Autonomic neuropathy testing

[Don]

This is kind of an odd question that may only be answered by a few people. Here goes...

I am diagnosed with an autonomic polyneuropathy. I have to have tests done soon at a local hospital that specializes in rare disorders. One of the tests is a tilt table, another is the sweat test, and another but I forget the name. I know for the tilt table it's a simple exam and I can leave my clothes on. But for the sweat tests, I believe I have to take off all my clothes. Question is: Am I allowed to wear a diaper during this exam? It is supposed to last an hour. I don't want to have an accident on their table.

[RetiredRN]

When you go in for the tests and if you are told to remove all clothing, tell the nurse that you are incontinent. Then ask if you can keep your diaper on. She/He will let you know what to do. This lets the staff be aware of your condition, they may let you keep your diaper on.

Do not be embarrassed about wearing a diaper. Nurses and doctors deal with incontinent people all the time.

[Don]

The tests are sudomotor/QSART, TTT, and valsalva tests. They are an autonomic function lab. I would guess they see a LOT of people wearing diapers. Bladder and bowel incontinence is a side effect of the disorder. I'm not alone.

[roadracer]

I have had three TTT, qsart... all the autonomic testing.

The big test is the TTT, and how extensive this test, and type, depends on the doctor and hospital.

A cardiac tilt, they will likely have you change into a hospital gown, and give you a IV. You will be hooked up to all the monitors. They will try there best to make you faint, so be prepared for that. They may also have you hooked up to a defibrillator, and that requires them to shave your chest.

The neuro tilts tend to be less extensive, it just depends on the hospital.

The qsart is a simple test that consists of electrodes placed on leg and arm. It can be painful, but usually only last a few minutes. The initial shock was the worst part for me.

The other tests are relatively easy. You will likely need a ride home, and if you faint, you will likely need a day to recover.

Wearing a diaper is the last thing to worry about. Since it is at a autonomic lab, I would expect the nurses and doctors to be highly experienced. Anyone being seen at a autonomic lab is likely to have a complex set of issues, and probably more likely to be incontinent because of that.

[roadracer]

Also want to add, all of the tests are rather complex. They might seem simple at first, but the results are very hard to interpret. Very few doctors have the expertise to do the tests properly. It is why few hospitals have autonomic labs.

[Don]

Hi Roadracer. I am being seen at the Mayo Clinic in FL. It is the closest facility in this region that does this kind of testing. I figured diapers are very common for patients with these issues.

[B Brian]

Hi Roadracer. I am being seen at the Mayo Clinic in FL. It is the closest facility in this region that does this kind of testing. I figured diapers are very common for patients with these issues.

Would that be the one in the Jacksonville beaches? That's where I've been going for my incontinence issues and sphincterotomy surgeries. They have a top notch facility, and it seems all of their doctors and specialists there all know what they're doing (and do it with great bed side manner).

[Don]

Yes. There is one there and another in Rochester. Those are the two autonomic function labs for Mayo.

[B Brian]

Small world. You'll be in good hands though.