What To Do In Emergencies?

[Guest sonotech]

I know this has been a popular topic lately, but what ARE we supposed to do when we feel like we need to go to the ER??

I have not yet had to go to the hosp (since my actual POTS diagnosis) and am now worried after listening to all of you. I am affraid that I now have a dx of something that no one understands, that I too will be "dismissed" when I have an emergency.

Does ANYONE have a GOOD ER experience since being diagnosed??

LAURA

[Dizzy Dame]

I know I already mentioned this to Pooh, but I've had the best luck with small ER's. Large trauma centers are too busy to pay adequate attention to us and often neglect us or tell us it's "anxiety". Smaller ER's are often less busy, and the doctors have time to attend to us.

When I lived Hawaii I had a great little ER. It took awhile, but after moving back to Maryland, I found a small ER about 5 minutes away that has my medical records and are now familiar with my condition.

If you have time, I'd go around and "shop" for a good ER. Find a place that's willing to listen to you and explain your situation, and even give them your records BEFORE you get sick. This way they'll know what to do in the event you show up.

Hope this helps,

Lauren

[MomtoGiuliana]

Unfortunately I think a lot of us rely on the ER because we don't have good specialists who we can turn to when something comes up that seems serious. POTS is not life-threatening, although the symptoms can feel that way. I am a veteran of many ER visits over the months prior to diagnosis, none of which helped improve my quality of life or symptoms.

Importantly, some of us have conditions in addition to POTS that may require ER visits. But, it seems that overall, many of us (myself very much included) have had pointless and frustrating ER visits simply because we have nowhere else to turn to when we don't know how to manage symptoms or if they seem that they might be life-threatening.

In my situation, I am fortunate enough to have an excellent specialist and support staff. On a couple of occasions since diagnosis in 2003, I have had concerning symptoms and called his nurse. In both situations she called me back within minutes and we talked about my symptoms and she reassured me that I did not need to be seen immediately. I wish everyone with POTS could have a specialist's office to turn to whenever these questions come up--as it would both improve quality of life and reduce strain on the emergency medicine system.

Katherine

[PattiL]

Actually, Chrissy has had great luck when having to go to the ER. I don't know if it's b/c we go to University Hospitals in Cleveland where Dr. Chelimsky is based out of or what..but everytime we've gone (probably just once a year), they've actually been very knowledgable and helpful.

I wish I could say as much for some of our Dr.'s visits though! We've definitely had our share of them telling us 'it's in her head' type Dr.'s.

I guess I feel pretty fortunate we live close enough to Cleveland, and have an actual 'POTS' Dr. there, although we've never actually had any interaction with Chelimsky directly at her ER visits, it must be that b/c he's there that the staff is somewhat aware of what to do.

Patti

[rdslots]

So much depends upon the ER, the attending physicians, and your own problem (ie. reason for being there then). 80% of the time, going to the ER is a moot point.

At the HS where I taught, if I passed out and hit the floor, they were required to call EMTs and my behind was always hauled-off to the ER. By the time we'd arrive, my low, low BP would be sky high because I had gotten myself so worked up on the ride over. LOL. I had to retire from teaching because my NCS and the frequent episodes just weren't conducive to being in the HS.

When I am at home, I do what I can to 'protect' myself from an episode. If I have any clue it might be an off day (and you'll learn to recognize those for yourself) I lie low, so to speak -- close to the house, easy tasks, whatever. I've never passed out, fortunately, at home when I was all alone, and if/when I feel awful-awful, I can call my husband and generally he can come home and work from the house. I realize I am fortunate, more so than most, with these disorders.

Unfortunately, if you are out in public and alone (which for me is only on what is a rare occasion), most places would have no choice but to call EMTs. Given that under those circumstances, you've probably suffered a h-a-r-d fall, you probably need to go to the ER.

I avoid ERs like the plague, and have made it clear I WILL NOT GO if I have any control over the situation. My husband can 'sweet talk' me into it, but only if there is some new, un-before experienced, symptom(s) like the chest pains I had a week or so back. Then, I'll go for him.

[Sophia3]

personally and this is just me, and I do NOT FAINT, ok?

I avoide ERS at all cost unless I think my life is in danger.

After two ER visits in a month with an 85 year old mom, first experience was EXCELLENT (ASTUTE DOC)

second one was a nightmare with a doc with a bad attitude and gave my mom a med to make her hallucinate...my mom was there 5-6 hours...5 years ago in ER 7 hrs before admission!!

So I have NO RESPECT for local ER's...too many horror stories.

Trauma cases are one thing, otherwise, self fix and hang on untl the doctor's office open.

Lessor of two evils in my case.

jmo

[Ernie]

Hi,

I only go to ER when I am unconscious and I have no say in what happens to me!