Hi everyone, I have been having major burning, cramping and even atrophy issues - oddly, my EMG was normal, but they are taking a biopsy in December.

However, the results of my ANSAR autonomic testing are in and I have an imbalance. My neuro is not too up on these things so he is referring me. If anyone knows anything about autonomic issues and can interpret, please help

Impression:
-The resulting sympathetic to parasympathetic ratio was abnormal with a marked adrenergic dominance.
-Although breathing increased normally in response to deep breathing and Vasalva, this patient showed a paradoxical parasympathetic increase to the sympathetic stimulation.
-Ortostatsis and postural orthostatic tachychardia syndrome are indicated by this inappropropriate decreased sympathetic response to standing as well as reflex tachychardia. Treatment with centrally acting beta blockers such as Sectral or Coreg.
-Patchy skin response on QSART. Suggestive of small fiber axonal neuropathy.

Since this whole autonomic mess started, I have been jumping out of my skin with anxiety, literally. I feel on edge all the time, even with the addition of some pscyh meds. For those of you with autonomic imbalance, is this normal?????

Thanks
L

I think you will feel much better with a beta blocker treatment.
I'd start with low doses, though, as beta blockers slow the heart down and may impair your aerobic exercise ability. Climbing stairs can be difficult, I've found.

I used (for 15 yrs after my son was born) and am using again a cardioselective beta blocker=Tenormin

It really helps with my "anxiety" and irritablility issues that I sometimes get. I take mine at night, and have much fewer nightmares or waking up with a racing heart.

Thanks Mrs D. I feel like I keep getting passed along from dr to dr - would a neurologist or cardiologist handle the beta blockers? I am seeing an autonomic cardiologist in December.

Do you know the cause of your Autonomic dysfunction? Also, what is the difference between autonomic dysfunction and autonomic neuropathy?

I have not had tests for autonomic functions. I have always been a high adrenergic person...based on my abusive childhood.

It may be PTSD of some kind, or just a hard wired stress response. My endocrinologist at the time of my pregnancy started me (35yrs ago) on propranolol after delivery for blood pressure. When he released me, my internist gave me Tenormin instead.
It really helps me get thru life and stressors.

There is some evidence coming out now, that childhood abuse and stress leaves a permanent mark on the brain. I think I am one of these. I do find magnesium also helps alot, so I use the Morton's lotion daily to aid the Tenormin and keep me at a low dose to avoid side effects.

I did have the experimental 3 shot first Salk vaccine in the early 50's. Polio was pretty rampant in our area at that time. That has become very controversial since they found monkey virus in those people who received that vaccination then. So that may be a factor for me.
I recall my arm swelling up severely on the 3rd booster. So I had some type of reaction then. I was about 8 yrs old.

Therefore I avoid vaccines now.

Hi, I am sorry you are feeling so lousy.

I have started to have tachycardia over the past few months. Very low-dose clinidine has been helpful with this and with my pain levels. (I have found clonidine to also have some heavy side-effects, yet I do take ultra low doses.)

When I have tachycardia, I feel very shakey, like I am on speed, I cannot focus well, etc. I feel like I have had 20 cups of coffee or some major stimulant.

I will be having autonomic re-testing repeated in December.

Interestingly, similar to mrsD, I have also always been a " high adrenergic person," which I attribute to a very challenging childhood, lots of trauma.

I hope you can find some relief as soon as possible.

Warmly,
DejaVu

Sounds like you have confirmed POTS/autonomic dysfunction. All depending on the actual numbers (heart rate, BP, etc) during the testing, a betablocker is certainly appropriate and will likely help you feel better.

It is somewhat normal for increased anxiety whenever you are diagnosed with ANY condition that confirms an abnormal function...whether it be autonomic problems, PN, crdiac problems, cancer, etc...anything can bring about increased anxiety. Once you start treatment (and keep in mind it can take a while to fine tune dosing, etc) and start to feel better, your anxiety will likely settle down on its own.

A cardiologist or neurologist can manage autonomic problems. I have had both specialties do so. It all depends on the doctors comfort zone with handling somewhat outside the box type problems...as autonomic dysfunction isn't studied at length by all neurologist...same for cardiologist. You just have to ask your doctors if they are well versed in this area and comfortable in managing it for you.

Glad to hear you are getting some answers and well on your way to feeling better.