Dealing with "AD" (Autonomic Dysreflexia)

Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome in which your blood pressure suddenly shoots up. This is a medical emergency that needs to be dealt with immediately. It usually happens to people who get a spinal cord injury at T6 or higher.

Symptoms of Autonomic Dysreflexia include severe headache, profuse sweating, flushing of the skin, chills, and nausea. When there's a painful stimulus below the level of injury, like a distended bladder or bowel, pressure sore, or other source of pain, it's more likely to happen. It's more common in spinal cord injuries that involve the thoracic nerves (T6 or higher).

In my position as a quadriplegic, I have to deal with many things, like bowel care, making sure my urine bag is always empty, and communicating with my caregivers because my injury affects my hands. Due to my injury, I have the most anxiety in my life, and I am reliant on my caregivers for almost everything, so I always handle every situation with care.

It is important to note that autonomic dysreflexia has a number of symptoms. The most common symptom is flushing or pounding headaches. However, other symptoms can include:

1. Heavy sweating

2. Anxiety

3. Slow heart rate

4. Blurry vision

5. Dilated pupils

6. Goosebumps on the lower body

7. Trouble breathing

8. Stuffy nose

The start of AD for me is when I feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing up, indicating it's time to look for an answer to the question "What's wrong". I feel it in my veins, my heart rate quickens, and my body tenses up as I try to make sense of the situation. It's like I can feel something in the air, something out of the ordinary. It's almost as if I can feel something about to happen.

Every time I have gotten AD it has been centered around my bowels or bladder. I'm on edge, expecting the worst. I can feel my anxiety building and I take a deep breath to try and calm myself down. I try to stay positive, but it's hard when I can feel the tension in the air.

There are many ways to help with AD when it occurs Taking slow, deep breaths can help to reduce stress. Seeking help from a professional can also help. Finally, talking to someone you trust about your feelings can also be beneficial. My caregivers are my strongest supports, they are the most loving, caring, and compassionate people I need in my life.

For me, the best thing to do is to make sure I sit up and keep calm, and then try to figure out the problem. This is accomplished with my team in the following steps:

1. Check the Catheter and Urine Bag

2. Check the bowels

3. if those don't work try checking the body for punctures or pinches.

4. Last thing I would recommend if AD persists is its time to go to the hospital.

Just try to stay calm, also don't let the anxiety of AD run your life.