Looking For Coping Mechanisms

[Heckofagal]

So I think I've been dealing with this for years, but not officially diagnosed. Cant get in to see the specialist for months. Symptoms have really gotten bad this past week or 2 and I struggle at work every day. I'm dizzy all the time and I'm afraid every time I get up to use the restroom, or go to the copier/printer or to the breakroom. I haven't really discussed this with my too busy boss, but I sent him an email tonight to let him know what is going on, and to tell him I am trading spots with another co-worker to try to help. (I currently sit up against a wall of floor to ceilings windows and the heat and light from the windows is too much for me to bear.)

I struggle with high blood pressure so the salt dosing won't help. I'm not sure if extra fluids would help me or not, but I've been trying to increase. Go to bed early when I can. Any breathing exercises or anything else to help with the dizziness/anxiety?

Feeling hopeless and need to work.

[Heckofagal]

And does meclizine or any other meds help with this dizziness?

[navyblue]

Trust it will go and try not to think on it too much. POTS usually gets worse in waves and then better, from what I gather, so know that how bad you feel lately is almost certainly not permanent. Just think "It will go" and try not to dread the moments you get up and walk somewhere. Just walk briskly and think "I'm fine, it's fine, I'm getting the blood to move, this is good" and think about what you're doing (i.e. getting water) rather than worrying...unless you actually faint a lot, there is nothing specific to be afraid of. Keep going to work unless you feel truly awful...days off will just heighten your sense of something being really wrong...in my experience, anyway. Idk, these tips work for me. I too have a desk job.

I think, scientifically, that even if hypovalemia and low bp are not your issues, fluid and salt loading will still help (although you might wanna check with a doctor about your high bp first), because the more blood you have in you, the more there is left to go to your head even when some of it is pooling in your feet. Try and exercise too a bit, within reason, because a stronger heart and stronger calves will help you regardless of your cause.

[Elscarl]

I have been having this exact problem at work. I have been very dizzy and was afraid to get up from my desk. For me, I think my anxiety over being dizzy and off balance was making it even worse. Once I was able to calm my mind and stop worrying it seemed to help a bit. I also started using essential oils to help with the dizziness and that seemed to really help me. I use the essential oils at nighttime too, along with meditation and it seems to help me sleep better which helps the dizziness.

[Katybug]

I had to play around with various things to find what helps me get through days when I have to function at some level. Things I've tried are compression stockings, some people also find full length compression stockings or abdominal binders help, small amounts of caffeine which I nurse through the part of the day I need to be functional, salt/fluid loading, snacking, elevating my feet under the desk, ephemeral helps with nausea/motion sickness although it can cause drowsiness. I'll post some more if I remember any tricks from when I was still working.