As we all know today marks the first day of October for 2019, but what you may not know is October 1st begins Dysautonomia Awareness Month. For the simplest of definitions, Dysautonomia is any dysfunction within a persons autonomic nervous system. This can come in 15 different forms and an array of symptoms. The most common symptoms can include dizziness, inability to stay upright, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, low blood pressure, poor circulation, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, tunnel vision, fainting, weakness, migraines, tremors, brain fog, and insomnia. With such a lengthy list you might wonder how these can be so prevalent yet not much can be done. The biggest reason for that is simply the lack of education on these conditions. At a time with so many advancements in medical technology, an uneducated (in Dysautonomia) physician should not have to be a worry; yet this is not the case. The average time it takes for a person to be properly diagnosed with Dysautonomia is 6 years and having seen about 9 specialist. This is not even counting the years one can spend trying to figure out what treatments work best for that individual. Many have even noted Dysautonomia to be the most common condition you've never heard of. In fact, more than 70 million people worldwide have been diagnosed. That's more than those with well known conditions like MS. With so many people affected another question is why do more people not know about it? The answer to that lies directly in its category. Dysautonomia, along with its forms and other related syndromes, are labeled as 'invisible illnesses' which says that symptoms lie within the body and cannot be seen by the naked eye. With that said some symptoms are even hard to detect by certain test. The saddening reality is most symptoms are overlooked by doctors or attributed to something else. Many get told "it's all in your head" or "you're just doing this for attention" and all that does is prolong a diagnosis even more.
So why am I even saying all of this? My whole motive behind Turning October Turquoise is to shine a light on Dysautonomia. Turquoise is the awareness color for Dysautonomia and I can often be seen with something of said color on and that makes such a great conversation starter! When we think about the month of October I know a million things pop into mind but if this could add the thought of Dysautonomia and those who suffer each and every day I will have fulfilled my deepest wish. The more people who can learn not only about the existence of invisible illnesses but a little something about them as well could make a huge difference. At this time there still is no cure or even a sight of one in the near future, but all we want is a hope for a better tomorrow. One that will bring more "good" days and treatment plans that work for each patient. The only way to see this become a possibility is to get the word out and share our stories. You can never estimate the imprint you will have on someone and I just pray to help one single person find the resources they need. So along with so many other things going on this month I am choosing to shine a light on Dysautonomia and Turn October Turquoise!! Will you?
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