Birmingham Appointment Update

[derekliz]

I wanted to give you an update about my trip to The MVP/Dysautonomia Center in Birmingham on Tuesday the 13th of September.

They performed an echocardiogram which showed mild MVP. The TILT Table test was also done and showed orthostatic hypotension.

Once I get the report, I will post more detailed information if anyone wants it.

Dr. Phillips was extremely thorough, understanding and reassuring. She kept me on Metoprolol for the palpitations (prescribed by my cardiologist), added Klonopin ½ of a .5mg pill in the evening for sleep. The medication will help me to enter the REM stage of sleep. And Lexapro ½ of a 10mg pill which I will be starting tomorrow.

I have to return for a follow-up visit on November 4th then have follow up visits thereafter.

I was very impressed with the testing and care that I received at that facility.

Dr. Phillips felt that the fatigue, brain fog, lack of concentration were related to the POTS diagnosis and feels that will the correct medication, I should be able to lead a normal life. Adjustments may have to be made to the medication types/dosage. Time will tell

[corina]

glad to hear your appointment went well derekliz!

[misstraci]

yay, I'm so excited to hear about your trip! I'm happy that it went well and that the doctors were nice and thourough. Good luck with the medications, hopefully they help you to feel much better.

[redoctober]

Couple of notes...I visited the MVP center as well...and consulted with Dr. Watkins (founder):

• Did Dr. Phillips mention anything about cardiovascular exercise and caffeine?
  
• Did your echo show regurgitation as well as MVP?
  
• Did you get an official diagnosis?
  

Likewise...I was very pleased with my visit, although they do focus primarily on the cardio-aspects of dysautonomia. Nonetheless...Dr. Watkins was the first MD that I've seen that didn't think I was crazy and explained everything in a way that made sense.

[derekliz]

•Did Dr. Phillips mention anything about cardiovascular exercise and caffeine? Yes, No Caffeine and I should start out exercising very slowly

•Did your echo show regurgitation as well as MVP? That I do not know, Hopefully the report will have the answer to that question. If not, I will definately ask when I go back Nov. 4th. All she said was MILD MVP

•Did you get an official diagnosis? She said HYPERPOTS but after I got home and did some reading, I am alittle confused as to why I have that as my dx. I thought you had to have very high levels of Norepinephrine. I have not had that test done so I am going to ask Dr. Phillips about that.

I still have so much to learn. The klonodine is helping me sleep wonderfully!! I already feel so much better. Started on the Lexapro this morning and so far so good. My BP and HR have been perfect all day...especially when standing. HR was 78!!