jbrian00 Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 Hello,I have an appt on monday with a new PCP. I have no idea how much he knows or doesn't know about POTS, so assuming he knows nothing (like the last one I've been to), what types of things should I ask him about, based on your experiences with docs who don't know about POTS. Specifically, what tests do you think I should ask him about. I've had a TTT from my last PCP, but there may be things I wouldn't know to ask about. Tests for sodium/blood volume/electrolytes? Catecholamine tests? You know that sort of thing to help determine a more accurate attempt at diagnosis or treatment. I hope he doesn't question me as to why I think I may need some tests, as I might not be able to give a good reason :SWhat materials have you found helpful in giving to your PCP who doesn't know about POTS?I just need some advice to make my first 1 hour visit as productive as it can be.Thank you all,James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tearose Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 My goodness James, you have lots of good questions! I guess after so many years of dealing with POTS, I have become less enthusiastic about going to a new doctor. I will try to give you some information from my experience.Write down all your questions and concerns and ask away. See how the PCP responds.I think the most important doctor on your "team" should be your PCP. Find a really good doctor locally who will be honest and open and work with you to keep you well. Make sure you can speak from your heart and mind about your health and well being and feel like your PCP is listening and understanding. If he/she doesn't know much about POTS then learn together. My PCP sends me out to specialists when he can't help me. The ANS testing center where I was sent did all the testing and diagnosing. I don't know your history but if your doctor suspects autonomic dysfunction then he/she will tell you their plan for you. You should feel comfortable asking questions and if you feel you know something about your body that needs addressing, you must speak up!Start out with a goal of excellent communication and if this PCP does not make the cut then move on. good luck,tearose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 Hi,I think you already know which questions are relevant to ask him. Just go ahead with the appointment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrian00 Posted July 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 Yeah I have a lot of questions. Being new, I want to learn as much as possible because the more we know and understand, the better we can address the symptoms that are giving us problems. That is why this discussion forum is so great. Newcomers can learn from members who have been battling symptoms for years and benefit from their experiences. I appreciate all your knowledge and advice.James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat57 Posted July 7, 2008 Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 I think you should ask him what you just asked us. What do I need to know about POTS and what can we do for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbrian00 Posted July 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2008 I think you should ask him what you just asked us. What do I need to know about POTS and what can we do for it?Hehe that would work if my PCP has happened to have knowledge about POTS. I don't know whether he does or not. From my experience...I don't know about yours...that PCP family practicianers haven't even heard of it, although my last doc at least asked if that was a form of dysautonomia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted July 8, 2008 Report Share Posted July 8, 2008 Hi James,This is the article I usually give to a new pcp who doesn't know about POTS.The Postural Tachycardia Syndrome:A Concise Guide to Diagnosis and ManagementThis one is good as well. General Information Brochure on Orthostatic Intolerance and Its TreatmentTake your time in learning about POTS. You don't have to learn everything in the first few months. Just give it time.Testing and medication trials take a while. You don't need every test or med right away. Depending on the severity of your POTS or specific symptoms, you might not need many tests at all. You've already been diagnosed with POTS. If there isn't any indication that you have something else going on, you might not need any tests at this time. I'd recommend just asking about one or two tests (only if they are needed), and one or two medications. You don't want to overwhelm yourself or your PCP. If you need some blood work or a test of some sort, get that scheduled. You could also try a medication for a few weeks to see if/how it helps. Then have a follow-up appointment a month after this appointment. The test results and medication results will give directions with how to procede.I hope you find the help you need.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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