So, I got to be strapped to a table and treated like a lab rat a couple weeks ago.
I completed the autonomic testing with Dr. Barboi. It was pretty horrible! Going without my medications for 24 hours was the hardest part. I could barely be upright or stay conscious during that time, and I was absolutely miserable. My medications clearly make a huge difference in my quality of life and level of functioning.
The testing had 4 parts, all terrible for me in their own way. None of these tests would even feel like a strain on a healthy person, but they definitely showed my body's weaknesses.
First was the QSART sweat test. They applied a solution to several spots on my skin, then sent a low level of electricity to them. It was rather painful for me, but ended up being the easiest of the tests.
Next, we did a deep breathing test. You just take slow deep breaths for a couple of minutes, and they watch how your vitals react. I learned many years ago that I can't do any type of controlled breathing- for meditation or yoga- or I pass out. And that's what happened! Even though I was lying down, I came in and out of consciousness a few times. To be fair, I was nearly passed out before this test, so it didn't take much.
After that was the valsalva test. I had to exhale really hard for 15 seconds through a tube. Unfortunately, this action triggered my hemicrania facial pain to spike to a level 10. It really didn't come back down to below an 8 the rest of that day. Any type of exertion or straining triggers my pain, so this was absolutely horrible for me. I cried in pain for a bit afterward.
But, we weren't done yet! Finally was the tilt table test. I've had two TTTs before, which confirmed my diagnosis of POTS. So I knew what to expect. I was strapped to the table and tilted up to an almost upright position. Then, I just had to wait there while they watched my body's reaction. I got my usual hot flashes, nausea, vertigo, and lightheadedness. Luckily, this only went on for about 7-8 minutes before Dr. Barboi said he had seen all he needed.
I was then able to take my medication and drink water to help me recover. I felt significantly improved after a short time, although still pretty out of it and in severe pain. They wheeled me into the next room for my consultation with the doctor. He said the testing showed that I have another new diagnosis. Seriously!?! I was correct that at some point, my POTS has evolved into Hyperadrenergic POTS.
My basic understanding of the condition is this: I still have trouble with vasoconstriction, thanks to my stretchy EDS blood vessels. So, I still have problems pumping oxygen to my brain a lot of the time. But my body has started over-reacting to this problem with a surge of sympathetic activity. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released. My body goes into fight-or-flight mode, causing heart rate and blood pressure elevation, hot flashes, enlarged pupils, tremors, shortness of breath, anxiety, and headache.
There are any number of triggers for this hyperadrenergic state; mainly being upright, exertion, stress, and any change my body has to cope with. This has been a major problem for me since my surgery in 2013. Any trauma or change in my medication or routine cause me to have trouble.
So, I'm not surprised to have a new diagnosis, and I always like to have an explanation for my symptoms. I also like when the testing proves my self-diagnosis correct. But, I am a bit exasperated to have another rare diagnosis to add to the list.
This definitely explains why I feel incredibly anxious the day after a restless night. My body really relies on quality sleep to maintain homeostasis. It also probably explains my body's reaction to new medications and dosage changes recently.
My well-being is a very delicate thing, and I get thrown off very easily. This is generally a lifelong condition, and can be progressive.
For treatment, we are starting with a new medication to manage my postural tachycardia- Ivabradine. We're starting with a small dose, so we don't overwhelm my system. Unfortunately, my insurance would not cover this medication (No surprise. It's fairly new in the US, and only approved to treat heart failure.) After looking into patient assistance programs, it became clear I needed to order it internationally. It's been ordered, but will take some time to arrive. I expect to be able to try it out in the next couple of weeks.
The doctor had other treatment ideas for me to try in the future, including adjusting my psychotropic medications. I'm pretty reluctant to try this, since I know my mental health is quite delicate as well, but I'm sure I will try it sometime when I feel stable enough.
With so many rare diagnoses, I'm always dealing with a number of problems. I never know when I wake up each day which symptoms will give me the most trouble.
My head has finally given me a little break from the relentless pain. I still have an ongoing low level headache with lots of sensitivities that trigger more severe pain, but it hasn't been my most prominent symptom most days. I'm very grateful for the break! It just doesn't always feel like one. My body never really gives me a break!
Currently, I'm dealing with a major mast cell reaction to a couple of mosquito bites. I've had to take two different extra anti-histamines every 2-3 hours just to not scratch all of my skin off. It has definitely interfered with my sleep.
I am constantly trying to avoid exposure to mast cell triggers. Mosquitoes would be a great one to avoid! But also all types of scents, smoke, and fumes. I have a new mask that definitely helps a bit. But still have to avoid known triggers.
I've also been having various joint problems. The most difficult one has been my shoulders, which don't want to stay in the socket. I've been experimenting with different mattress toppers to try to find something that allows me to lie on my sides to sleep. I'm waiting for a new, 4 inch memory foam mattress topper to try to help.
I've also had the usual pain in my knees, feet, and hips. Today, my right knee is the worst, but it could be something else tomorrow. I've also had a lot of pain in my hands, and some trouble with my spine and sacrum. I have a wide variety of braces that help a bit to wear as needed. I also have to be surrounded by pillows for support most of the time.
I had a flare up in my brain fog and trouble staying conscious for about a week. I had gotten a bit busy and neglected my biking a bit, which always has a major effect on how alert I feel. I've gotten back on track this week. It's just difficult, because I can't usually exercise on days that I have other things planned. So, I have to schedule several days off each week, and sometimes miss out on things in order to exercise.
I've had a couple of days where my digestive symptoms were most prominent.
It is all so frustrating. And it really is true that it's always something. So next time, instead of asking, "How are you doing?" you may as well ask, "what's giving you the most trouble today?"
At least when I'm not having too many other problems, I'm actually sleeping at night, and I don't feel too anxious or depressed most of the time. I know that this can and will change again, but I'm enjoying the relative peace, for now.
