It’s #DysautonomiaAwarenessMonth! This condition is about as common as T1 diabetes, MS, and Parkinson’s, but most people (docs included) have no idea what it is. That means it’s tough for us to get diagnosed, and even harder to find others who get it. Thread time! #NEISvoid

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for conditions characterized by the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The ANS controls all of the body’s automatic functions (!!), so life with dysautonomia is like trying to function with a broken autopilot.

Everyone’s experience with dysautonomia is different, but here are some of my common symptoms: Lightheadedness. Nausea. Vomiting. Heat intolerance. Temperature dysregulation. Syncope/presyncope. Exercise intolerance. Inappropriate tachycardia. Tremors. Body aches...

Chronic fatigue. Dizziness. Motion sickness. Orthostatic intolerance. Pupillary dysregulation. Fevers. Gastroparesis. Bowel issues. Bladder leaks & urgency. Poor circulation. Chronic migraines. Photosensitivity. Muscle weakness. Joint pain...

Low blood pressure. Low blood volume. Stomach pain. Reflux/regurge. Neuropathies (numbness & nerve pain). Kidney dysfunction. Brain fog. Blurry vision. Slurring speech. Poor proprioception. Shortness of breath. Pupillary dysregulation...

Hypoglycemia. Balance issues. Early satiety. Weight loss. Dry skin. Dry mouth. Tooth decay...

It’s not glamorous! And the breadth of symptoms is one reason why many of us with autonomic issues are written off as hypochondriacs, malingerers, or just plain hysterical.

It took me 9 docs, 4 years, & moving to a different state to get a full diagnosis, which unfortunately isn’t uncommon. It’s nearly impossible to get diagnosed unless folks have financial means and geographic access to specialists, plus family to care for them along the way.

There’s no cure for dysautonomia, but treatments/actions can help address specific symptoms. Many of them seem odd, like consuming tons of salt or lying down on the floor in public places. But, gotta do whatcha gotta do!

All of this to say, dysautonomia is one of the conditions where the awareness month really is about needing more people to know it exists. Follow @Dysautonomia for more! I’m also always happy to answer Qs, & #NEISvoid is a great resource for folks dealing with diagnoses as well.