the symptoms of Autonomic Neuropathy closely resemble the symptoms described by many who have undergone sympathectomy - a surgery where the surgeon destroys part of the ANS, a surgery that can result in a deranged functioning of the ANS. Surgeons are allowed to market ETS/ESB as an elective (life-style) procedure, often referred to as a 'cure'. Autonomic neuropathy: | |
"Cardiovascular symptoms: exercise intolerance, fatigue, sustained heart rate, syncope, dizziness, lightheadedness, balance problems | |
Gastrointestinal symptoms: dysphagia, bloating, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of bowel control | |
Genitourinary symptoms: loss of bladder control, urinary tract infection, urinary frequency or dribbling, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, anorgasmia | |
Sudomotor (sweat glands) symptoms: pruritus, dry skin, limb hair loss, calluses, reddened areas | |
Endocrine symptoms: hypoglycemic unawareness | |
Other symptoms: difficulty driving at night, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, cognitive changes" |
"Sympathectomy is a technique about which we have limited knowledge, applied to disorders about which we have little understanding." Associate Professor Robert Boas, Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australasian College of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, The Journal of Pain, Vol 1, No 4 (Winter), 2000: pp 258-260