Quote:
Originally Posted by Starburst
Hello,
You know me (crashdoll). 
Autonomic Neuropathy is not difficult to diagnose if you get tests for the symptoms. So, it should be something that is relatively easily e.g. yes or no, no shades of grey as much as other conditions. Orthostatic hypotension and/or PoTS can be easily ruled in or out with a decent blood pressure machine. I know you seem concerned about AN but having followed your journey for a while, you issue don't sound like other people I 'know' on social media, particularly with regards to the balance issues you describe. It seems to be the positional changes that cause real issues and trigger off the diagnosis, particularly in people who are younger. AN of the GI system is a bit more than constipation which is very common and not necessarily a sign of anything untoward. It's quite distinct and obvious if you have delayed gastric emptying, particularly if it's affecting other parts of the GI tract. It presents quite erm loudly...is the only word I can use to describe!
Anyway, a neurologist can diagnose if they have any concerns or send for tests, although the primary symptoms will dictate the first specialist you come across. For most people I know, they start with Gastroparesis and then are later diagnosed with the AN. Then again, I frequent the GP social media sites, so obviously their primary symptoms are gastro.
It's mostly about controlling the symptoms too. There isn't an overall treatment for AN because the symptoms and causes are so variable. So, even if it is going to take a while to see a neuro, you can still manage in primary care with your GP.
Take care. x |
Hi S. If you read my conversation with Enbloc here you will see that I have asked if it is possible to have AN without OH - bevause I only have hypertension currently - and she replies yes it is. I don't know how easy this non OH type would be to diagnose though.
I never remotely suggested that I have gastroparesis - not nearly in that league. However I don't want my consipation diminished to common! Mine isn't normal for me and is becoming chronic and my stools have completely changed from my normal. I don't think it's common if you don't normally suffer or eat foods lacking roughage or aren't taking meds such as codeine.
The GP is not interested in anything more complex and anyway I'm between GPs just now. It never occurred to me that my constipation was a neuro issue until the GP said she thought it might be for me, along with my rising inflammation levels (PV and CRP). The things that make me think I have AN are because of the progressive SFN, dizziness/ spatial issues, total inability to sweat, strange tastes (long before the constipation started), heart palpitations, and loss of sense of smell (this has been quite useful recently though with our drain problems!). Hope this explains. Mat/ Twitchy/ M x