Worsening/new Pots Symptoms After The Flu (Influenza A)

[momof3]

Hi! I have been suffering from POTS for 9 years now, but was managing my symptoms quite well for the last year and feeling OK and able to do more than I used to. I recently had the flu (type A) 5 weeks ago. Ever since I have felt horrible and have had a worsening of symptoms, plus new symptoms like muscle aches/pain, headaches, neck pain and shoulder pain. Has anybody else had this problem? Is there anything I can do about it? How long does this exacerbation last? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Chaos]

I don't think I've ever had the flu, but I do know that every time I've had any kind of virus since I developed POTS my POTS symptoms have gotten much worse during and after the illness. Usually the symptom exacerbation has lasted anywhere from weeks to months afterwards. Last year I had pneumonia and it was a good 3 months before i started coming out of the nasty POTS flare it caused.

When I've been sick I find that I sometimes fall behind on doing the basic things that are helpful like maintaining fluids, salt, some activity etc., so I try to make sure I'm still doing those as I can. I also use advil or aleve and gentle stretching etc for pain. Recently my doc had me add magnesium and turmeric for pain which seems to have helped also. I have a doc who has prescribed IV saline for me to use when I need it as well and flares like this would be one of those times when it's helpful. Don't know if any of those are options for you?

This past year I started seeing a (specialized) immunologist who has found several defects in my immune system and that I carry high viral loads. He's had me on antivirals for about 9 months now. When I had a cold several weeks ago, my POTS symptoms were worsened but once the cold went away, I was at least back to my baseline which was encouraging. The other thing he put me on was LDN which is supposed to have some benefits for your immune system as well as helping with pain.

The LDN is available thru compounding pharmacies if you can find a doc to prescribe it. Obviously seeing an immunologist etc takes longer and doesn't provide you with short term help now.

Hope you feel better soon.

[momof3]

Thank you so much for responding. An immunologist is a Doctor I haven't actually seen yet, so I think I will talk with my family DR. about that. I'm glad to hear that I may get back to my baseline, and that it shouldn't take years. I'm not sure what LDN is, but I will look it up. Thanks so much again.

[Chaos]

Low Dose Naltrexone. There are threads on here about it as well as a lot on-line. Not a lot of "general" MDs are familiar with it, but some are. Integrative MDs, and docs who specialize in areas like fibromyalgia, ME/CFS etc prescribe it frequently.

Best wishes!

[looneymom]

Hi and welcome to the forum. My son has POTS and had the flu last year. He had an old symptom reappear after having the flu. This symptom is still affecting him and has not gone away. So I hope this does not happen to you. Like Choas said, try to keep up your fluids, salt, and get back to any exerise program that was helping you to function. This last year it was discovered that my son has some type of immune issue that is more than likely causing his POTS. So seeing an immunologist may be a help if you cannot seem to get back to your orginal baseline.

Rachel

[momof3]

Thanks so much for the input.. I am so sorry your son has to deal with this nightmare. I too hope that my new symptom (pain)does not stick around. I have 3 kids to take care of and my old symptoms are quite honestly enough to deal with. Best wishes to you and to your son.