Two biochemical systems that never synced

I lived with an individual who had periodic vasovagal  syncope.  She also had Addison’s Disease.  She may have had some moderate behavioral disorders.  

I had my own variability, primarily around trauma.  Also a mix of chemicals…wine, edibles, coke.  What did it all mean? 

We were both PatSD much of the time I suspect. I certainly was and my ex had anxiety that most likely should have been treated.  

A vasovagal response (also known as a vasovagal syncope when fainting is involved) occurs when the body overreacts to triggers, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This causes reduced blood flow to the brain.

What Happens in the Body?

1. Trigger occurs → Activates the vagus nerve, part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

2. Heart rate slows down → Causes a decrease in cardiac output.

3. Blood pressure drops → Leads to reduced blood flow to the brain.

4. Fainting (syncope) may occur as the body attempts to restore normal blood flow by forcing you into a horizontal position.

Addison’s Disease, meanwhile, disables the endocrine system that allows healthy humans to distinguish friend from foe. Without accurate determinations the body triggers production of contrarian compounds such as cortisol—and impedes the production of adrenaline. After endless incorrect triggers the body generates chemicals to put you to sleep. To make you drop where you are.  To stop running from mistaken enemies before you starve to death.  

To pause perhaps to see that no one has been chasing you all along, and that those you blamed had run in the opposite direction, also from shame—and fear of you. 

What a biochemical cocktail this poor woman endured. And what a mess I became in this environment.  A gaslighter’s paradise.  Nothing was ever true.  I tried to hide behind drugs and fantasy which threw her into the deeper pools of betrayal and hate. 

No wonder she more or less missed menopause. No wonder she was ADHD during sex. No wonder she couldn’t stay awake past 10.  No wonder every intoxicant gave her headaches. 

Her body and brain were running in terror from her closest allies, she was nearing exhaustion (both vasovagal and Addison’s try to force you to the ground, as noted), and she began to run out of others to blame for her confusion and fear. 

A dominatrix would look like an enlightened lover in this situation. 

A charging grizzly would look like a teacher. 

The verses of songs would be indistinguishable. The tunes would sound like gas leaks. 

I’m fortunate I’m still alive. That was a lot of pain. Many people where hurt by this toxic mix, but no one as badly as me.