sjprice23

Have you talked to your doc about sodium supplements and things? I'm not sure because I'm fairly new at this POTS thing, but I have read that many doctors add that to other treatments/medications. Also, I don't know how effective it would be, but it's something to discuss, I guess. I feel like I am having similar problems with retaining fluids and sodium because the only treatment that has helped at all is the Florinef to help me retain all of that in my system. I am still very, very symptamatic, so there is a long way to go with finding treatment that is beneficial; this is just the beginning, but that sounds like something to look into as well as just jumping through all the hoops with seeing doctors, the internist, etc. It only helps to continue to educate yourself and explore many options. As for giving up on eating pickles and olives, all I can say is maybe try a day or two if you can without injesting a lot of salt and see if you can feel any difference: worse or the same. (I've done that with fluids, and I definately can tell I am much less able to do anything when I don't drink a lot of gaterade~I'm definately still not good to go, ever, when I injest a lot of fluids, but I can sit, stand, and walk around the house better and breathe better when I am hydrated better.) So, I don't know, give it a try if you want to.

Honestly, it doesn't hurt to go. Just make sure the nurse practitioner has a full understanding of your condition (bring along some information printed off the internet if you want, just in case~to explain if she/he doesn't really know about POTS). That way, if there is anything further wrong than just you have the cold/flu they will be as fully informed as possible. And as well as other normal things, medications, etc. you might be on and your POTS Doctor's name, etc. But I can tell you right now, drink lots and lots of fluids!!! And rest!!! I was just recently sick, and talked with my POTS Doc and other than watch for major worsening symptoms like strep throat, etc. etc. drink lots and lots of fluids!!! It's more important when you're sick than any other time. But, yes, go, unless you feel significantly better. I don't mess around much with my health since I started getting sick (with the POTS symptoms) because you never know if any complications can occur. I hope this helps a little bit.

I know there are some of you out there who work and have had this disorder for a long time, etc. etc. But I also have read previous posts by some members who have had a lot of difficulty working. Moreover, I have not been back to work since my diagnosis. Currently, I am employed, working in a factory that is very loud (ear plugs are a requirement), busy, bright lighting, nasty burning plastic smells, etc. etc. And it's not just loud all the time, there are also a lot of sudden loud noises when there are operators working machines putting inserts in (and some that I would have to work on when I got back to work). My doctor seems to think that after we find the right medication and if I make sure I hydrate myself (which I do faithfully because I hate being sick, etc.~so I always follow doctor's orders when the orders make sense and I am confident the doctor knows what they are talking about), and as salt to my diet, etc. then I can go back to work. I have back up plans in place right now if I cannot go back to work (school, outside health insurance etc.), but with the environment I explained, does it really sound like a place for someone with POTS could successfully work? In my heart, I don't think I would be able to because even though I feel a little better from day to day on the most recent medication, I do not think I'd be able to deal with the environment (oh ya, and at that job I am sitting/standing for most of my shift in one spot). I guess I just need some support because my boyfriend is supporting me right now (and he is very understanding), but my family (namely my father whom helps to support me when I need it) doesn't want to accept that I might not return to work. And I need to make a decision soon because my welcome on medical leave is wearing thin and I think my doctor is getting sick and tired of writing excuses for my employer! I'm just drifting out here needing support, so if anyone has any helpful stories or advice please, by all means, share!