Autonomic crises?: Anyone have any... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Autonomic crises?

whisperit profile image
3 Replies

Anyone have any experience of this?

In the absence of medical assistance, I continue my efforts to self-diagnose.

I was initially diagnosed with connective tissue disorder 2 years ago, and treated with the usual hydroxy and prednisolone treatment.

After a few monhs, I developed daily episodes of severe sweating, flushing and nausea. They slowly eased after I had remained on a much lower dose of pred (4mg) for a bit. However, I was left with extreme fatigue, which my rheumy later diagnosed as fibromyalgia.

Last month, I was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, and encouraged to add another mg of pred to my daily dose, to improve the fatigue. The result has been the return of the sweats, shaking, nausea and weakness, which has not improved after returning to 4mg.

All medics are baffled. They can offer no diagnosis, explanation or treatment.

To my mind, these episodes seem very similar to descriptions of "autonomic crises" seen - for example - in people with central nervous system damage. These crises may be caused by an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, whereby the activation of the adrenaline system by the sympathetic NS is triggered by small triggers, and rather than being inhibited by the parasympathetic NS, the activation runs on, or is even enhanced. Ideas for treatment seem limited, but gabapentin and pregabalin have been mentioned in some places.

I'd be grateful for any thoughts.

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Midori profile image
Midori

I agree, it is frustrating to not know, and to not be actively helped by GPs. I am sure that I have CFS along with my Fibro, and I am also experiencing arthritic changes in my hands, none diagnosed by GP or Specialist.

Unfortunately, GPs are run off their feet right now; many taking early retirement from the stress of too many patients and not enough cash to treat them with; or many younger ones are heading for Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, for better money, better work/life balance and better weather! My own GP surgery has reduced from 22 to 11 doctors.

There are too few doctors and nurses in hospitals due to reduced funding, and fewer going into training these days.There is no easy answer, unfortunately

whisperit profile image
whisperit in reply to Midori

Thanks, Midori. That's all too true. Sorry to hear of your difficulties

Ellie1881 profile image
Ellie1881 in reply to Midori

Yes same happened we have 1 g.p who was off sick and trying to get seen.the old ones are leaving and there isnt the doctors any more its at crisis in uk.x

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