Jeannika

I have the same problem. I'm told adrenaline spikes are a common dysautonomia symptom, which can start up without reason and most certainly after being startled. I've been told my body is sensitive to adrenaline and other stimulants such as caffeine, epinephrine and certain sugars. When I go to the dentist I need injections WITHOUT epinephrine. If I'm given an injection with epi I instantly start shaking and my heart rate goes through the roof! My doctor taught me a form of deep breathing to help control the worst of my symptoms. Basically he has me take 10 deep breaths every couple of hours. I didn't believe it would work, but it's really helped to keep my blood pressure and heart rate back under control. I have food allergies and intolerances and am also exquisitely sensitive to medications in general, so I never know how I'll react to a new food or medication the doctor wants me to try. I'm also hypoglycemic. I take Ativan (a benzodiasepam medication) to help control my panic symptoms (migraine, muscle spasm, tachycardia, irrational out of the blue fear). One question ... I have you been tested for hypoglycemia? When my blood sugar gets too low the symptoms are the same as panic ... and you feel really rotten.

About a year ago I was placed on Ativan to help keep the worst of my panic symptoms (muscle spasm, uncontrollable fear, migraines, panic attacks, etc.,) under control. It helps a lot. When I reduced my dose a couple of months ago I learned the withdrawal symptoms are horrible ... so I'm sorta stuck taking it for now. My doctor suggested I start taking yoga during the summer to help with my POTS, panic and fear spells. I feel calm and peaceful after doing yoga, and stronger physically. Interestingly yoga has helped with my mobility (I use a cane or walker) and I'm getting around better these days (without pain). I've been reading a lot about the use of Neurofeedback to treat PTSD and Fibromyalgia (two things I'm also dealing with). I also read how various drug rehabilitation centers are using it to help people get off various drugs and medications. So I decided to try Neurofeedback to see if my brain can be retrained. The first couple of treatments were amazing. My panic symptoms and migraines stoped, vision improved and I felt better. The only negative thing was, that I've become hypoglycemic again. (It's been years since I struggled with low blood sugar) During my last treatment my panic returned. I'm told this and other negative symptoms sometimes occur, but go away during treatment. Both my yoga and neurofeedback treatments are on hold until the first of next month. (I guess a lot of things stop during the holidays) Neurofeedback treatments resume on the 3rd (next monday) and I'll be resuming yoga as soon as I can. Hopefully the combination will help reduce my dysautonoma symptoms. I was curious how Dysautonomia affects other group members, and what they do to cope. Also, I was wondering if stress triggers and/or worsens your symptoms?