Article in the Guardian on Vegus Nerve

[Halfwayuphill]

I posted this on Lupus forum too. Retched spell check changed the title though!

Interesting article in todays Guardian re research into the Vegus Nerve. As a SIBO sufferer there is a lot of talk amongst experts in the connection between the brain and the gut. Also reading this the connection between the nerve and the Spleen which I didn’t know. (I have auto infarction of my Spleen). I did look up the cost. It’s over €600. Worth watching though.

theguardian.com/society/202...

[OldTed60]

I found this a very interesting read - thank you! I knew most of it already but the explanation you highlighted about the spleen was particularly interesting.

Gastroparesis, which I have severely, is known to be caused by vagus nerve damage. Re underlying conditions which can be associated - I was pleased to notice that Sjögren’s was highlighted as the autoimmune carrying the greatest fatigue burden. Usually RA and Lupus get all the focus in these kind of articles so it was refreshing to see Sjögren’s singled out for once with a link to a very interesting research paper on the role of the vagus nerve in Sjögren’s’s related fatigue.

As someone with systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s and hypothyroidism plus EDS - I think fatigue has been my middle name for all of my 60 years! But I was always just told I was lazy and a bit of a family joke when teachers reported that I had been spotted sleeping through lessons and then during almost every lecture and film showing at university. Nowadays if people outstay their (shortish) welcome they notice that I go from ultra chatty and enthusiastic hostess to white faced with dark shadows and pitch of my voice drops to deep and scratchy - longing for for them to leave so I can curl up and sleep! I think I’ll just wave my hand now and say “vagus nerve says no so off you go!” 🥱😴😁

[Bkart]

Hi Halfwayuphill,

As with OldTed I found that this article was a very interesting read. I have heart problems, long before possible SSc reared it’s ugly head and I was told that I had a ‘faulty’ Vegas nerve but never really understood what it meant until now so thank you for the information, all helps in our journeys doesn’t it! 🤔🙂

[Halfwayuphill in reply to Bkart]

Hi Bkart,

yes it’s amazing how much is coming out about the Vagus nerve and our guts. I’m sure there are a lot of new developments going to come along and hopefully new ways of treating them. Sorry to hear you have heart problems but interesting it was before you got Ssc. You wonder about triggers. Take care