It was about seven years ago that I was diagnosed with the blanket term, autonomic neuropathy. My breathing was labored and irregular as if I was forgetting to inhale, and my heart rate was skipping beats leaving me feeling as if my heart had stopped. The associated nausea, fatigue and weakness was a constant companion for the better part of three months as the cardiologist and I attempted to discover what had me feeling this way.

After countless tests came back normal, I did a little research and presented this term to my doctor. Mayo clinic defines autonomic neuropathy as:

Autonomic neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the nerves that control automatic body functions. It can affect blood pressure, temperature control, digestion, bladder function and even sexual function.

The nerve damage affects the messages sent between the brain and other organs and areas of the autonomic nervous system. These areas include the heart, blood vessels and sweat glands.

Diabetes is the most common cause of autonomic neuropathy.

My doctor agreed and recommended rest, as did the cardiologist. It appears that my symptoms were brought on by too much stress. Although my stress levels felt manageable at the time, I had been taking on more and more responsibilities. As was often the case, my physical health suffering was what it would take for me to realize my limitations.

My symptoms resolved after rest and reducing my volunteering commitments. Occasionally I would feel that skipped beat, but it was rare as I learned to pace myself and try to pay better attention to the cues my body was giving me.

Alost three months ago I underwent an elective surgery that required rest and one week off of work. At the one-week post-op appointment my stitches were removed, and I was cleared to return to work. The next day I went to the gym, careful to stick to the weightlifting restrictions but otherwise completing a thoroughly exhausting workout. For the next three days I exercised and returned to work, noticing first, I was exhausted, and secondly, my heart was beginning to beat slightly erratically.

On day three the irregularity became almost constant. I felt pressure in my chest, and I was struggling to breath regularly. It took all my concentration to breath slow, regular, deep breaths and I became very concerned. My husband took me to the ER where they conducted an EKG and took a chest x-ray to rule out a pulmonary embolism. Although my EKG revealed the irregular heartbeat, I was informed it was not an emergency. I left the ER determined to rest in order to allow my body more time to heal. The autonomic neuropathy seemed to be exacerbated by the physical stress of my procedure.

At the recommendation of a dear friend, I added a magnesium supplement to my regimen of vitamins. The day after I began taking them, my heart ceased skipping beats.

I have now resumed my fitness routine and am feeling quite well. My chest pressure and heart irregularity has only occurred once in the last month, and it resolved within an hour. I now know without a doubt, my autonomic neuropathy symptoms are brought on by physical and emotional stressors. Day by day I am learning more about my own body; how to care for it, and how to appreciate it.