When to see a doctor during relapse

[Elizaangelica]

I was diagnosed with POTS last year, though have had it for many years. Last year I had a terrible few months where for the first time my symptoms became debilitating (mostly bedridden), which finally pushed my GP to refer me to a cardiologist. I was put on Ivabradine, which helped a lot and I felt much better, but after about 2 months I’ve gone backwards again.
 

It’s been a month of feeling terrible again now and I’m not sure what I’m meant to do. I know the pattern of POTS is that it will fluctuate. And that’s definitely been the case for me over the years. But I’m not sure if this level of severity is just part of my new normal pattern now.
 

I’m avoiding seeing my GP about it because I know that she hadn’t heard or POTS before I was diagnosed, so it feels like she’s unlikely to know what to do. If there’s anything that even can be done. How do you know when to just ride it out or go for help?

[Pistol]

@Elizaangelica - Yes, POTS comes and goes for all of us, but it also is quite common that sometimes meds that have helped us suddenly stop working. When that is the case - at least in my case - my specialist or my cardiologist have recommended to either increase a med or they changed me to something else entirely. 

To determine if it is a flare or worsening POTS we have to ride it out, meaning do what is recommended during a flare: the typical increase in salt and water intake, compression hose, AMPLE rest and daily exercises to tolerance. If you are currently mostly bedridden here is what I do for exercise during a flare: stand up at least twice an hour, do leg exercises while lying as well as ab crunches; when tolerated do sitting and standing exercises and use a band or light weights. This helps me come out of a flare without having to completely recondition, and it cuts the time of the flare. Even if it is just a minute three times a day - it is important. Increase the time spent exercising slowly every day. 

3 hours ago, Elizaangelica said:

 

I’m avoiding seeing my GP about it because I know that she hadn’t heard or POTS before I was diagnosed, so it feels like she’s unlikely to know what to do.

Does your cardiologist know more about POTS? I think a month of your symptoms necessitates a call to him/her, especially since he/she was the one that ordered the Ivabradine. Many of us on this forum benefit from a Saline infusion during flares - the added volume restores balance in the cardio-vascular system and can shorten, or even stop, a flare. My autonomic specialist has ordered a weekly infusion for 4 weeks in the past, and that fixed the flare. If you have a prescription you can get an infusion at an infusion center or Outpatient surgery center ( if your physician is willing to try this ). 

I hope you will start feeling better soon 😘