How to Live with Autonomic Dysfunction

Get an official diagnosis from your doctor. An autonomic dysfunction can be the result of several other disease or disorders. Your doctor will administer tests that correspond with the symptoms you are experiencing and provide you with treatment options based on their diagnosis. Some autonomic dysfunctions can improve over time with the right treatment, but other autonomic dysfunctions have no cure and the goal of treatment will be to maintain your standard of living and manage your symptoms.

·         If you have a condition that increases your risk of developing an autonomic dysfunction, like diabetes, your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. Other treatments, like cancer treatment with a drug known to cause nerve damage, can lead to an autonomic dysfunction. Your doctor may check for signs of an autonomic dysfunction if you are on drugs for cancer treatment.

·         If you have symptoms of an autonomic dysfunction, but no obvious risk factors, your doctor may run other tests to confirm your diagnosis. They will review your medical history, ask you about your symptoms, and conduct a physical exam to check for several other disorders or diseases.

·         If you have type 2 diabetes, you should be screened annually for an autonomic dysfunction as soon as you receive your diagnosis. If you have type 1 diabetes, you should be screened annually for an autonomic dysfunction five years after your diagnosis.

Recognize the most common symptoms associated with an autonomic dysfunction. There are several common medical issues that can occur as a result of an autonomic dysfunction:

·         Urinary issues: You may have difficulty urinating, incontinence or involuntary leaking of urine, or chronic urinary tract infections.

·         Digestive issues: You may feel full after only a few bites of food, have a complete loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, bloating in the abdominal area, nausea, vomiting, a hard time swallowing, or heartburn.

·         Sexual difficulties: Men may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, also known as erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation issues. Women may experience vaginal dryness, low sex drive, or difficulty achieving an orgasm.

·         Heart rate issues: You may experience dizziness or fainting when you stand up due to a sudden drop in your blood pressure. This is called orthostatic hypotension and is common with autonomic dysfunction. You may also have sweating abnormalities, sweating too much or too little. This will make it difficult for you to regulate your body temperature. Your heart rate may stay the same even during exercise, leading to an inability or intolerance of physical activity.

Discuss treatment options with your doctor. Once you receive a diagnosis of any underlying causes, your doctor will likely recommend a combination of home treatments and medication. They may also recommend coping methods to help you live a full life with the autonomic dysfunction.

·         There are also several alternative medicines you can try to help you manage your symptoms, including acupuncture and electrical nerve stimulation. Always talk to your doctor before using any alternative medicines to ensure it will not have a negative effect.