katcanny Posted January 10, 2017 Report Share Posted January 10, 2017 Hi to all, I have finally got my first appointment with a specialist at a hypertension clinic in about a month! Anyone have experience with a hypertension clinic? I get very nervous when I don't know what to expect! Would love any feedback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macca Posted January 10, 2017 Report Share Posted January 10, 2017 Hi Katcanny The clinic at the Austin Hospital is really a blood pressure clinic - i.e. they treat POTS, hypotension and hypertension. Prof Chris O'Callagan runs the clinic and his main interest is POTS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katcanny Posted January 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 Thanks Macca, did you go there? I don't know what to expect I just need to get something to stop feeling like this and start on the road to recovery! I start work the week before my appointment. How long does testing usually take to be put on some form of medication? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macca Posted January 11, 2017 Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 Hi Katcanny - yes I did go to the Austin Blood Pressure Clinic, they were my treating clinic for a few years when I lived in Melbourne. When you arrive they normally do a basic lying standing blood pressure test and then you meet with Chris or one of the Registrar doctors working with him. The doctor will discuss any further testing required and treatment options. I gather from your previous posts that you are on Florinef already so my guess is they will look at whether you need another medication to supplement that - e.g. Midodrine. Unfortunately there are no quick solutions to feeling better with POTS and it's often a case of a slow recovery and managing symptoms as much as possible with meds, fluids, salt, exercise etc. If you are struggling to return to work, aside from Centrelink support, you can check with your superannuation fund whether you have default income protection insurance that will make payments while you're too ill to work. The insurance would typically pay 75% of your normal salary. Best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katcanny Posted January 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 Thank you so very much that was so informative, I am trying to be the perfect patient I take florinef, eat small regular meals, drink 3 litres of water per day, have upped my salt, wear compression stockings even in 30 degree heat and try and be upright for as long as I can each and every day.. I'm hoping they can give me something to help me I have a 10 year old son and watching him not being able to do the things we use especially since it's the school holidays is killing me! I feel like the worst mum in the world at the moment I hate being like this it's not fair on him! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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