Eating Problems

[Valentine]

Hi

I would just like to know as many talk of gastrointestinal problems which, i have had for many years but did not realise what they were!!!

Now that i have a POTS diagnosis could i ask does anyone have any tips for eating?

I have managed "just about" to carry on working even though i have been off at one point for 4 months. I have a desk job which to a point helps and i was just about coping again until a big flare up about a month ago. Food seems to be a real problem and also could i say when i move or get up or even turn head get a giddiness you might think yes that is a big problem for all but a blood pressure drop to me feels more like dropping in a lift but this is more like some has a hand on the nerve that travels up to the ear and squeezes it has anyone also had this kind of symptom.

Take care and many thanks for your time.

Valentine

[morgan617]

Hi Valentine, I have found eating a large meal will get me every time, as will not eating at all. I eat frequent (about every two hours) small meals or snacks that have a good combo of carbs and protein and that seems to help a lot.

When I was first diagnosed, I lost over 50 pounds, and have never gained it back. It's a thin line sometimes between what will help and what will exacerbate. Good luck! morgan

[Kitsakatsa]

I was on the BRAT diet for well over a year (Bread, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) until my health plan decided to sponsor a dietician to work with me. I would highly recommend going through the process to get this approved, appeal etc. I have a hard time finding food appealing and then when the nausea wanes, I eat like a rhino! Neither is healthy. A dietician was able to break down everything for me and even though I still run away from meat (too heavy!), my kitchen has more than just saltines now. This is a tricky thing that few people understand. Lettuce, apples- anything like that can be just hard to get down and stay down. Even multi-vits can be hard on the stomach. So- a dietician may be a phenomenal help to you also.

The other thing, it sounds like you are saying, is that you have BP problem associated with eating? This is post-prandial hypotension. There's been quite a bit of research in this field and this is a cardinal POTS symptom. From what I can remember, the only recommendation is to eat small meals and lie down after eating if you have the opportunity (hard to do at work, but at home- hey you get out of doing the dishes!!) Maybe others can remember more about this- but basically the blood draines out of your head and goes to your stomach. Even though it sounds opposite- I try and walk after eating. It seems to help the urge to just fall over!

Hope this helps!