I live in England and I am struggling to navigate my way around the health system, particularly as my AN diagnosis is relatively new and I am still unsure of what implications it has for me.

Those involved in my care have been blaming my symptoms on my Rheumatoid Arthritis which was diagnosed in 2009. The symptoms; shortness of breath, rapid pulse, orthostatic hypotension and heart murmur. My rheum suspected Rheumatoid associated cardiovascular disease. In August 2014, I underwent a barrage of tests to be told that they couldn't find the cause. My lung function is on the low side of normal and they want to re-check again soon but nothing serious showed up. However, at the same time, my gastroenterologist did some tests and found I have autonomic neuropathy as the cause of gastroparesis.

Late last year, I started fainting and semi-blacking out. My GP and rheum are both aware that my blood pressure drops upon standing and my heart rate rises but don't seem to be much help. I've been told to eat more salt (I have slightly low sodium levels, probably from vomiting so much) and to drink more water. I am a bit because this is having a real impact on my life and they keep shrugging at me. I work full-time and twice in recent weeks, I have blacked out completed and hit my forehead. Both times resulted in obvious bruising to my face. To be fair, the last GP I saw did ask me to come back and get a cardiologist referral but I'm wondering if I should ask to be referred to a neurologist who specialises in autonomic dysfunction. I doubt I'll get an NHS referral but I have private health insurance, so I am lucky that I can access good health care. I just need to figure out who's the best person to see; cardio or neuro. I should add that I am quite private and don't cope very well with being poked and prodded unnecessarily, as it makes me anxious.

Thanks in advance for reading this.