Hi David,
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Anyway, if you can get tested for autonomic dysfunction, like a tilt table test for POTS, (if you are dizzy and have fast heart rate and low blood pressure) and there are lots of other tests, then autonomic neuropathy is a diagnosis. Autonomic and sensory neuropathy go together, I have both too. If you test positive for any one of the many antibodies that can cause it, like on the Mayo panel I referenced, then that is proof of an autoimmune cause of the neuropathy. Other blood tests, like sed rate, fibrinogen, and Factor 8 levels also can indicate there is inflammation. There are many treatments for autoimmune neuropathy disorders. I have been on meds, plasmapheresis, and IVIg. Rituxan infusions seem to be in favor right now, according to the autonomic neurologist I recently saw. You need high doses for, like, a year. I am supposed to start that treatment soon. The meds I have been on have helped me but not enough to stop it from continuing. My doctor said that as long as I still have any neuropathy, it is worth treating. Believe me, I took many many supplements to help quiet my immune system, and improve my leaky gut, etc, and they are not nearly as powerful as the meds. It can be a two-edged sword, because there are risks and side effects. But for me, the GAD65 antibodies I have can also cause other problems, like encephalitis. So getting their levels reduced is a priority for me that I couldn't do with the many supplements I tried. I am on 5 other meds to control the autonomic symptoms, to raise my blood pressure, slow my heart rate, and help bladder and bowel problems. Without them I am in bed all day. I also thought for a long time I had Sjogren's--I have SSA antibodies, but the GAD65 antibodies are more often associated with the autonomic problems, and autonomic problems can cause sicca symptoms. Look *admin edit* for a university affiliated neurologist who specializes in autonomic neuropathy. They are most likely to be able to find out what is going on with you. I have been to many neurologists, and finally the autonomic specialists were much more in tune with my condition. And I went EVERYWHERE!!!! If you are interested in supplements, look up Nutrinerve. It is a combination of supplements that have been shown to help nerves heal. I saw Dr. Vinik, who developed the supplement, he was excellent, but no longer has an autonomic neuropathy lab for testing.
JJ