity if you work.  Being 50 with tons of gray hanging about is not appealing to some individuals like myself.  I pride myself on keeping a few years off by indulging in such a luxury.  

But shortly after being diagnosed, I got my usual highlights.  I get the foil packets and then a bit of low lights to cover the gray around my scalp.  This has NEVER been an issue previously. All of a sudden ten minutes into the procedure, I feel a tingling in my scalp and my heart begins to race.  Within minutes my heart is knocking so rapidly it feels as if it is rattling my chest.  I can see and feel its vibrations as I run to my hairdresser shouting, "I got to get this out! Something is not right!"

Visibly shaken, she says we can just try the "foils" solo next time.  "Great," i think.  "One more thing this illness has taken from me."  

I know what you're thinking, "My goodness!  Live with the gray!"

But when fibromyalgia has taken so much out of your life already, there are just times you say, "Screw it.  I gotta live some how."  But, then again, i also noted if it happened again severely I would HAVE to STOP.

Since then the reactions are less, more mild.  Sometimes they don't happen at all.  But, you can imagine, sitting in that chair doesn't have that warm fuzzy feeling anymore, it is a necessity (to me, of course). It is one thing I draw the line at for myself.

I had thought it was gone all this year.  Then recently on my birthday, trying to get myself dolled up for a dinner, I experienced it again.  Not as severe, but a bit of tingle, and then a pulse rise.  I grabbed my hair tech and she washed it immediately.  Symptoms disappeared shortly afterwards, but I was left with two days of chest tightness, spine swelling, and pain.  I should state for all you pre-med Google searchers, it was not the chest pain of the heart but of the rib cage.

To people who do not experience fibromyalgia, this may seem obscure.  But, when you suffer from this debilitating disease, there are just some things you are robbed of that send you over the edge.  Get you thinking and get you a bit disgruntled.  I felt the need to share today.  It ruined my birthday weekend a bit.

What is the one thing fibromyalgia has taken from you that drives you nuts?  

​Our prehistoric ancestors survived and flourished on high-protein diets filled with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. While you no longer have to hunt down a saber-toothed tiger for supper, following the Paleolithic diet can transform your body and help prevent obesity, diabetes, and cancer. You'll learn to prepare 150 nutritious recipes, including:

• Bacon and Vegetable Omelet
• Chicken with Sauteed Tomatoes and Pine Nuts
• Thai Coconut Scallops
• Roasted Pork Tenderloin
• Nutty Chocolate Trail Mix
• Mango Creamsicle Sorbet

​Daniel is an idealistic and dedicated priest who loves his work more than anything else, until a chance meeting with a woman at confession stirs up emotions that make him question his true calling.

​Financial strain, an unplanned pregnancy and an abusive ex threaten the stability of a poor couple's (Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon) relationship.

​A fast-talking lawyer transforms his body and takes a vow of silence, which is not to be broken until he learns who killed his wife and daughter and has his revenge.

​On the outskirts of a mountain town grappling with a series of abductions and murders, Paul, a reclusive writer, struggles to start what he hopes will be a career-saving screenplay. After a tense encounter with a drifter named Jack, Paul offers Jack a place to stay. Soon, the edgy, demanding Jack muscles his way into Paul's work. As a storm cuts off power to the isolated cabin, the two men begin a jagged game that will bring at least one tale to an end.

​A fisherman has an affair with a fashion writer, who later has his child. When she turns up dead, he becomes the prime suspect.

​When veteran hit man Jimmy Bobo (Sylvester Stallone) and his partner, Louis (Jon Seda), kill a corrupt ex-cop, Louis in turn loses his life to an ex-mercenary named Keegan (Jason Momoa). Detective Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang) senses a connection between the two killings and seeks out Bobo, who subsequently saves Kwon from an assassination attempt. The pair join forces against a common enemy: a ruthless real-estate developer named Robert Nkomo Morel (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje)

​As two couples dine at an upscale restaurant, their polite discourse disguises the fact that they are struggling with weighty family issues.

​As the only legitimate heir of England's King William, teenage Victoria (Emily Blunt) gets caught up in the political machinations of her own family. Victoria's mother (Miranda Richardson) wants her to sign a regency order, while her Belgian uncle schemes to arrange a marriage between the future monarch and Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), the man who will become the love of her life.

​A marketing executive (Lacey Chabert) gets in touch with her spiritual side, while trying to find Mr. Right.

​Kate Mercer and her husband are excitedly planning a party to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. However, one week before the celebration, a letter arrives for her husband. The body of his first love has been discovered, frozen in the icy glaciers of the Swiss Alps. As the party nears, there might not be a marriage left to celebrate.

My cardiologist also ordered a sleep study test due to the recent heart complications.  As I took my referral home, a thought plagued my mind.  Why had my neurologist never ordered this test?  

When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I spent many a night up.  Each time I'd try to fall asleep, electrical charges pulsed my body continuously.  This situation never died down completely.  I just notice it happens less frequently.  

​Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects more than 18 million Americans. Left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious and life-shortening consequences: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, automobile accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel, diabetes or depression. An in-home or in-center sleep study can diagnose OSA and many other sleep disorders.

It could be one of these risk factors:

• You’ve complained of excessive daytime sleepiness
• Your neck circumference is over 17″ (for men) or 15″ (for women)
• You’ve complained of waking up with morning headaches, dry mouth or a sore throat
• Your bed partner has observed that you gasp for air in the night
• You wake up frequently in the night to urinate
• Your body mass index (BMI) is over 30

​
In preparation for your in-lab sleep study, it's important to know some of the key differences between the different types of sleep studies offered at sleep clinics.
​

1. Polysomnogram (PSG). A polysomnogram is an overnight sleep study that records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, body movement, and more. Polysomnograms are used to help diagnose some of the following:
   • Sleep related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
   • Sleep related seizure disorders.
   • Sleep related movement disorders such as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
   • Sleep related disorders caused by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
2. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). A MSLT is a sleep study that is performed during the day to measure how sleepy you get or to discern whether breathing treatments for your disorder are working properly. MSLT's generally follow a Polysomnogram and record whether you fall asleep during the test, and if so, which stages of sleep you enter. In an MSLT you are generally given five 20-minute nap opportunities spaced 2 hours apart while a sleep technician monitors your brain activity and eye movements. An MSLT is often used to test for narcolepsy.
3. Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). A MWT is a daytime sleep study that measures how alert you are during the day and your ability to stay awake. They are usually performed after a PSG and can help determine if your sleepiness is a safety concern. Results of an MWT can be critical if a person's job involves public transportation. Often, employers will require an employee to have an MWT if they have a history of excessive daytime sleepiness or other related sleep disorders.

How To Prepare for Your Sleep Study

Most sleep clinics want you to go about your nightly routine so as to get the best results. If you over-prepare or do things differently leading up to your sleep study, the results may not be as accurate as they would if you kept to your normal routine. It sounds crazy, but a sleep tech wants to see you at your worst, so that they can recommend a treatment that is the best. However there are some things you will want to do in preparation for your test:

• Arrive shortly before your usual bedtime, approximately between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. for an overnight study.
• Make sure you have already had dinner and are ready for bed.
• Bring your medications.
• Bring comfortable clothes that you normally sleep in.
• Bring your morning bathroom supplies.

What Happens During an Overnight Sleep Study?

When you arrive for your sleep study, you will be met by a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT) who will be administering your sleep study. They will generally go over your paperwork, have you fill out any necessary forms, and review with you what the sleep study will entail. After collecting your health history as well as some vitals like your blood pressure, the tech will apply monitors to measure activity in your body as you sleep. This will normally include:

• Wires with small cup electrodes attached to your scalp with a conductive paste to measure brain activity. This lets the tech know if you are sleeping, and what stage of sleep you are in.
• Wire electrodes are taped to your face near the eyes and chin to show muscle activity. These electrodes are used to measure eye movements, which also give clues to sleep stages, as well as chin movements which can observe possible nocturnal teeth grinding as well as other sleep disorders related to muscle activity.
• 2 elastic belts around your chest and stomach to measure breathing effort.
• A nasal cannula (clear plastic tubing) and small heat monitor to measure all breathing activity.
• A wire electrode on each leg to measure body movement/muscle activity.
• A monitor taped to your finger to detect oxygen levels during the study.
• 2-3 lead EKG monitors to show heart rate and rhythm.
• A small  mic applied to your throat to detect snoring.

Once you have been hooked up to the various machines, the RSPGT will begin monitoring the data from another room. They will communicate with you via an intercom system and run through a series of tests to calibrate the equipment. When the calibrations are finalized you are encouraged to sleep.

Getting to Sleep during an In-lab Sleep Study

Being able to sleep comfortably outside of one's own bed while hooked up to a myriad of wires may seem an impossible feat. But it's really not. Rarely does a sleep study fail because the patient was unable to sleep. Even if you think that you didn't get any sleep during your overnight sleep study, you may be surprised to find that you slept much more than you realized. And even if you really didn't get a whole lot of sleep during your study, chances are you slept enough to obtain an adequate amount of data.

​What Happens After A Sleep Study?

In the morning, around 6-7 a.m., the sleep technician will wake you, remove your monitors, have you fill out some more paperwork and allow you to go home or to work. Most sleep clinics have facilities available for showering and getting ready in the morning so that you don't have to run home first to prepare for your day.

The RSPGT will not be able to share your results with you. Instead, the information is sent to your doctor or a sleep specialist for evaluation. Your doctor or sleep specialist will review the results of your sleep test as well as your medical history and sleep history to make a diagnosis.

Results from the sleep study often take a week to 10 days to get reviewed and finalized before you will be contacted with the results. At this point, if a sleep disorder was detected in the study, your doctor or sleep specialist will go over possible treatments for your condition.

​When Gerry (Gerard Butler), the husband of Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank), dies from an illness, she loses the love of her life. Knowing how hard Holly will take his death, Gerry plans ahead. Beginning on her 30th birthday, she receives the first in a series of letters written by him, designed to ease her grief and encourage her to move forward to a new life.

Six weeks later, 10 pounds lighter, I'm working full-force incorporating this into my lifestyle.  There is an overall note of clarity in my everyday thoughts.  I am cleaning out "hot spots" in my house that went unnoticed before.  There have been a few glitches, but nothing that hasn't been rectified.  
​
Having an easily excited nervous system, i can tell you, my body was on high alert the first week.  Any type of change placed into my daily routine sends my system racing, wondering what the hell is happening.  I found myself including more carbohydrates into my meal plans which fixed any blow back. Paleo is not necessarily a LOW CARB diet.  It mainly restricts grains and legumes and limits dairy.  I found myself grabbing my oatmeal bars several times the first week.  Not because I was hungry, but because i felt this super surge of energy that just didn't sit right.  As time went on, I noticed less and less desire of such carbs and fell into eating sweet potatoes and an occasional white potato as the week wore on.

Another component I added was black out curtains.  I am always waking up earlier than planned due to sunlight streaming through my window.  This is due southern exposure.  One of my first orders when beginning the diet was to ensure your room is COMPLETELY DARK.  So, I purchased a couple of black out panels and taped over lights on appliances and computers with duck tape.  Now, my room is completely dark and invites a productive sleep.

In fact, lately, I am sleeping quite a bit this last week.  Not sure what is going on with my body, but I get to work, have a pretty productive day and come home and sleep.  Then I sleep again when retiring for the night.  When I wake in the morning there is more energy than I've had previously from a deeper sleep each night.  I am used to waking up a few times, not any longer.  As the weeks wear on, my system is becoming quieter, not as easily excited.  

Here are a few more tips to help you during your first few weeks from Robb Wolf's site:

Get Started

The Paleo diet is built from the healthiest, most delicious, and most nutritious foods available.

Clean Out The Pantry

We do not have self-control. PLAN AHEAD! Don’t have tempting foods in the house. Remove the bread, rice, pasta, cookies, crackers, puddings, ice cream, waffles, juice, sodas, cereals, oatmeal, artificial sweeteners, yogurt, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, canned soups, apple sauce, noodles…all refined, packaged foods. Bag it all up, take it to a food bank or homeless shelter. No, the kids do NOT need crackers and Goldfish. They might actually be healthier if YOU are healthier!

Sleep & Stress

Black out your room. No, REALLY black out your room. No LED lights from alarm clocks, fire alarms, TV’s etc. Do not watch TV or check email for at least 1 hour before bed. Go to bed early, get at least 8- 9 hrs of sleep. You should wake up without an alarm, feeling refreshed.

Exercise

The foraging lifestyle of our hunter-gatherer ancestors left them lean, strong, and healthy. Those who lived into advanced age did not lose muscle mass or gain body fat as they aged. It appears the default mode for our species is a balanced physique . Lean, muscled, and prepared for anything nature wished to unleash. By emulating the amounts and types of activities of our Paleolithic ancestors, we can affect remarkable changes in our physique, mental outlook, hormonal state, and overall health.

Throw Your Scale Away

While we are on this “weight topic” please just throw your scale away. Or smash it (wear safety glasses and go wild). But for the love of all that’s holy, do NOT rely on it as a significant marker of whether this process is working or not.

The fact is that you may not lose a ton of weight (read: pounds) on this plan. Why? Because you’re increasing muscle mass and losing fat . Increasing your muscle mass is good for controlling your blood sugar, helping your body to naturally regulate appetite, and has anti-aging properties. Muscles make you look good naked! So, don’t focus on scale weight.

Click on curtains below to check out pricing:

Devout Paleo followers are as diverse as the occupants of NYC.  If yesterday's blog, The Paleo Diet for Fibromyalgia, left you a bit confused and skeptical, you are with good company. As I was listening to my cardiologist talk and leafing through the pamphlet yesterday I proposed a question, "So, what do you eat for breakfast?"  After all, that seemed to be the first obstacle to overcome with my western diet philosophy.  

"1 1/2 cups of UNSWEETENED GREEK YOGURT with blueberries," he replied. "You'll get used to it.  We don't need sugar."

"But, it says limited dairy," I questioned.  "So, you eat dairy everyday?"

"Yes," he answered.

After an internet swipe that evening, I noticed for the first 30 days you should not eat ANY dairy.  Must be an elimination type diet I figured.   As I went through more and more sites I noticed some were eating Quinoa.  Some were eating more starchy vegetables.  

One thing that was across the board however, was NO GRAINS and BEANS.  I guess except for some that want quinoa added to the menu.  I decided to start with the later and remove all grains and beans from my diet.  I did have a small 2 oz. of Kefir in the morning with my powdered probiotic.  That, I decided, would have to stay.  After all, my stomach was still very much the size of a watermelon.

With all the first week's trails and tribulations, The Paleo Diet Solution book really helped me tread lightly in new territory and listen to my body first.    

Four weeks later, eight pounds lighter, and able to see the tops of my thighs for the first time in seven years I am on a new journey.  I have been a forth runner on a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle but have yet to reap any real benefits for myself.  I have come to the conclusion one diet definitely does not work for everyone.

The last few minutes at my recent cardiologist appointment ended with- "You really needed to see me at this time," he spoke softly.  "Your levels are all off. We need to cut carbohydrate consumption drastically."

"How?" I moaned.  "I have already cut out most grains, and I am down to sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa.  I don't even eat that much at a meal!" I swiftly held up the palm of my hand to show him how much I add to my plate in carb use each time. 

He quickly left the room and came back with a pamphlet.  Read this.  Try this.  You've got to do something. "What can it hurt?" he added. "You can't keep on going as you are that's for sure."

Robb Wolf's Quick Start Paleo Guide

 He was still talking, but my mind was registering a blank.  How much more can I do?  I've already slashed my diet to the bare minimum of healthy foods to live as I am now.  I know something wasn't working right - but ANOTHER new journey?  I began leafing through the pages trying to take it all in.  I left the office and stopped at the library on the way home to arm myself with the new knowledge I was going to need to take the Paleo Leap.  

Within four days the following symptoms began subsiding:
bloating
headaches
joint pain
acit reflux
fibro fog
fatigue

On top of that, I had lost four pounds.  How? I wondered. I had researched every possible new "wave" on fibromyalgia.  How had I missed this one tool that I constantly blog on?

I landed on Robb Wolf's site later that week and came upon the following information:

​What Is The Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet is the healthiest way you can eat because it is the ONLY nutritional approach that works with your genetics to help you stay lean, strong and energetic! Research in biology, biochemistry, Ophthalmology, Dermatology and many other disciplines indicate it is our modern diet, full of refined foods, trans fats and sugar, that is at the root of degenerative diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression and infertility. – Robb Wolf

Building A Healthy Paleo Diet
DIVERSE PROTEINS

Ideally one should eat a wide variety of proteins from as many animal sources as possible. One need not and should not avoid fatty cuts of meat, particularly if consuming pastured sources. An often overlooked piece of the paleo diet in popular culture is an over-reliance on standard cuts of meat, at the expense of organ meats, bone broth and other collagen sources. For more information on the historical and practical aspects of consuming a more balanced protein intake, check out the Weston A. Price Foundation. If weight-loss is a goal, protein makes you feel satisfied between meals.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have been shown to decrease the likelihood of developing a number of degenerative diseases including cancer, diabetes and neurological decline.

HEALTHY FATS FROM NUTS, SEEDS, AVOCADOS, OLIVE OIL, FISH OIL AND GRASS-FED MEAT

Scientific research and epidemiological studies show that diets rich in Monounsaturated and Omega-3 fats dramatically reduce the instances of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline.
Saturated fat has been demonized by our health authorities and media. What is the basis for this position on Saturated fat? Are current recommendations for VERY low saturated fat intake justified? How much saturated fat (and what types), if any should one eat? Without a historical and scientific perspective these questions can be nearly impossible to answer.

Health Benefits of a Paleo Diet

For most people the fact the Paleo diet delivers the best results is all they need. Improved blood lipids, weight loss, and reduced pain from autoimmunity is proof enough.  Many people however are not satisfied with blindly following any recommendations, be they nutrition or exercise related. Some folks like to know WHY they are doing something. Fortunately, the Paleo diet has stood not only the test of time, but also the rigors of scientific scrutiny.

With a very simple shift we not only remove the foods that are at odds with our health (grains, legumes, and dairy) but we also increase our intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here is a great paper from Professor Loren Cordain exploring how to build a modern Paleo diet: The nutritional characteristics of a contemporary diet based upon Paleolithic food groups. This paper also offers significant insight as to the amounts and ratios of protein, carbohydrate and fat in the ancestral diet.

Come on!

Our Ancestors lived short, brutal lives! This Paleo Diet is all bunk, right?The Paleo concept is new for most people and this newness can spark many questions. We like people to not only read about and educate themselves on this topic but also to “get in and do it.” Experience is perhaps the best teacher and often cuts through any confusion surrounding this way of eating. Now, all that considered, there are still some common counter arguments to the Paleo diet that happen with sufficient frequency that a whole paper was written on it. Enjoy: Evolutionary Health Promotion. A consideration of common counter-arguments.
​
Does it work for diabetes?

A great question to ask is “Does the Paleo diet work?” Here we have a head to head comparison between the Paleo diet and Mediterranean diet in insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetics. The results? The Paleo diet group REVERSED the signs and symptoms of insulin resistant, Type 2 diabetes. The Mediterranean diet showed little if any improvements. It is worth noting that the Mediterranean diet is generally held up by our government as “the diet to emulate” despite better alternatives. You can find an abstract and the complete paper here.

Cardio Vascular Disease

According to the CDC, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Interestingly however, our Paleolithic ancestors and contemporarily studied hunter-gatherers showed virtually no heart attack or stroke while eating ancestral diets. The references below will explore these facts to better help you understand the heart-healthy benefits of a Paleo diet.

Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity is a process in which our bodies own immune system attacks “us.” Normally the immune system protects us from bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The immune system identifies a foreign invader, attacks it, and ideally clears the infection. A good analogy for autoimmunity is the case of tissue rejection after organ donation. If someone requires a new heart, lung kidney or liver due to disease or injury, a donor organ may be an option. The first step in this process is trying to find a tissue “match”. All of us have molecules in our tissues that our immune system uses to recognize self from non-self. If a donated organ is not close enough to the recipient in tissue type the immune system will attack and destroy the organ. In autoimmunity, a similar process occurs in that an individuals own tissue is confused as something foreign and the immune system attacks this “mislabeled” tissue. Common forms of autoimmunity include Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Vitiligo to name only a tiny fraction of autoimmune diseases. Elements of autoimmunity are likely at play in conditions as seemingly unrelated as Schizophrenia, infertility, and various forms of cancer.

Interestingly, all of these seemingly unrelated diseases share a common cause: damage to the intestinal lining which allows large, undigested food particles to make their way into the body. This is called “leaky gut and the autoimmune response”. Here is a 7-part video series by Prof. Loren Cordain describing the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis. And please watch this TED talk by Dr. Terry Wahls, MD as she describes how she reversed her Multiple Sclerosis with a paleo diet. If you have an autoimmune disease you might consider trying the autoimmune protocol of the paleo diet.  - Robb Wolf
​
Ok, I've given you quite a bit to chew on and digest.  This is going to take some time for those, like me, whom have tried everything and sit staring at the screen here now thinking of all the reasons this diet can't be healthy for them.  After all, how many alternative diets and remedies have you tried already?  The idea of one more journey, at times, can be a bit more than the soul can bare.  I get all this.  I was there four weeks ago.  But, as I get older, life is slipping by without me.  So, take my hand, and let's try one more path.  

It's easy.  Not much to buy other than less grains and beans.  I know you've already checked out the quick guide and thought, "Ok, maybe I can add some of what Robb is saying.  But, where do I start? How do I even begin?"

Here you go:

Robb Wolf's Food Matrix Plan

Then give me a shout back in four days.  For you Vegan/Vegetarians? As long as you are feeling well, keep up the good work!  For those that are flustered because that advantage just kept tipping the scales - I got a new plan, let's dive in.  

I had a reader contact me on Messenger wondering if Dysautonomia is common in Fibromyalgia.  This surfaced memories from my own battle with my central nervous systems disorder and my neurologist.  You see I have many, too numerous to count, disorders of the autonomic nervous system that I am at odds when I speak to my specialist. 

"These recent symptoms seem to be more specifically related to dysautonomia.  Is there something I should be tested for?" I asked.

"No, you do not have an autonomic disorder, " he assures me.

I can tell you being up all night with night sweats and spine burning does not make me feel secure with that answer.  Nor does having liable blood pressure with heart irregularities make me feel any better.  

So What Is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia (or autonomic dysfunction) is any disease or malfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The autonomic nervous system controls a number of functions in the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestive tract peristalsis, and sweating, amongst others. Dysfunction of the ANS can involve any of these functions.

A number of conditions are forms of dysautonomia: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST), vasovagal syncope, pure autonomic failure, neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), neurally mediated hypotension (NMH), orthostatic hypotension, orthostatic hypertension, autonomic instability, and a number of lesser-known disorders such as cerebral salt-wasting syndrome. Dysautonomia may occur as the result of other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome), Guillain-Barré syndrome and a number of other conditions that may affect the nervous system.

Just taking a minute to peruse the above sources lets you know you are dealing with a life-threatening illness.  So, it is clear where many fibromyalgia suffers may get confused when noting such symptoms to their specialist.  

What Are the Symptoms of Dysautonomia?

The symptoms of dysautonomia are numerous and vary widely from person to person. Since dysautonomia is a full-body condition, a large number of symptoms may be present that can greatly alter a person’s quality of life. Each patient with dysautonomia is different—some are affected only mildly, while others are left completely bed-ridden and disabled.
​

• Excessive fatigue
• Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or vertigo
• Feelings of anxiety or panic (not mentally induced[citation needed])
• Rapid heart rate or slow heart rate
• Orthostatic hypotension, sometimes resulting in syncope (fainting)
• Gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying)
• Headaches
• Mydriasis (abnormal dilation of the pupils)
• Salt cravings
• Constipation
• Pallor (unhealthy pale appearance)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Acid reflux
• Visual disturbances
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Numbness
• Nerve pain
• Trouble breathing
• Chest pains

Many of us suffer from at least 75% of the symptoms labeled above.  Hence, it is understandable why we'd be concerned over ANS failure. Then again, it seems as if we all have a tad of any number of ANS disorders, yet, we are not labeled with the diagnosis, but just seem to exhibit varying degrees of symptoms.  

How Is It Diagnosed?

​Autonomic neuropathy is a possible complication of a number of diseases, and the tests you'll need depend on your symptoms and risk factors for autonomic neuropathy.

When you have known risk factors for autonomic neuropathy

If you have conditions that increase your risk of autonomic neuropathy, such as diabetes, and have symptoms of the condition, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

If you are undergoing cancer treatment with a drug known to cause nerve damage, your doctor will check for signs of neuropathy.

When you don't have risk factors for autonomic neuropathy.

If you have symptoms of autonomic neuropathy but no risk factors, the diagnosis can be more involved. Your doctor will probably review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and do a physical exam.
Your doctor might recommend tests to evaluate autonomic functions, including:

• Breathing tests. These tests measure how your heart rate and blood pressure respond during exercises such as forcefully exhaling (Valsalva maneuver).
• Tilt-table test. This test monitors the response of blood pressure and heart rate to changes in posture and position, simulating what occurs when you stand up after lying down. You lie flat on a table, which is then tilted to raise the upper part of your body. Normally, your body narrows blood vessels and increases heart rate to compensate for the drop in blood pressure. This response may be slowed or abnormal if you have autonomic neuropathy.
  A simpler test for this response involves standing for a minute, then squatting for a minute and then standing again while blood pressure and heart rate are monitored.
• Gastrointestinal tests. Gastric-emptying tests are the most common tests to check for digestive abnormalities such as slow digestion and delayed emptying of the stomach (gastroparesis). These tests are usually done by a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders (gastroenterologist).
• Quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. This test evaluates how the nerves that regulate your sweat glands respond to stimulation. A small electrical current passes through capsules placed on your forearm, upper and lower leg and foot, while a computer analyzes the response of your nerves and sweat glands. You might feel warmth or a tingling sensation during the test.
• Thermoregulatory sweat test. You're coated with a powder that changes color when you sweat. While lying in a chamber with a slowly increasing temperature, digital photos document the results as you begin to sweat. Your sweat pattern might help confirm a diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy or suggest other causes for decreased or increased sweating.
• Urinalysis and bladder function (urodynamic) tests. If you have bladder or urinary signs and symptoms, a series of urine and bladder tests can evaluate bladder function.
• Ultrasound. If you have bladder signs and symptoms, your doctor might do an ultrasound in which high-frequency sound waves create an image of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract.

Treatment of autonomic neuropathy includes:

• Treating the underlying disease. The first goal of treating autonomic neuropathy is to manage the disease or condition damaging your nerves. For example, if the underlying cause is diabetes, you'll need to tightly control blood sugar to prevent autonomic neuropathy from progressing. About half of the time, no underlying cause for autonomic neuropathy is found.
• Managing specific symptoms. Some treatments can relieve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. Treatment is based on what part of your body is most affected by nerve damage.

Digestive (gastrointestinal) symptoms
Your doctor may recommend:

• Diet changes. You might need to increase dietary fiber and fluids. Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil or Citrucel, also might help. Slowly increase fiber to avoid gas and bloating.
• Medication to help your stomach empty. A prescription drug called metoclopramide (Reglan) helps your stomach empty faster by increasing the contractions of the digestive tract. This medication can cause drowsiness and isn't advised for long-term use.
• Medications to ease constipation. Over-the-counter laxatives can help ease constipation. Ask your doctor how often you should use a laxative.
• Medications to ease diarrhea. Antibiotics can help treat diarrhea by preventing excess bacterial growth in the intestines, and over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication might be helpful.

Urinary symptoms
Your doctor may suggest:

• Retraining your bladder. Following a schedule of when to drink fluids and when to urinate can help increase your bladder's capacity and retrain your bladder to empty completely at the appropriate times.
• Medication to help empty the bladder. Bethanechol (Duvoid) is a medication that helps ensure complete bladder emptying. Possible side effects include headache, abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea and flushing.
• Urinary assistance (catheterization). A tube is guided through your urethra to empty your bladder.
• Medications that decrease an overactive bladder. These include tolterodine (Detrol), oxybutynin or similar medications. Possible side effects include dry mouth, headache, fatigue, constipation and abdominal pain.

Sexual dysfunction
For men with erectile dysfunction, your doctor might recommend:

• Medications that enable erections. Drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), vardenafil (Levitra) or tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis) can help you achieve and maintain an erection. Possible side effects include mild headache, flushing, upset stomach and changes in color vision.
  If you have a history of heart disease, arrhythmia, stroke or high blood pressure, use these medications with caution. Also avoid taking these medications if you are taking any type of organic nitrates. Seek immediate medical assistance if you have an erection that lasts longer than four hours.
• External vacuum pump. This device helps pull blood into the penis using a hand pump. A tension ring helps keep the blood in place, maintaining the erection for up to 30 minutes.

For women with sexual symptoms, your doctor might recommend:

• Vaginal lubricants to decrease dryness and make sexual intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Flibanserin (Addyi) for premenopausal women with low sexual desire.

Heart rhythm and blood pressure symptoms
Autonomic neuropathy can cause a number of heart rate and blood pressure problems. Your doctor might prescribe:

• Medications to raise your blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy when you stand up, your doctor might suggest fludrocortisone. This medication helps your body retain salt, which helps regulate your blood pressure.
  Other drugs that can help raise your blood pressure include midodrine (Orvaten) and pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Regonol). Droxidopa (Northera) also can help raise blood pressure. Midodrine and droxidopa can cause high blood pressure when lying down.
• Medication to regulate your heart rate. A class of medications called beta blockers helps to regulate your heart rate if it goes too high with an activity level.
• A high-salt, high-fluid diet. If your blood pressure drops when you stand up, a high-salt, high- fluid diet can help maintain your blood pressure. This is generally only recommended for severe cases of blood pressure problems, as this treatment may cause blood pressure that is too high or swelling of the feet, ankles or legs and shouldn't be used in patients with heart failure.

Sweating
If you sweat too much, your doctor might prescribe:

• A medication that decreases perspiration. Glycopyrrolate (Cuvposa, Robinul, Robinul Forte, others) can decrease sweating. Side effects can include diarrhea, dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, changes in heart rate, headache, loss of taste and drowsiness. Glycopyrrolate can also increase the risk of heat-related illness, such as heatstroke, from a reduced ability to sweat.
• Surgery to cut the nerves in the sweat glands. It's also possible to remove the sweat glands but only in small areas of increased sweating, such as the palms.

It’s common for fibromyalgia sufferers to experience at least one or more forms of dysautonomia syndrome. We know that with fibromyalgia, there is a dysfunction in the ANS. For many with fibromyalgia, it appears as a delayed and inflated response to stressful situations. The fibromyalgia sufferer may go through a stressful situation without releasing the stress hormones that are typically produced automatically.

Once the stressful encounter is over and the sufferer is able to relax, the release of those stress hormones is triggered. The sufferer is flooded with stress hormones and experiences the anxiety and energy that others felt during the stressful situation, only the sufferer experiences it to an extreme degree long after the stress has subsided. This delayed reaction may make it appear that there is no cause for the sudden onset of severe alarm and discomfort.

Because of this, scientists have identified multiple abnormalities in fibromyalgia, including problems in the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Fibromyalgia can be a result of dysautonomia or dysautonomia may be a result of fibromyalgia, we don’t really know. But there seems to be sufficient evidence to correlate the two. If you have symptoms of dysautonomia, discuss it with your physician. Diagnosis needs to be made in order to explore possible treatments that will ease your symptoms and improve your health.

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