Toxins And Dysautonomia?

[ariella]

hi everyone,

I've been giving this topic some thought as my other condition (neuromuscular) has been deteriorating. I've found some research connecting neuromuscular diseases with chemical exposure. I know that the year my dysautonomia began (and possibly also the muscle issue---SOB and fatigue) I was heavily using illustration markers containg a known problem ingredient-xylene.

Interested to know if anyone here feels their dysautonomia may have been brought on by toxic chemical exposure

Love to all,

Ariella

[MomtoGiuliana]

There has been a lot of talk on this topic on this forum. I am not aware of any research that supports or refutes a theory that POTS could be caused by toxic exposure--except I believe excessive heavy metal exposure. (which means, Beethoven may have had POTS, since recent research has suggested that he suffered from lead poisoning. There is a condition where the body does not rid itself adequately of heavy metals--or at least--of lead--and the result is essentially, poisoning. This condition is what Beethoven is believed to have had.)

To answer your question!--I strongly believe that my POTS problems have a genetic basis, since I have a sister diagnosed with it, and I think I have other family members with it.

Katherine

[ariella]

I also think I have a genetic predisposition to POTS, my mom and sister seem to have some form of dysautonomia, although they are scared to be evaluated. My mother takes beta blockers for heart palpitations of unknown origin.

However, what I've been coming across a lot in my reading, is that often chronic illnesses that we are predisposed to genetically may come out in their full glory due to environment, stress, viruses etc.

ariella

ps- fascinating about Beethoven. I'm a guitarist, and I find it impossible to play when I'm POTSy.

[calypso]

Ariella -- which neuromuscular disease do you have -- is it MG? I was just curious b/c I also have muscle weakness/wasting, SOB and fatigue, and POTS as well, but the SOB/muscle stuff has not been figured out ... Did you test positive on the first try, or did you need more tests?

Amy

[ariella]

Ariella -- which neuromuscular disease do you have -- is it MG? I was just curious b/c I also have muscle weakness/wasting, SOB and fatigue, and POTS as well, but the SOB/muscle stuff has not been figured out ... Did you test positive on the first try, or did you need more tests?

Amy

Amy-I'll PM you. It's probably MG. Long story.

ariella

[Guest Julia59]

Ariella,

I was exposed to a lot of different toxins---and to this day I'm still a bit bitter about it. I have never really found out any straight answers on this subject either.

While trying to find the cause of my disabling symptoms in The winter of 2000/2001 it was found that I had very high lead levels in my urine. To make sure the test was done correctly another blood test was done----which was a waste of time, as the blood life is only about 35 days. They did another urine test but the proper chelation process was not done to detect any lead. by this time---if I truly had lead poisoning, it would now be inside my bones---as the bones drink up the excess lead.

I was around a lot of ink toxins/solvents, oil, fuels---perk---for dry cleaning----all this while working at an industrial laundry. I worked up in the front office as a commercial specialist for 7 years---then office manager for another 3 years. I got really sick starting Dec. 2000---------they found the high lead levels in my urine in March 2001.

I was diangosed with the POTs in June of 2001. I went to a Dr. Neilson who is an MD---but also specialises in 'some" holistic medicines----natural..ect. He is the ex-husband of the woman physician who was up in Antarctica, she did her own breast surgery when she found out she had breast cancer. I don't know if any of you have heard about it, but it was in national news. He did a lot of blood work, but said he would have to do another chelation process to check for heavy metals. I decided against it as all that would possibly be found is mercury, as any lead is long gone from my blood, but any neurologic damage is done, and can't be reversed. Mercury can be found in almost all of us---small amounts.

Basically, I never have gotten down to the bottom of it. A bone scan might see the lead in my bone----and I still have never gotten the scan that was ordered by the cleveland clinic-----WHY, YOU SAY------Well let's just say my fear of TOXINS---------they have to use radio active dye for the test---and I have had my share of DYE's---------but I think this would be different, so I will eventually get this done........

Julie :0)

[Guest tearose]

Ya know, this is very interesting...I think I must have had a predisposition to POTS and my lyme and my tons of airplane flying ( in the ozone at 38,000 feet) and my exposure to a garden chemical "sevin" ( now banned for screwing up the nervous system) were things that made the POTS come out.

I don't know what I "really" have and I kinda don't want to know yet.

I do know I relapse and remit and I do wonder about this being an early neurological disease process that will go into full blown something in my later senior years.

I hold onto hope and a positive attitude that I am wrong and/or that the "magic fix" is discovered sooner than later.

Does anyone else think like me that POTS/Dysautonomias that do not resolve may be "early" signs of a degenerative process that will turn into a PD or MS or MG or Lewy Bodies?

introspectively, tearose

[Guest Julia59]

Yes---it is very interesting---in fact, you can see many of my ranting posts in the past.

I'm so frustrated---really, almost out of my mind at times, because combined with all my other issues--(you can see below on my signature line, I don't know what is causing what.

I just think I had a predisposition to neuro issues, and the chemicals kicked it into high gear. I had issues in the 80s---before the chemical exposure, but my symptoms were mild---basically, it was just tachycardia spells---and panic disorder, and some CFS in the early 90s, but fairly mild. However, I had to get on beta blockers in 1990 just after the company was busted and fined by the EPA for toxic exposure to the neighborhood behind the building.

The toxins would come through the ventilation system---and that is how the front office folks were exposed. Actually the folks back in the plant had much less exposure. It was at it's worst in the summer when the AC was on---the fumes would come right out of the vent along with the cool air.

I know I have myelopathy now---and I see my legs muscles getting thinner and thinner---especially around the knee area. My legs are numb, and getting so weak. When I use them to climb steps or use the muscles for anything else---they shake, sometimes they just shake from doing nothing.

I just haven't found myself in a very good position lately----but I'm not giving up----

However, I would like some good news---like how about better lipid levels---then I wouldn't have to worry about cardiac disease, and strike one off the list. I do everything I can---good diet ect., but vigorous exercise is out of the question---and that doesn't help things. At least I'm lighter then I was this time last year by about 10 pounds.

Julie :0)