Can SPD affect my Heart?
The answer is yes. My autonomic nervous system, which handles heart rate and stress response, may experience fluctuations in response to sensory input, both positive and negative. These incorrect readings send messages to my sympathetic nervous system, responsible for fight or flight, and trigger the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. This can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies suggest that chronic dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system due to SPD could potentially contribute to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders later in life.
Bought me a BP Cuff
Of course I did. I am extremely happy to report that my blood pressure (at least in these last 24 hours) is actually a little low. I was concerned because my heart has been feeling all wonky this past week and I felt sure my bp would be high.
First Steps
Tuesday, July 1st, I saw Dr. Sonny, DC, who prescribed chiropractic adjustments twice weekly for the next 4 to 6 weeks. He said he's going to ask around to find out what possible steps I can take next and what test I can take to measure my brain activity.
Wednesday, the 2nd, I finally visited a walking path very close to my house. It is perfect for walking in the mornings and doing eye exercises as a daily therapy. Today was day one.
Looking Back
In retrospect, I have accommodated many symptoms that should have been flags. I knew I was struggling cognitively, but I associated my struggles with PTSD; therefore, believing if I got counseling, I could change my thoughts and beliefs and the symptoms would go away. If I knew they were symptoms of concussion, I perhaps would have sought help. I thought they were mental, not physical and certainly not the effect of nerve damage.
My physical symptoms were mostly masked by vertigo. In a future post, I'm going to list my symptoms and when they started occurring.
I am feeling much better and more hopeful this week than last week. Knowledge is power, right? Finding out was hard but I'm an overcomer.
I Believe in Prayer
I believe in hard work too. I prayed for myself, that God would heal me. It occurred to me, while I was praying, to ask for all the nerves in my head to be healed. Why stop with the most recent damage? Keep going, please, and heal my ears and my eyes as well. I would love to hear perfectly with no ringing, and to see with no strain. So yes, God, I would love a complete healing. That way I will know that it is YOU and not the hard work that I'm about to put in.
In Jesus Mighty Name I pray,
Amen