So we dysautonomiacs need a symbol.

I'm very talismanic and I had sort of been playing with the idea that once I truly got diagnosed and felt like I was on my way to "owning" this stupid problem (which turned out to by dysautonomia), I would get a tattoo in celebration. Something hidden but with a design that to me would signify that I now control my illness rather than the other way around.

Of course, now that I now my original autonomic issue was caused by an autoimmune reaction, I probably should stay away from anything where the body goes into fight or flight (and it really does with a tattoo, lemme tell ya). And risk of infection, blah blah. Dammit.

So, now I'll probably get some jewelry or something.

But we need a symbol! Some kind of totem or talisman that identifies us (at least to ourselves), gives us strength, and reminds us that the body may misbehave but that we are in charge.

Thoughts?

I doubt this is what youre looking for but I thought of getting a tattoo to represent my body and I thought a collapsed skeleton was perfect.

i have a friend who carves tikis and totems and anything else you can imagine. he is a brilliant artist. i will talk to him about it and see what he can come up with. i will pass it along for all to agree on (that wish to).

hope i can help with this one.

Hey cool! I can't wait to see!

Maybe if we all agreed on a certain icon that we all feel represents that. It's a little hard I guess. But I can't wait to see it. If we do come up with one I say we all get one and take pictures and post them on the site as a representation of unity and strength.

What about two puzzle pieces interlocking? Or, they could be lined up to interlock - OR two puzzle pieces that will ultimately fit together but are not together yet (are you getting what I'm seeing or am I not explaining it right). I dunno - just a thought.....

Hey wow I didn't see the last couple postings here -- I like the puzzle piece idea!

So, I had a brain flash (or at least what I consider one!).

What about the belladonna flower (member of the nightshade family). Yes, yes, it's a poison and all this, but consider the following:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna

quote:

Atropine, derived from belladonna, reverses the effects of poisoning by organophosphate nerve agents used for chemical warfare.[17] The alkaloid l-atropine was purified from belladona in the 1830s. This was an important development that enabled studies of the autonomic nervous system leading to the recognition of the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.[11][QUOTE]

Get that!! It has to do with acetylcholine, the autonomic nervous system, and it's a neurological agent. Like many things, it can be a help or a poison. Sort of like how dys is a mixed blessing for us!!

I submit this one for consideration!!

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightshade

Pictures of the belladonna flower and plant:
http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rls=com.micr...tart=18&sa=N&ndsp=18

Is this it? I took the pic on a hike cuz I thought it was pretty. What a coincidence I like it.

I was thinking the same thing yesterday as I googled "dysautonomia t-shirt." I never imagined that I would end up wanting to wear a "cause" t-shirt, but, I'm so tired of people not knowing what the heck is wrong with me...and whether or not it is legit, I actually got my credit card out and starting searching the net. (Because everyone knows that having a t-shirt legitimizes an issue

Anyway...the puzzle idea is already out there...not exactly as described, but have a look here:

http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/item/womens-cap-sleeve-tshirt/174895171

I think there may even have been a similar one with two puzzle pieces touching, but not together...can't find it right off, though.

I think this is a good idea... Maybe everyone who is interested should submit a concept and
the forum could vote. We'd need a time frame...a little organization, etc. I nominate someone else

sheri

That tee is from that myspace group

That's a pretty cool t-shirt! Yeah, the puzzle piece is definitely a good symbol. We need one that's like 5 puzzle pieces that could fit together any of 12 ways.

WickedChrissy, can't see your pic but want to!!

Hey I still pay for a full-service CafePress shop (I just remembered this!). If we come up with a symbol and/or some artwork, I will publish it as a shirt, mug, mousepad, whatever for us and we can all buy it at cost!!

Hey everyone - I'm glad you all like the puzzle pieces idea (see, my brain still does work sometimes!) I really like the idea of at least two or more pieces (three might work good) trying to fit together. That other shirt is a cool shirt - funny how they used a puzzle piece as well.

www.potsplace.com sells an awareness tee-shirt. It doesn't have a symbol per se but has a description of what dysautonomia is.

Here's the pic I hope it works.

If it doesn't come up do right click on it and then view picture.


http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30227176&l=60184&id=139801015

hope this works