Merrill

mome22--Yes, you've come to the right boards, and no, POTS and NCS are not exactly the same thing. However, both are disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The Forum on this site is a fantastic place to get information and advice--even to rant a little when you and your daughter are having a tough day. However, I highly recommend that you read everything you can about dysautonomias (NCS in particular, since that's what your daughter has been diagnosed with). Education is power--and you'll be needing that power as you wend your way through the medical system to find your daughter knowledgable and empathic doctors. You'll also need it to educate her high school teachers in a year or two! There's much terrific info to be had on the potsplace.com home page and links; also be sure to visit the ndrf.com web site (national dysautonomia research foundation); go to the "references" section and read the pdf versions of the books listed there. Good luck to you both--wishing you healthier days ahead. Merrill

Hi -- I can't answer all your questions, but I want to add my 2 cents on a couple things you said. 1) I do not believe "all POTS stems from something else"-- presumably you mean another health problems. I'm a perfect example of how this is possible--I have POTS and only POTS (and the symptoms that go along with it). These symptoms are bothersome and worrisome, and they keep me from doing things. But for me, the symptoms are not incapacitating (thanx G-d), and I'm able to work. I've had it for the last 30 or so of my 42 years. 2) It's also my understanding that you don't "catch" POTS. It can be hereditary, but it isn't always. And it doesn't develop out of stress, though if you have POTS, stress can certainly exacerbate the symptoms. (Pots also exacerbates the symptoms of stress--it's a chicken egg thing.) Researchers aren't certain yet what causes it, though they know some things: 40% of people with POTS have something in common before onset: a severe flu or infection. Another 10% of POTS people developed it following major surgery, and another 10% following the delivery of a baby--it may have to do with an autoimmune reaction to a foreign body. As for the rest of us? Mystery. They're working on it. It does sound like you've got several health issues going on at once--not just POTS--and that's sooo tough! I do feel for you--and I know it's a struggle to find a physician who is both knowledgable and compassionate...and patient enough to listen and work with us to tweak the many meds to the right levels. Sometimes you can be on the right med but the wrong dose! Or the right kind of med (e.g., beta blockers) but the wrong one (they don't all work the same way). I typically ask friends and colleagues I trust for referrals; depending on where you live, the NDRF board may also help. (You can also call or email the NDRF for information.) I wish I could help more on the disability...I hope you find some answers soon! Merrill

Sigh. I feel your melancholy, EM. Congratulations to your daughter--what a wonderful accomplishment! You're rightly proud...I'm sorry you won't be able to travel with her, but I love how you're thinking about things--from her point of view. (You sound like an outstanding mom... compassionate and understanding.) Maybe you could send her off with a long distance phone card in her pocket and a promise to share the highlights each day? Take care, m

Hi all -- I posted this note on the NDRF site also--I think this is an important topic, that hasn't gotten a lot of play (at least not lately). I've just become aware that the dry mouth and eyes I suffer from is just another symptom of POTS. (Sheesh...) As a (retired) dentist's daughter, I want to share an important piece of information. It's MUCH easier for bacteria to grow in a dry mouth than a wet one, and people with dry mouth are much much much more at risk for cavities. PLEASE don't give up on yourself or your future dental health because you have poor checkups when you visit the dentist. Having the dry mouth associated with POTS is a reason for MORE frequent visits to the dentist rather than fewer. Here are some suggestions: 1) rather than twice a year cleanings, go 4 times a year. (Don't stop reading--I know that sounds hideous because we already see so many doctors.) 2) Practice extraordinary oral hygiene--flossing & brushing. Have a seat on the toilet and take much more time with yourself than usual. You might try Gel-Cam, which is a flouride treatment you give yourself--it's like toothpaste; you just brush it into your teeth and gums. It's not a rinse, which I understand can be tough for some to take. (You may need your dentist to call a prescription into the pharmacy--I can't remember.) 3) Rinse with Gly-Oxide (find it in the dental care aisle of your grogery store). This is an oral antiseptic cleanser, and it's also fantastic for quickly healing an mouth cut or sore you may have. 4) Beware the lemonhead! It's true that sucking on sour candies can get the juices flowing again and doing this from time to time is probably OK. But if your oral hygiene isn't the best, the sugar will exacerbate the dry-mouth induced cavity problem. (My mother-in-law, who has had some salivery glands removed and suffers from extreme dry mouth, is addicted to lemonheads and she's about to lose all her teeth to decay. Trust me--you do NOT want this to happen to you!) 5) Talk to your dentist and/or physician about other ways you can treat this symptom. It can be both annoying and scary! Staying hydrated may also be a key--as it is to everything, it seems. Carry water or juice or gatorade everywhere. My tachycardia is horrible all the time--but sometimes I'm hyper-aware of it in the dentist chair. Being tilted backward when I'm already seated gets my heart racing out of control! But now that I know it's the POTS and not my nerves, I have him pre-adjust the chair. Somehow being able to control the way I sit and lean back helps... Also be sure to work with the dentist to make the best anaesthetic choice for you. I'm blanking on the name of the one I use, but I can find out. There are short-acting, no-epinephrine options that will keep your heart in your chest and your mouth (brain?) out of pain. (You should NEVER be in pain in the dentist chair; it's not an option and it's non-negotiable in my book. And if your dentist doesn't seem willing or able to help you find the right solution, then FIND ANOTHER DENTIST who will! Can you tell I have strong feelings about this?) All the best to everyone! Merrill

Michelle--would it feel too weird to make a plea for a specific amount of money to accomplish a specific task? Maybe people would be more likely to make donations if they knew how the money would be used and that it was going to accomplish a certain goal. For example, if you knew it would cost, say, $3,000 bucks (I'm makng this up ) to write and print a brochure, you could post a plea on this site and on NDRF ... You might see money flow in! It's just something to think about; I'm not in the fundraising field, but maybe could ask around. Take care, Merrill

Michelle--Gotcha! I had my first black out exactly as you've described it this week! I won't be rising from lying to standing in a nanosecond again! Gotta remember to sit for a spell first! It was close!

Calypso--I'm curious how you know your blood pressure is high. (Actually, this is a question I've wanted to ask many people on this site...) Is it the tachycardia, the fast heart rate, that you're talking about? (Because you can have that without high blood pressure.) And it's true--on this board, anyway, I've heard more people describe low bp or bp drops that lead to fainting. I guess I just don't know what high bp feels like. Thanks, m

L, thanks for the details! I can't believe that water's so chock full o' the stuff we need. Yes, we can buy San Pellegrino over here (I live in Chicago and it's easy to find -- it's very expensive here too). I've recently discovered their Limonata, a lemon sparkly soda that's a fantastic treat. Not for middle of the night replenishing! I'll get the plain stuff for that. Thanks again for the tip. Be well and cheerio!

Thanks for posting this! I keep tap or filtered tap by my bed and try to drink if I wake in the middle of the night or before getting out of bed in the morning -- but I think I'll make the switch. Makes a LOT of sense and I hadn't thought of it. Great tip! PS What brand is it? Maybe I can find it on this side of the pond?

Hi Calypso -- Congrats on your new baby!!! I have a couple thoughts after reading your post and thinking about your questions: I agree w/Deanna re: being careful of trying different meds while breastfeeding. I know low dose beta blockers are considered safe during 2nd and 3rd trimester, so they might be OK. As for the antidepressents... I'd for sure check with your OB/gyn; there are probably some that are OK and some that are not. Did you take anything while you were pregnant? Can you get along without them? ask your OB to confim that beta blockers are also OK! Salt and fluids and compression hose (which your doc didn't recommend) are all obviously safe and will help you a lot. It's true that about 10% of people with POTS develop it after delivery of baby. The theory as I understand it is that the presence of a "foreign body" (aka baby) provokes an autoimmune reaction... people develop an antibody which attacks the nervous system. This can happen with delivery and also with any kind of major surgery. I don't know if this explains it very well--you might ask your doctor to try again if you're curious. Take care! merrill

CONGRATULATIONS, NINA!!! You are definitely an inspiration to me... you're like the energizer bunny, or something. You keep going and going--no matter what stumbling blocks are in your way. Physical pain is the highest hurdle, I think. But great work--and I'm glad you're getting a wee bit of relief and that you'll find out more soon. By the way, where are you writing from? I noticed your last post was at 10:39--and it's only 9 in Chicago... Are you in the middle of the Atlantic? I had to smile when I read about your wearing those support hose today (and it sounds like you picked a good day to do that if you were standing to give a presentation)! I've only worn the compression knee socks and occasionally the thigh high ones. Up to your waist! YIKES! Goodluck w/your tests. allthebest, merrill

Oh, Sue -- blech! I'm so sorry! I hope tomorow will be a better day for you! Sounds like a terrible morning. Can you have a friend bring you a little plastic chair (even one sized for a kid can work) or an official shower bench for days like these when you're motivated enough for a shower? I've got one of these on hand now for use when I have to wash my hair. Standing with my arms over my head just ain't a good idea! Anyway, I'm happy you have a Buddy to rest with! Animals are the best, aren't they? Take care, merrill

Hi Amy -- You've come to the right place. I did read your note all the way through--nicely done! Boy, sounds like classic POTS to me, based what you've described, on the medical articles I've read, and on my own experience with this. I had many of the tests you've had (minus the MRI/neuro tests): extensive blood work (thyroid problems can cause elevated heart rate), EKG, stress echocardiogram, 24 hour holter monitor, 24 hour urine, and a series of autonomic nervous system tests (sweat and a couple breathing) and most important, the tilt table. I believe I've read that HR goes up 30 bpm in the first minute--and then stays elevated during the next 9. Mine went from 85 resting flat to 125 in first minute (40 bpm) and then went up from there. From what you wrote, you should have no trouble "passing" this test! It's the tachycardia that got me asking more questions of the docs and ultimately finding answers. You may also find that you're exercise and heat intolerant. Are you? The bluing of hands and feet is also typical, tho I don't have that. I've also never passed out, though if I stand from sitting or lying too quickly I can get pretty darn dizzy. (Michlle, I always thought blacking out and fainting were the same thing?) Some people with POTS have blood pressure problems (and pass out on a pretty regular basis); some people (including me) do not experience blood pressure highs or lows or swings. It just depends on your own unique physiology. The fast heart rate is a compensatory measure for something off in your nervous system; the veins don't constrict in your legs enough when you stand, and you get pooling etc. It's all very complicated! I hope you don't have to wait long for your test, because I'd like to share a couple "low tech" things you can start doing for yourself that should make you feel a little better: eat a ton of salt, drink a ton of fluids, and have your doctor prescribe compression hose (so you can get them paid for by your insurance). The first time I put those socks on I sighed with relief and wondered how I'd managed all my life without them. You can buy them at medical supply store--they're expensive, but worth their weight in gold if insurance won't cover the cost. The salt and fluid is to increase your blood volume, and the compression hose helps get that blood flowing to your upper body when you rise. By the way, you wrote that you first noticed the tach when watching a funny movie; when I was on my holter monitor, my peak was reached when I was sitting down on my bed talking to my husband and laughing really hard! I didn't have sudden onset as it sounds like you did... I've just always had fast hr and those other symptoms (exercise intolerance etc.) Your docs may prescribe beta blockers to slow your heart once you get a diagnosis. Try not to worry too much, even though this is a scary time as you're waiting for answers and to feel better. You WILL! Hope this helps (and mostly, I hope it doesn't end up contradicting the advice and diagnosis of your docs! Listen to them, not me! This is just my experience!) Take good care, Merrill

Kat, I agree with Nina/MM--it's extremely unlikely that recreational drug use would bring this on; it's good that you've discovered what exacerbates your symptoms and to stay clear of those things! (For my part, even a sip of alcohol sends my heart rate through the roof--and it's already near the ceiling! It's easy to just say no to that and any other temptations that make me feel worse instead of better!) Try not to worry about the pot smoking; I smoked it in college too. I've read a lot of medical research on this, and not once have I read that recreational drug use can bring sudden onset POTS. To answer another of your questions re: TMJ -- I can make an educated guess that this has nothing to do with the autonomic nervous system. It has everything (or most things, anyway) to do with your equilibration--the way that your bite comes together. Talk to your dentist about equilibration, and if he or she hasn't heard of it, find a better dentist who has--and who can equilibrate you properly. Stress and TMJ go hand in hand sometimes if you're clenching your teeth a lot--especially if you're not in balance--and grinding your teeth in your sleep. Wearing a night guard can help with that; again, talk to your dentist. A note to Ernie: you are a TRUE champion. I have so much respect for you and all that you've accomplished. I trust that you'll keep posting and sharing the steps of your journey toward graduation. Many of us on these sites will be shedding tears of joy right along with you! Good luck finishing your work--and Kat, I hope you too will somehow find a way to return to your studies when you're feeling better.

Hi MM -- Hmmmm... I'm not sure who was looking for this article, but it wasn't me! I've seen this article before (and it's a good one) ... I hope others will take a look and that the right person finds their way to it! Thanks for writing, Merrill

Lisa, you sound like such a cool kid - (not really a kid anymore actually). Your story slays me. It's incredible how stubbornly ignorant people can be. They just don't know what it feels like to be in your skin--all you can do is keep reminding them that your body has special needs that can be dealt with if given a chance--and what you need is some extra time to rest after gym--and perhaps the option to not exert yourself so hard during class. You sound like a very good, responsible student. Your teachers need to start recognizing that and giving you a BREAK! Sheesh. And may I just say how completely remarkable it is that you're able to make it through gym class at all? I got out of gym the first opportunity I could--I thought I'd have a heart attack every class! But I had to do something, so they let me take a dance class that was offered instead. I knew we'd spend part of the class doing stretching while sitting on the floor and part of class holding onto a barre so I wouldn't fall over! That may not be an option for you... Take 'er easy, Lisa. Stay true to yourself and what you know is right. Merrill

Laila--make sure you ask for a tilt table test!!! I have read in many medical articles on the topic (may I recommend also the NDRF.com web site as another source of information), and they all say that one of the key diagnostic tests for POTS specifically is the tilt table test. POTs or orthostatic intolerance is indicated if your heart rate goes up 30 or more beats per minute in the first minute of being tilted from flat to a 70 degree angle. They measure your blood pressure throughout the test as well as heart rate; for some pressure drops, for some it rises, for some it stays the same. All that's to say, you can have dysautonomia (dysfuntion of the autonomic nervous system) WITHOUT having blood pressure problems. For example, I have POTS without BP fluctuations (the fluctuations I have are normal; everyone's fluctuates to some degree depending on what the body is being asked to do at any moment). But I passed (failed?) my tilt table with flying colors--and the diagnosis finally explains a lifetime of weird symtoms--INCLUDING problems with panic and anxiety! I also have trouble standing, walking etc without fierce tachycardia (fast heart rate over 100--mine's typically between 120 and 155, even when I'm not doing anything!) A fast heart would make anyone anxious! You said you'd had cardiac tests, but I wonder what kind. Did you wear a 24 hour holter monitor? (If heart rate is elevated during the day but goes down during sleep, it's much less likely you have something called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia.) The blood tests you had should check for thyroid function; problems with thyroid can cause tachycardia also. Once I found out why I felt like I was panicking, I felt so much better! It's not ME, it's my BODY that's acting like it's panicking. This is hard to explain! But now when I feel awash in adrenaline, I can at least say, oh, there's my old familiar friend POTSY -- and I know better how to deal with it. I hope this helps in some way--Good luck--and write with more questions.

Lalalisa--you wrote p.s. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO FIND THE ARTICLE THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED ABOUT THE MENTAL/PHYSICAL RELATIONSHIP WITH POTS??? I think you're asking about something I mentioned on an earlier post in this string (as opposed to something you read elsewhere, yes?) Well -- I can tell you! Go to the NDRF Web site (National Dysautonomia Research Foundation at www.ndrf.com) and click on the References link in the side margin. The "NDRF Patient Handbook" is the first book listed on that page; slide down and click on the PDF Format link (unless you want to order the hard copy). The part you ask about starts on page 63 in either the first or second section. I haven't read this whole resource, but I've liked what I've seen. It's not written for doctors (phew) and so it has a very user-friendly tone...but it's full of good solid information. PS to Jackie--I'm wishing you restful sleep and a better day for you tomorrow! Peace, merrill

Tearose, I think we were both writing at the same time and our messages crossed in cyberspace! It looks pretty weird that I asked when your appointment was and you said so just above! I just wanted to say that I feel for you... and I'm sorry you're going through such a rough spell. Those are some pretty heavy tests to have back to back like that! I hope you will feel a sense of relief when they're over--and when you get some information about what's going on You have such a kind and compassionate soul and an open heart as evidenced by your posts on this forum. (What a lot you have on your plate right now, and still you take time to spread healing energy to others!) I trust that you talk to yourself with that same sense of understanding and kindness... May your fear soon be conquered by your strength (it's there somewhere!) merrill

Tearose, have you been through your sleep study? How did it go? I read on another post that you have even more tests ahead--I'm so sorry to hear that. Know that I'm keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you only the best. Merrill

Jackie--I'm so sorry about that truly horrifying encounter with what is undoubtedly a quack in a lab coat. There's no excuse for the way he treated you and dismissed your questions and concerns. I wonder if the majority of this guy's patients come in to his office a couple times a year to get refills for their maintenance meds; he certainly doesn't sound capable of developing lasting relationships with his patients! Some psychiatrists--especially those who don't have ongoing week-to-week analysis appointments with their patients--want to see you in their office just to check in. They don't do any real therapy. I truly hope you never see him again. There is hope out there... I know, for example, that some of my therapist's patients are on meds, but she's not an MD/psychiatrist and cannot prescribe them herself. She does work in close partnership with a psychiatrist who her patients see from time to time; together, they treat the WHOLE person. Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable talking with a licensed clinical social worker or another kind of therapist (I'm blanking now on the degrees she holds). Have you read that book that's available for purchase on the NDRF site--and may, in fact, be downloadable in PDF format? I printed out a bunch of page from it; this part really hit home for me and will for you too. "Dysautonomias are, possibly more than any other ailments, mind-body disorders. ... Distinctions between the "body" and the "mind," the physical and the mental, problems imposed on the individual and those in the mind of the individual, are unhelpful in trying to understand dysautonomias. ... The autonomic nervous system operates at the border of the mind and body." The section is really worth a read--it's terrific. There's also a section in that book you'd be interested in about men as caregivers. I wish I could respond in some way to the piece you wrote about the argument/frustrating conversation you had with your husband. But let me say something more generally--in my own experience (and in that of my friends as well), some kinds of scraps between people are avoidable. Sometimes when people get upset or have a problem, they just want to vent and rant and rave. They want to be HEARD and understood. They're not necessarily looking for someone to solve the problem. They just want to talk and have someone be empathic on the other side. Some people don't get that at all--they want to fix the problem, mend what's broken, say something quick that will make it all better. But that can make the problem worse... So when I want to rant or share my experience, I'll sometimes tell my husband--don't solve this for me--just listen. I want you to understand what's going on. All I need at that point is some affirmation and comfort. It's not always easy to identify what you want and need--and then ask for it. It takes some work from both sides. But where there's love there's a way. Maybe the two of you would benefit from going together to speak to a counsellor? You'd be amazed what a few good appointments can accomplish! (PS I love that your husband called from work to find out how your appointment went. That says a lot, I think.) All the best, m

Hi Calypso! Welcome to the board! I'm too tired to write a lot (but see my other post in response to Sue; some of that addresses the concerns you ask about. I'm newly diagnosed, but I've had POTS forever just about ... I recommend reading as much as you can about your condition. Have you visited the NDRF site yet? (national dysautonomia research foundation) POTS is kind of a garbage can term, and people afflicted with it don't suffer the same symptoms. To add my 2 cents--some with POTS have bp fluctuations, some do not. I don't believe these changes actually cause POTS. Some 10% of people with POTS develop it post-partum; chances are pretty good that your symptoms will subside in time. I get headaches from time to time, but I'm short of breath whenever I walk anywhere! I have to sit down after only a few stairs. It's not too bad sitting down. I just reread the end of your post -- Have you been officially diagnosed with POTS? Have you had autonomic nervous symptom tests? (Those cardiac tests were mandatory to rule out certain conditions--and I presume you also did 24 hour urine collect too) If you haven't had a tilt table test, ask for one. In all the literature I've read, this is THE diagnostic test for POTS (tho certainly one can have pots and many other conditions simultaneously). If your heart rate goes up 30 bpm or more in the first minute, you got it. (Mine went up 40...) THey hold you tilted for 10 minutes or more; heart rate typically stays high. And for all you concerned about the fact that you passed out on the tilt table, I just learned that 25% of normal healthy people/volunteers also pass out on the tilt table. Congratulations on your new baby--I imagine it's especially challenging to be suffering these symptoms when you're just getting to know your baby. But try to take as much joy from each day as you can!

Welcome to the forum, Sue. It's been said before, but checking in with folks here is the best/healthiest thing you can do for both body and soul right now. So keep talking, reading, sharing, and asking. You won't find a more remarkable, supportive group of people. I'm new here too, and already feel at home. I have POTS (the kind without blood pressure highs and lows) and I've had it since adolescence--I'm 42. I'm a terrible sleeper (tho a little better the last few weeks b/c I'm taking Claritin at night before bed). Problems with insomnia, and I don't sleep deeply. FYI: my holter monitor showed low hr of 67 at 7:30 in morning, just before awakening, and high hr of 167 at 11:30 at night. (This slayed me because I wasn't exercising or even walking or anything. When the heart rate reportedly spiked, I was sitting on my bed reading my husband my "holter diary" for the day--and I was laughing really hard because I wrote about falling asleep at my desk!) Lots of people report mornings as being the hardest time of day; I guess that's my experience too. I have constant tachycardia--except while I'm lying down or sleeping. Lying down it's in 80s or 90s; awake sitting or moving around, it's 105-155 typically. Only recently, in past 5 months, I've been awakening during the night (or in the morning) with numb hands and/or arms. Once my right hand was so "dead" that my left hand could feel that it was touching the right, but the right couldn't sense that it was being touched. That was about the creepiest thing ever! I start saying something and then I forget why... I lose focus, I lose words, I definitely have a hard time talking sometimes. I can't concentrate at work these days; could be the POTS, could be I'm just distracted with big issues in my life right now. I'm not on any meds: just high fluids, high salt, and compression hose. (I'm undergoing fertility treatments...) Heaviness, sure! But the first time I put compression socks on 6 weeks ago, I felt I'd lost 50 pounds; walking got soooo much easier! Try em!!! It's challenging to come to terms with all the different ways our bodies don't respond to stimulus the way they're "supposed" to--but on the other hand, getting a diagnosis can be an enormous relief (as it was for me). I think the trick is to treat those symptoms that are most problematic for you and try to let the rest go. Keeping your sense of humor--and not being hard on yourself if there's something you can't do--are also key! Take good care! Merrill

Gee, thanks, you guys! What an incredible group--I swear I feel like crying when I read these posts (and others on every topic under the sun). What a wonderful, supportive group I've found! And how lucky am I??? You all sound like such fantastic mothers--full of love (which is what it's about, right?) Well even at my ripe old age, I managed to crank out 15 (count 'em!) eggs; all fertilized and waiting for me to show up Friday! (In the meantime, I feel pretty icky, but for once I don't think it's the POTS--I think it's the procedure and the hormones and the sleepy drugs from yesterday. I'm very very crampy...) My husband and my parrot are the lights of my life--if I'm lucky enough to have another light (or two?!?), I'll have to wear shades!

My name's Merrill. I'm 42; I have POTS. I was diagnosed 6 weeks ago, but I've had the symptoms all my life (at least since adolescence). Looking back, I'd have to say some years were better than others. I live in Chicago. My symptoms don't typically change day to day. I think, however, that 2003 was a worse year than other years, which is what finally sent me to cardiologist to find out once and for all what was going on with my heart. (Also, I've always felt low-level sick--sicker than everyone else I knew--and I wanted to see if I was truly strong and healthy enough for pregnancy. I've had 2 miscarriages and am pursuing fertility treatments.) Anyway, this year I had 15 lbs unexpected and undeliberate weight loss, difficulty standing more than a couple minutes, zero heat tolerance, zero exercise tolerance, bowel/gut problems, anxiety, I don't sweat--except I've been drenched a few times in middle of night--phlegm in throat at night, numb arms/hands during night, "brain fog"--difficulty expressing myself sometimes, losing train of thought, words, etc--and most important--fierce tachycardia. My heart rate only seems to go below 100 when I'm lying down or sleeping; if I'm walking at all, even slowly, it's in the 140s. Sitting, anywhere from 105-130 bpm. (That would make anyone feel anxious!) I haven't tried any medications. I'm on high salt, high fluid, and compression hose (where have these socks been all my life??? I LOVE them.) I didn't want to try meds til we see whether I'll be preggers... I imagine a beta blocker could be in my future. My favorite thing about the diagnosis: I'm much kinder to myself. I no longer blame my breathlessness in climbing 10 stairs to being deconditioned; I no longer blame my lack of desire to exercise on laziness. I no longer push myself to do the yoga moves in class that are too rigorous because they're "good for me." And I can say, "it's the POTS" when I feel panicky or when I feel discouraged by the way my body is handling stress etc. (Is this more than y'all wanted to know?)