I was in a car accident on January 25, 2010.  I had a concussion and a back and neck injury.  None of my injuries were outwardly visible at the time of the accident.  But over time I got progressively worse as symptoms worsened and became what I call "whole body".  While I had symptoms for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia, I was told for a long time that I was anxious or depressed or that symptoms had to do with the concussion.  The big boom for recognizing POTS, I think was on December 22nd when I became unconscious after drinking alcohol at a Christmas party.  (But I had not had enough to have rendered me unconscious.)  I was referred to an amazing doctor who figured me out.  He does research on the very things I'm experiencing.  Since the car accident, I've been diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome, pinched nerves in my neck and lower back, (I'm not a doc but I suspect the neck injury that's right at my vasovagal nerve is what ignited the dysautonomia. No doc will listen to this though.) Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia and Chronic Fatigue.  I just got labs back that show I have a low IgG and I already know I have a high IgE.  My body is fighting allergy to some foods and redwood trees but not doing much to fight viruses.  Oh and refined sugar and simple carbs make me super sick!  That's nuts! I've tested positive for a handful of viruses but it isn't clear if they are current or past infections.  Since i am producing a deficit of antibodies, how will they know if I'm infected since the test for viruses is a detection of antibodies? I've lost 80 pounds in the last year and put ten back on since being on medical leave for a month. Originally gained 15 but lost 5 again.  Argh.  (I started drinking half and half and lying around...10 pounds for the WIN!) I can't wait to get back to work.  My mind is turning to GOO. I have depression and anxiety (I did get those diagnosed, as well as PTSD.)  BUT the depression and anxiety are not ongoing, it comes and goes with symptoms of POTS and I just happen to also be in the small percentage of people who gets just about every black box warning adverse side effect from medication.  Anti depressants render me incapable and suicidal.  I kid you not.  I think I can be fixed but it's going to be much like wiggling a huge awkward piece of furniture out of a very small door thats on a tight hallway turn down some stairs.  Not easy but one part at a time...and with balance. I can deal with the physical stuff, no problem,  it's keeping the good attitude and not freaking out that's key.  Unless I have energy and hope, I ain't going to make it.  This is hard work!  I have this fear that because I'm sick and not working...I'm no longer a contributing member of society and the docs will just give up on me.  Some days, I look like a hopeless mess.  I hope they keep seeing my potential so i can continue down my path to make my little corner of the world a better place.  :o)