Leigh

I agree that you shouldn't drive when having PMS or on your period; my symptoms are always unpredictable. What also works for me (and I just know people are going to gasp at this) is to drive an SUV instead of a car. When I drive the car, my head spins everywhere and I have to pull over and let someone else drive. When I drive the SUV this is perhaps the time I feel the best symptom-wise. I believe it's because I'm above the traffic rather than in the middle of it. Before all the anti-SUV people attack me for endangering others, I will say I mostly drive locally and only when I have no other option.

Hey everyone from SW Ohio! I think I've finally found people who know what they're talking about!! Kettering Medical Center Cardiac Rehab folks told me today that they are seeing more and more people with POTS come through and more and more insurance companies are forking out for it! I've had to go through the ringer in paperwork for this diagnosis! The woman there said they are seeing mostly women ages 17-35. Anyway, I think they are well qualified. Looks like no more excessive trips to Cleveland Clinic! I'm already feeling better. Has anyone been able to get rid of symptoms? CC told me about 2/3 of people never see symptoms again and some just have to get treated every few years or so to get rid of them again. Maybe this should be a new topic?

A friend of mine swears that Juice Plus has made her more energetic and has contributed to her weight loss. My personal trainer recommends it, but I'm skeptical of a day's worth of nutrition in 1 pill. I'm going to check with my cardio. Has anyone with POTS tried it? Let me know how it went! Leigh

I recently saw a Web site that stated handling harsh chemicals as a cause for POTS. I developed POTS after losing my mom, being hospitalized with flu, then having a baby all in a 2 month period. I grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio. Dr. Horrigan is the best doctor to ever walk the planet!! She mentioned POTS when I developed pregnancy-induced hypertension, but I never gave it a second thought. I'm going to go see her again if I can't find someone in Dayton. Right now, I drive all the way up to CCF to see Dr. Fouad. They are taking FOREVER with the report, but now I see why. I'm hoping to start treatment ASAP. Does anyone in SW Ohio know a good PCP and/or OB who knows what they're doing? My doctor is clueless. I also find this interesting....My mom died of Wegner's Granulamatosis and there is a higher # of diagnoses in Ohio than most states. We were always convinced it was the mold in the air and her basement.

Not to make enemies on here but...I personally care a lot more about functioning day-to-day than any weight I would gain due to Gatorade. I drink it when I'm thirsty, but I also drink plenty of water and take supplements. I've only had POTS for about 2 years, but I already feel better. I find it helps me increase my activity level so that would probably counteract any weight gain (I think someone already said that). Let's try to lift each other up and be more positive!

Wow; what a shame! My doctor sent me to the Mellon Center thinking I had MS and it was Dr. Rensel there who caught my POTS and sent me to the Syncope Clinic. This was 6 months after suffering and everyone telling me I was just depressed! I've always thought the world of Cleveland Clinic! Maybe now that you know what it is you'll have a better experience.

I've always dreamed of writing a book; how did you get started?

I know it may sound funny, but The Cleveland Clinic recommended Gatorade for these episodes for me. They haven't totally gone away, but most of the day I can function just fine. I only have trouble when I stand too much (I'm a teacher). Dr. Fouad said it's the salt and potassium in Gatorade that helps with fatigue episodes and faintness. I hope it helps you! I drink about a liter a day with a liter of water, but she says just to drink when you're thirsty. I'd rather just give myself a goal and stick to it since I'm not disciplined. ~Leigh

I used to love Lexapro. I was prescribed it after my mom died and after my son was born. It seemed like a miracle! I was put on it again when my health started to fade this year. That's when POTS set in. I'm not saying it CAUSED it, because I was having symptoms a few months before that, but I can say that 3 weeks after taking it I became constantly dizzy. I'm still dizzy 6 months later and off the Lexapro. I feel for you!