Er Again, School Woes, Etc.

[Faintinggoat]

There are a lot of people that seem to be having issues right now, and it seems I am to be added to that list. I was doing remarkably well with the propranolol, but I started classes 3 weeks ago, and have one on campus. That in combination with having had bronchitis and being on prednisone seems to have triggered a POTS attack. Yesterday it was bad enough for me to go to the doctors. On the way home, I fainted in the pharmacy picking up the meds my doctor had just prescribed for me. I of course ended up at the ER because of it. I was taken in ambulance by one of my former co-workers which was mortifying. I felt better with the saline, but my blood pressure had dropped from 120/80 at doctors office to 100/40 at ER (I guess we know why I fainted at the pharmacy). My doctor added a fourth dose of Propranolol to my regimen, gave me meclizine for the dizziness (which doesn't really help) and is considering Florinef. I've considered asking about IV saline, but honestly, I hate asking about specific treatments/therapies because shes the doctor and I don't want her to think I'm some crazy person who just wants attention (I don't want that to sound offensive, that's just where my brain goes). I think this has been posted about in the past, but anyone how has had IV saline therapy have any input in that particular area? Anyway, I know that there is one other who has posted to the forums about it getting in the way of school, and it seems that may be happening for me as well. I am not at all worried about my online courses, but am quite worried about my on campus course. I am considering dropping it, but that will mess things up a lot when it comes to aid and whatnot. I know that health comes first, but its just a lot to deal with.

Anyway, I will go for now. Thanks for reading

fainting goat.

[IceLizard]

Hello Faintinggoat,

Prednisone can cause tachycardia and dizziness (listed as common side effects). I usually try to avoid all steroids because they make me feel worse (Except Florinef). IV saline can help, but you would have to make regular visits to your doctor's office to get infusions. Before trying that, doctors often prescribe Florinef because it increases blood volume by helping you retain salt and water. Since the Florinef increases my heart rate, I am also on a beta blocker to bring that down.

Do you have accommodations for the class on campus? When I was an undergraduate, I had an accommodations letter explaining that I may miss classes and should be allowed to make up assignments. The other option you could go with is an incomplete, so you can finish your class on your own time later.

Best wishes,

IceLizard

[Faintinggoat]

I have persistent asthma, so sometimes I don't have much choice in the matter of prednisone. I haven't had any adverse reactions to it until the most recent time.

I do have accommodations on campus but the extent to which I am missing lately isn't really compatible with keeping up. I have contacted some people in the student affairs to see if they suggest anything. An incomplete is an option, but it has the exact same impact at my university on financial aid as dropping the course.

Thanks for your input, IceLizard. I'm just really frustrated atm.

Fainting Goat

[IceLizard]

My doctor wrote me a medical exemption so that if I fell below full-time student status in hours, I would not lose my financial aid. I was able to keep my state TOPS scholarship while being only part-time. This worked here in Louisiana; you might inquire if there is something similar you can do.

Best,

IceLizard

[Faintinggoat]

Thanks IceLizard. Its been one heck of a process. Deferring (finishing the course later than anticipated) wont work. My professor said that because the course is seminar based, without the benefit of the lectures that it would be difficult for me to get what I needed from the course. I am currently working on getting the class I cannot attend dropped, however, I am out of late drop credits, which I need to drop courses after the first week and a half of classes. I am working on getting some reinstated to drop this course. I also contacted someone about adding a different course (even though its 3 weeks into the semester) that is taught online. If that doesn't work I'll give the financial aid department a call and see if there is any way I can get an exemption if I drop status. This is all just very stressful. I talked to my disability specialist, who sent me to a faculty senate member, who forwarded my email to another faculty senate member, who gave me a link to the worlds most confusing power point. I managed to get from the power point that I should talk to the dean of my college, who finally sent me to my advisor. I was at the point where I was so stressed over just figuring out how to do things, that I was considering withdrawing completely (which is oddly a significantly simpler process of checking a box on a website and hitting enter). Anyway, thanks for your input.

Fainting Goat