kafie Posted October 5, 2018 Report Share Posted October 5, 2018 So I got in to see the specialist. He said basically what everyone here said: he treats the symptoms, not the numbers. Didn't even blink at the thought that I have POTS. Did a standing test in his office and it was positive. He prescribed: compression stockings (of course), 80oz of water, 15 minutes of exercise, salt sticks (he said i can't get enough salt from food), and fludrocortisone. I looked up interactions and it has a moderate interaction with two of my medications. One is a risk of serious heart arrhythmias. I'm wondering if I should send him a message about this. He prescribed quite a few so I'm guessing this is for long-term. Honestly, I'm curious about beta-blockers because of the antianxiety properties. I'm feeling positive though. He said my case isn't severe (which I knew), and that he's certain he can get my presyncope down to 0 (that felt good and I walked out of there with a huge smile on my face... it helps that he had a great bedside manner). I saw from a lot of people that this medication tends to poop out on people. How long did you get before it stopped working? Is it worth the risk or should I suggest something else when I see him next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistol Posted October 5, 2018 Report Share Posted October 5, 2018 If you are comfortable with your doc then you should trust his judgement. Try his approach, take the meds he suggests. It is ALL trial-and-error for us. Even my - world-renowned - specialist tries meds to see if they work and then goes on to other ones if they are not helpful. Be glad you have a doc who listens and is aware of dysautonomia and the special considerations we need. Work with your doc! And yes - send hi a message about your concerns about the medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StayAtHomeMom Posted October 5, 2018 Report Share Posted October 5, 2018 I would send him a message. Also make sure you pharmacy checks for interactions. My mom's pharmacy missed one on hers. Mild issue but no one told her the interaction. Not even the doctor. I am glad you have found some answers. Beta-blockers are good for the tachycardia and arrhythmia. They don't help with much more. I can still have symptoms with a normal HR. They way I understand fludocortisone is it helps you to retain water and that would help your blood volume. I have seen a lot of people on here at least try it. I never have. My specialist put me on midodrine to go with my Beta-blocker. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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