I recently got the results of a test I had a couple of weeks ago. My doctor called me on Thursday (12/28) and told me that I do in fact have autonomic problems which she had suspected. My blood pressure averages 89/54-90/60 on a good day, and usually drops below that.

During the autonomic test, for which I was off medication, my BP was 90/60 lying down. On the tilt up it went up to 70/52 and I got dizzy, which I expected.

My sweating was quite low as well, and my skin is extremely dry.

So is this normal, or do I have a "plus" next to the Parkinson's?

I am a bit concerned, but I couldn't quite get the words out quick enough when I spoke with my neuro the other day. The old brain mush/fart was there and I let this slide until I could absorb the information a bit more.

John

Sorry you are having more problems on top of your PD.

Autonomic issues can be peripheral neuropathy. It can come from pre-diabetes, or from low B12. It might be a good idea to
get you B12 and Vit D measured. The B12 should be above 400 in US units. Low B12 leads to nerve damage in some people.

Don't accept "normal" from a doctor. Get the numbers, as US lab ranges are very low, and considered out of date now.

There are autoimmune causes of this as well. Sjogren's syndrome is one. Dry eyes, dry mouth dry everything is one sign of this.

I did have my B12 tested and it's 600 units. At one time it was much lower and my neuro had me going for B12 shots, which have brought me up to the good range now. My D is also good as well. Yes, I'm one of the normal people who do go outside and get a little bit of sunlight quite often.

My sugar is good as well so, we're going to wait and see what's up. I'm still concerned that this might be a plus-syndrome such as MSA. I have some of the other signs as well such as "plumbing" issues to put it bluntly as well as little tremor, but the stiffness, dystonia and bradykinesia.

Maybe I'm just reading into this a bit deep. I tend to do this a bit too often then find myself all worked up.

John

Those of us with nerve damage issues, try to keep our B12 at 1000 or above.

You can supplement with oral methylcobalamin on an empty stomach daily to try and get a bit higher. The thought is that some neurological problems require higher blood levels, etc.
Dr. C. Snow states that in his 1999 paper. I have it on my B12 thread post #70, on the PN forum stickies.

It is only pennies a day, no toxicity worries, and may perhaps help you more.

John, you should keep your levels of B12 higher than that. Were you also taking folate? The shots don't work so well without it.

I am one of ones with plumbing issues too, but I am not reading too much into it, as I know I get neuropathy when my B12 is low. My blood pressure can go quite high and then drop heavily, I have very dry skin and the stuff you mention. V little tremor.

Hi Lindy,

I was taking folate as well.

Thanks,

John