Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toronto, ON

Has anyone heard of DYSAUTONOMIA?
Apparently people who have RA can develop this.

July 20, 2021
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with dysautonomia, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system that some with RA can develop, with symptoms... Read more

Members shared their experiences with dysautonomia, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system that some with RA can develop, with symptoms including vertigo, palpitations, dry eyes, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, severe nerve pain, and unpredictable energy crashes. Several members offered practical strategies that have helped them manage symptoms, including moving slowly when changing positions, using eye drops multiple times daily, taking medications like metoprolol for heart issues, following dietary changes (especially avoiding caffeine), getting plenty of rest, and seeing a neurologist or cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. A recurring theme was frustration with RA as a condition that can trigger or overlap with other complex diagnoses like dysautonomia and fibromyalgia, yet members remained supportive and prayerful for one another.

A myRAteam Member

Yes, I'm dealing with that now. I'm seeing a heart dr. Due to rapid heart beats. And was diagnosed with dysautonomia. Changing your diet really helps, just follow the eating regimen as stated with this problem. And get plenty rest when you can. I had several test done. Dr. Explained it like pressing and stopping on the gas. Your body excelerates and go into a sudden stopping on brakes. That was a great analysis. Because one minute your going the next min. you barely have any energy to do anything. Avoid caffeine also.

July 27, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I have fibromyalgia and dysautonomia is a form of it. It’s a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. I don’t have all those symptoms of Dysautonomia but it’s in the same family. I was told that not everyone that has RA gets that. There are just a lot of people who have RA who get fibromyalgia.

But seeing a neurologist like I do is the Doctors who handle that. But you need to see a neurologist. I have bad sweating, severe nerve pain in my legs on top of thighs and along down the sides of my legs to the point on some days I have to sit down and not walk any further. I have dry eyes all the time so eye drops called Refresh Relieva or sustain a few times a day.

July 21, 2021 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

"Dysautonomia: Symptoms, Causes, Types, & How to Live With" https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/...

July 23, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Have not heard of this. However, I was told that dizziness can be caused by getting up to quickly, bending over then getting up to quick, and going from laying down to standing to quickly. Told to slow down when doing these things. When getting up from a laying position I sit up first for about 2-3 minutes. When bending over, I stand up very slowly instead of doing it rapidly, seems to work for me.

July 21, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I do have some symptoms of dysautonomia: I have occasional vertigo, I developed palpitations, sometimes premature ventricular contractions. I have very dry eyes, I developed floaters. My doctors told it’s because of my RA.
If I don’t take my meds as scheduled, I can have chest pain and short of breath but relieved when I am walking leisurely.
My palpitations was relieved by metoprolol. I use eye drops 3-5 times a day to lubricate my eyes.
My vertigo and dizziness. I don’t know how to treat it. I just work to keep my mind busy and forget about RA.

July 20, 2021

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Keller, TX

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Tulsa, OK

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Philadelphia, PA