jj_nycguy

Yup, all of the time.

Wow, I had no idea that so many people are cold as I feel. I thought I was the only person. I wish I could put the heat on 77, but my wife only allows me to crank it to 73... and I'm still cold and uncomfortable. At 73, she and my two kids are walking around in short sleeves. I wear a thermal undershirt, heavy long sleeves and a flannel, which doesn't always help. I also have an electric blanket that is usually running on high. I wish there was a solution other than drinking lots of herbal (no caffeine) tea.

Me, too. It happens all of the time. Sometimes it can take a day or two before my eyes are back to normal. I also have visual disturbances (auras, flashing lights, etc...) and pressure behind the eyes before a migraine occurs. Beta blockers do a good job at preventing the pain of the migraine but doesn't stop the visual problems.

I have the same problem, too. This year we will be having company Christmas Eve & Christmas Day. I tend to zone out during conversations, when I'm feeling lousy. Since the family knows my POTS problem, they are usually good about it. Sometimes, I will retreat to the bathroom for a little peace and quiet but I can't hide in there for too long <smile>. Usually, by the end of the night, I am wiped out and feel like a truck ran me over.

Hello! I know that some of you can have hbp at times as well as can I, usually mine is fixed through changing my meds, but I have been having elevated bp for about 2 1/2 weeks now, nothing dangerous aruond 128/88- 133/93 with really no rhyme or reason, did decrease some meds, but it isn't helping.

So, my question is- those that say that have elevated/hbp sometimes. how long does it last? and what do you do about it? like is it only a day or two or a month or what?

thanks

Madeline

My hypertension is hereditary, I got it from both of my parents and their siblings. I was 30ish when my pressure went from 120/80 to over 150/110 within a very short period of time. For over a month, it remained there and never went down, so I went to the doctor. Now I'm on a beta blocker, which helps control my pressure. My problem is the delicate balancing act required to control my pressure between hypertension and hypotension. Something as simple as the change in season can disrupt that balance. Having POTS makes it even more of a challenge.

I'm not a doctor, but you might want to monitor it for the next few weeks, along with your diet, and if it doesn't not go down you should schedule a doctor's appointment. Sometimes it is as simple as too much sodium, caffeine, pseudoephedrine or even trace amounts of aspertame.

A lot us here seem to have bloating. I didn't know that beef caused a problem. I don't eat much beef, but have a lot of bloating and gas. I have been playing around w/ my diet because diet can make a big difference - it helps to eat easier to digest foods (toast, rice, potatoes) and avoid things that cause gas (beans, brocooli, etc.). There is good info online, but it might be really helpful to see a gastro.

Since POTS, I found that my body does not like beef at all. A simple hamburger or small steak leads to hours of pain and bloating. I can tolerate chicken (a little) but pork is just as bad as beef... so I rarely eat any meat. My diet consists of soup, rice, toast, eggs (not often), tea (herbal with no caffeine), macaroni/spaghetti (I'm Italian, so I cannot give it up no matter how I feel afterwards <smile>), lentils and gatorade.

Yup, same problem here. Usually, I stay away from meat & that helps a bit. I keep track of the foods I can tolerate so I can prevent the pain and discomfort.

Hello, everyone!

I am a project manager for a large financial firm in lower Manhattan (Wall Street area). I work 40hrs a week and have a 1.5hr commute (each way). Of course, any problems on the railroad usually extends my commute to 2hrs or more.

POTS has been a challenge... but luckily I still continue to work because I am the sole breadwinner on the family. I practice meditation techniques while commuting, which has helped a lot, but I do have my bad days, too.

I'm so the opposite! I can't handle much light and seriously need it to be low light/dim in our home. The light makes me disorientated/faint like and my eyes almost burn from light. I feel like a vampire in that way At night when we watch a movie, I need it dark or else it's too much sensory overload between the sound from the TV and the lights on, it's just too draining. This will be interesting to see how different we each are in this sensory area.

- Tammy

Me, too. Light & noise sensitive. I'm at a point I don't watch TV at all, I rather read a book in a quiet room. With two kids, quiet is a luxury.

- John

Aspirin under the tongue. That sounds yucky! But if it saves your life ...

Haven't seen you post before, NYCguy. Welcome!

Amy

Hi Amy, thanks for the warm welcome.

I've been a member for a while but I usually just read the posts. I think I might be one of the few male members with POTS (41yo). For me, POTS seems to go dormant during the summer months. I feel almost normal and have just a few bad days. The remainder of the year... well... not so good. Last November I found myself in the hospital because I blacked out (hypotension) and hit my head on the granite counter top. After a week in the hospital and numerous stitches, I decided I really have to take POTS a little more seriously. This November my POTS has hit me like a train, so I'm back to eating like a bird, getting up slower, drinking Gatorade, etc.

I enjoy reading the threads here because it provides me with inspiration & encouragement. Not only do I have POTS, but also tachycardia, PVCs, severe hypertension, hyperchloresterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. That's why I responded to the post... I thought I could finally help a little.

This site is great

Ischemia occurs when there is a blockage of blood. Hypertension just aggravates a blockage and can cause ischemia to occur sooner rather than later. If there's a blockage, eventually ischemia will occur. Hypertension can cause a host of other problems, too (stroke, kidney problems, vascular weakness, aneurysms, etc...).

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack; first call 911, take an aspirin under the tongue and wait for help to arrive. This is what I've learned from numerous CPR/AED classes.

I hope that helps a bit.

I had very high cholesterol (over 300) and triglycerides (over 900). My PCP urged me to go on Lipitor and TriCor but I wanted to stay away from them because the side effects are nasty. After several discussion, my PCP recommended that I begin Niacin therapy. In less than three months, my cholesterol is normal and triglycerides are slightly elevated. I'm currently taking 3000mg of Niacin (1000mg/three times a day). The only side effect is flushing... but since I'm always cold the flushing is a good thing. Just recently, I started taking a small dosage of TriCor to lower my triglycerides into the normal range.

I commute from Long Island to Lower Manhattan everyday, which is a 90 minute ride (each way) on the train. I use this time to rest before and after my day. My work day is about 13 hours long. Most days, I pass out on the train ride home... which really helps. At home, I have two kids that keep my evenings busy. I usually get about 3-4 hours of sleep each night, which is more than enough for me.

Similar to other responses, I carry Gatorade with me at all times and I make sure I eat small meals all day. I have a hard time standing for any period of time, so I usually grab a chair. By the time Friday evening arrives, I'm usually wiped out. Saturday & Sunday are recovery days.

Wow, I thought I was the only person with this problem. My temp runs around 97.5, rarely any higher. My family thinks I'm nuts, since I wear thermals about all year long. I can't remember the last time I was hot and sweaty. I found that niacin, each day, has helps a little to prevent it from going lower than 97.5.

Lynbrook is in Nassau County, LI. It's about 7 hours away from Buffalo (400+ miles).

Hey Jacquie. I'm new to the forum but I, all too well, understand what you're talking about. The only thing that works for me is to eat very small meals all day long. If I over-indulge, more than a child portion, I have terrible pain and nausea.