#ansar test

This is a huge step in the right direction.

Source: http://juliaatkinson.mysharebar.com/view?iframe=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tlcdiagnostics.com%2Fpatients%2Ftests-and-procedures%2Fansar-testing%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dpostplanner%26utm_source%3Dfacebook.com&title=ANSAR+Testing+%7C+TLC+Diagnostics&description=Click+to+add+Description

These were some of my results from the ANSAR test. I was monitored while sitting and deep breathing and then standing. I'm not going to pretend that I know how to read these or what they mean exactly but my doctor went over them with me and I understood her explanation of what she read on these results. You can see on the top picture where readings are out of the normal range for me. This lets the doctor know more about what is causing certain symptoms and can better start to try a treatment plan. I don't mind sharing my results because I really want people to understand how important this test can be if you are still struggling with several symptoms and have had a tilt table or even if you haven't. It was a fluke that I found this nurse and this test. She told me that a tilt table test gives a yes or no answer. My answer was yes, I will faint if I stand for more than about 15 minutes without medication helping me. The ANSAR test looks at the why. I'm not a doctor and I don't even have a full understanding of everything this test can read for you, but it's a huge important step in the right direction. The catch is, because it's still new, it's a rare test and most doctors either dont know about it yet or dont care to learn. I just met this nurse last week but I plan on asking how we can maybe help those who don't have access to this test near them. I would suggest for now if you don't have a location near you that can do this test, i would ask your doctors to look into this test and autonomic dysfunction. At the very least, hopefully they will want to educate themselves and maybe eventually get the testing equipment for their office. Keep spreading the word and look up information for yourself.

Ask your doctor about it. 

source: http://www.drbuckeye.com/dr-ns-approach

Came across this list of doctors that seem to treat Dysautonomia and other things as well. Not sure how up to date this list is but I thought it would be a good place to start. 

I don't want to jinx anything but I was able to shower and clean the kitchen, take the garbage out and cook a quick easy meal. I felt tired but not exhausted. I was able to do each task without thinking about my breathing or heart rate. Of course I went overboard because I'm used to taking advantage of higher energy days. I had a small crash after my shower and felt it in my muscles. But not as much in my chest like I would normally feel. I go back on Mestinon tomorrow to try to help my muscles do what they're supposed to do I guess. Fingers crossed I don't get side effects again with this one. So far no noticeable side effects from Northera, knock on wood.

I start Northera medication tomorrow. It's meant to treat NOH which was one of the things written on my ANSAR test results. (Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension). I'm getting the drug free of charge delivered to my door. I spoke with someone from the Northera manufacturer. Because I had this test that showed NOH and was prescribed Northera, they called me to set up a shipment time. She explained how my insurance denied to cover anything and they would start the appeal process. We didn't have to do anything and the medication is always free to me even if my insurance still won't cover this medication. I made sure. I made her say to me in simple terms that I would never have to pay anything, because the concept is so alien. We did get a letter from my insurance stating that they denied covering Northera because I don't have NOH from a specific list of illnesses they listed. So apparently now you have to have the right kind of illness for insurance companies to step up and do what they are supposed to do. Also we have a $2000 deductible which means until we spend $2000 of our own money towards my medical expenses, they still won't cover much of anything. Phew. I'm going to bed because I start 3 a day Northera tomorrow and I'm not supposed to lay down after taking it because it causes high blood pressure when laying down. So I have to start early in the day so I can make sure my 3rd dose is at least 3 hours before bedtime. Sigh Also had to buy a home blood pressure monitor to make sure Northera doesn't raise my BP too high. (I'm exhausted).