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Babettegall

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:(

I everyone. I was recently dx'd with pots/cfs. The dx really makes sense of all the symptoms I've been dealing with for the past 6 years. I've taken the family medical leave offered at work, when I was no longer able to function in the capacity they needed me too function within (supervisor). The pain, heaviness, headaches, brain fog and forgetfulness have taken a toll on my performance, to say the least. My primary care provider suggests I see a homeopathic doctor, as any of the beta/alpha blockers he could prescribe would worsen my symptoms rather than make me feel better. I'm a bit sceptical of seeing a homeopath, as it's not covered under insurance, and with my not working right now, I can't afford to spend money on "possible" symptom relievers.

Has anyone benefited from seeing a homeopath? Has anyone quit their jobs and gone on disability or SSI?

I could use any help/information you might have as I deal with my new dx.

Thank you,

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Welcome. A homeopath could be helpful, but why not a specialist in autonomic dysfunction? An electrophysiologist is where I would start--can your doctor refer you to one? My experience with alternative medicine was not very positive (although I still believe there is a place for it in modern medicine.) I saw a homeopath, but she knew nothing about my diagnosis and prescribed herbal remedies that were counter to what I needed (e.g.diuretics), so please be careful if you do see one.

Glad you found us, and again welcome!

Katherine

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Welcome. A homeopath could be helpful, but why not a specialist in autonomic dysfunction? An electrophysiologist is where I would start--can your doctor refer you to one? My experience with alternative medicine was not very positive (although I still believe there is a place for it in modern medicine.) I saw a homeopath, but she knew nothing about my diagnosis and prescribed herbal remedies that were counter to what I needed (e.g.diuretics), so please be careful if you do see one.

Glad you found us, and again welcome!

Katherine

Katherine,

Thank you for the warm welcome! Once I get the hang of this forume and how to properly respond to messages, you'll see me often. With respect to your asking why I didn't seek an autonomic specialist, well, I have seen him, who stated that there isn't any prescription medication that would help me at this time. He simply said to try to "make the best of it", when I can. A cardiologist said that I have syncope as well, and need to increase my sodium, which i've been doing for a while now. Does it really boil down to managing the symptoms and taking it day to day?

Hi Babs,

Welcome to the forum! :(

I can't really answer any of your questions since I don't work, and have never seen a homeopath, but I'm sure there are people who can answer you. I just wanted to pop in though and wish you well.

Cheers,

Lauren

Thanks Lauren! I appreciate the welcome. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around the forum soon!

Hiya B)

Don't dismiss homoeopathy- going holistic can be really good. Especially as conventional medicine offers very few answers for people with what we have. Be prepared to face treatment with an open mind!

An open mind is about all I have with respect to any potential treatments. I'm going to have to look into some of the options available to me in my area. The last thing I want to do is create more "bad" days for myself, you know?j

Take care...

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Hi again--I am surprised the specialist felt there were no medications that might help you. Have you tried some and they just haven't worked or made you feel worse? There are a large range of meds available that may help this condition. Often it is trial and error to find out what will work for you. Have you looked at this page on this site?

http://www.dinet.org/what_helps.htm

This might be helpful to you--it provides a fairly exhaustive list of remedies used to treat POTS. You might want to talk over this list with your doctor.

As far as homeopathy--just wanted to clarify that I wasn't suggesting it be dismissed. I do think there is a place for it in modern health management. I personally did not have a good experience (nor did my wallet) the one time I pursued homeopathic relief from POTS symptoms, so I like to urge caution to others.

Bottom line, you don't have to put up with being miserable, necessarily! There may be an effective treatment for you out there.

Take care,

Katherine

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Beta blockers are absolutely important if you suffer from the tachycardia. It's not good to let your heart have uncontrolled tachycardia all the time. You can start with a very small dose of beta blocker and there are several out there. I personally have been through 5-7 different types.

I'm not very familiar with homeopath but feel they wouldn't be very beneficial in this situation. An EPS, Dysautonomia doc and a primary care doc are going to be your best combination of doctors.

Some doctor's do work on a sliding scale and does the state you live in provide any insurance coverage for the situation you're in.

Most Cities also have CFS support groups, it might be worth checking into because they might be able to give you all the in's and outs of the illness, docs, medications & financial support.

Take care

Steph

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Hi Babs and welcome. You will find out heaps of info here and also make some new friends who understand how you are feeling!

It is easy for doctors to say just manage your symptoms. I think they are lazy and unfeeling. It is too soon to take this approach. I am a big believer in homeopathic medicine, it has really helped me and my kids in the past. I have not tried any homeopathic treatments yet because I am trying all the conventional medicines first. If nothing works, and so far, nothing has, I will see a homeopath. It may take time, but finding a doctor who understands the condition and is willing to try and help you, is essential. I am still looking, but on the way have found answers to bits of the puzzle. It is not easy, but at least you are trying. I would try and find a support group for CFIDS. There is a fantastic on-line support group and course to do if you are interested, just give me an email.

Hang in there, we are here for you!

Suzanne

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Hi and Welcome! I don't work out side of the home and understand your insurance difficulties. I am on beta blockers and antiarrythmics and just recently started looking into a more homeopathic approach. My dysautomnia (Pots,NCS,orthostatic Hypotension and such) keeps from a regular job and interferes with my sleep so I stay at home. Good luck and feel free to email anytime!

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I can no longer work. I have applied for disability and I think that it depends on the state that you live in as to how long it takes. It is taking me forever. I thought about a homeopathic doctor and there is one in town, but I have not heard anything good about him, plus he is very expensive, and i just dont have that kind of money. I am saving my change just to be able to go to Vanderbilt or Mayo. It is hard when you have worked and then all of a sudden you cant work, but you cant do the normal things either. Hope you find some answers . Vanessa

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Welcome! I just quick working last month. I am going though the SSDI right now. I am in the middle of waiting my 180 for an answer. I am homing for good news, but I understand it might not go thought the 1st time.

Well wanted to welcome you! :(

Amy

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Babs

Where in Ohio are you? Not all "specialists" are equal. If you are in Ohio, it might be worth while to make an appt with Blair Grubb at Medical College (university?) of Ohio. It would take 6-9 months to see him, but it is worth while. Unless you have tried alot drugs already - your current doc is wrong. We also saw local specialists (Cleveland area-University Hospitals) and they did not offer much help drug wise either.

As to homeopathic - I admit I am not impress at most of what alternative medicine offers clinically, though at least the people tend to be nice compared to traditional medicine.

Louise

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hello Newbie

Well as to homeopathic,............havent tried that. I am not on any meds at all for POTS. As far as Disability In past 3 years since DX i have worked 3 jobs only to have to quit and stay home between each one til episodes seemed to have went away then when I would start working again after a few weeks they would flare again. So I quit altogether and stayed home for a year then applied for SSDI and was approved FIRST time with no lawyers.Since i stay home and can get rest when episodes begin I have only passed out maybe less than 10 times in 16 months.Not sure if anyone else can feel these coming on but I get pressure in my ears and a slight headache when they start.

As far as getting disability...still do not know on what grounds they approved it

list of other illnesses I have\

Restless Leg Syndrome ( also very bad in arms)

Sleep Apnea

Hypersomnia

Depression

Anxiety attacks

IBS

Vulvodynia

Hypothyroidism

Bbdeezy in Mi

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Louise,

Thank you so much for responding to my post. I live in the Stow area (just outside of Akron) in Ohio. The specialist I saw was part of the Cleveland clinic (Dr. Amer Alshecklee), who, although knowledgable, was pretty quick to diagnose me and send me back to my primary care doctor for treatment. I've noticed so many people saying such nice things about Dr. Grubb, that I may need to seek his care. He must be pretty good if there's a 6-9 month wait to see him.

Thanks again for your reply!

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