Dysautonomia--Learning to live life with the new me #happymoments

Dysautonomia
is a term used to describe a break down in the Autonomic Nervous System. The Autonomic Nervous System controls the "automatic" functions of the body that we do not consciously think about, such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, dilation and constriction of the pupils of the eye, kidney function, and temperature control. People living with various forms of dysautonomia have trouble regulating these systems, which can result in lightheadedness, fainting, unstable blood pressure, abnormal heart rates, malnutrition, and in severe cases, death. 

The conversation

"So, Louann. You have a condition that cannot be cured, but we can try to manage it." 

At that point, I shut him off. The one thing I didn't need was another problem. I was required to keep track of one weeks worth of blood pressure and heart rate three times a day. I did and it was obvious whatever I had, was a problem. But I still didn't want to talk about it. 

Orthostatic Hypotension

Fancy words for: When I stand up I feel like I'm going to die. 

"What about postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?"

"This is different." 

Ugh!

New medications

I get one medication to slow down the heart and another medication to up the blood pressure. These two medications are literally fighting each other to bring back stasis. My blood pressure is still all over the place as is my heart rate, but at a much lower rate which means more symptoms.  However, when I'm laying down I can rule the world. 

The good things in life

 Yesterday I attended my grandson Dylan's play at his grammar school. The kid was so excited! He wanted the whole family there and we were. Here are some things I loved about yesterday: 

1. Only in Penn Valley can the grammar school stage have bull horns gracing the top of the stage. They were big ones too! I can't imagine the size of the creature.

2. All the kids were comfortable being on stage. This amazes me about where I live. Kids are taught to accept themselves and by accepting themselves, they learn to accept everyone. A revolutionary concept. I've seen it talked about, hoped about, bragged about, but seeing in it motion is a delightful experience. It gives me hope for the world. 

3. Parent's were totally into the costume concept. The kids were adorable. 

4. The teacher put herself into the play and into the kids and it showed.

​After the play was over we walked out into the setting sun, surrounded by neighbors and friends. The gkids were running around, the parents were smiling, and the weather was perfect. All of a sudden I had a happy moment. I haven't had one in a long time and there are only a few people on Earth who know what I'm talking about. It was a glorious perfect moment of happiness that will stay with me for the rest of my life--just like the other ones I have had.

I call these snapshots of life at a perfect moment in time. 

​Small gifts from God.

​Namaste