migraine

No way are you a wimp! I can't imagine going through all of that. Has anyone ever suggested physical therapy. (Not a chiropractor!) Forgive my ignorance if I don't know your full circumstances, but it sounds like it would help. I have some lower back spine issues that may or may not be related to POTS. I'm told that it can never be fixed, but if I can strengthen the muscles that support that area, it may help prevent further injury and help with other symptoms I experience with this trauma. I wonder if this would be the same case for your neck. Also I find that my POTS and BP symptoms actually get worse if I spend too much time in bed or sleep in until noon or something. Maybe these excersises would help that as well and eventually ease the chest pain. Please don't give up and keep trying to find the best thing that works for you

It almost seems like we need a "Moms With POTs" forum because for so many of us, we were diagnosed with POTs after a birth or the symptoms got worse. The main focus of our lives has become our kids and POTs, so there's probably oodles of conversation on this topic. My symptoms seemed to become worse with each pregnancy, but it's usually not debilitating and my beta blockers really seem to help. Kudos to you for being a young Mother with POTs. I don't think I could have handled major POTs issues along with being a new Mom. They are both such huge adjustments to your life style along with going to school, working, and having the time of your life (which you should be doing at that age ) My first child was a hip baby. We could not put her down for one second or she would cry. My second child was a dream. She slept for 5 hours at a time all day and all night. Their personalities still reflect those patterns. So for me, a second child didn't seem like that big of a deal and a natural transition. My husband nearly lost his head with the third baby...and now a fourth...but it all seems to be settling in to a sort of comfortable chaos. Before considering your second, I would definately make sure you are close to family or have some support. There's really no way of knowing what your stress level will be with the second baby and how your POTs will respond to your delivery...it could get better or worse, we just don't know. You sound like someone who has endured a lot and still made it through the good or bad. I'm sure whatever you decide you can handle it.

I just wanted to comment on the last comment...I am 32, while I already have 3 kids and am pregnant with my 4th I finally feel like...OK, I'm ready to have a baby I don't think I could have said that at the age of 20. I have so much more patience now than I did when I had my first one, so there's definately a benefit to giving yourself some time emotionally and physically. I was told it would be very difficult for my husband and I to have a child and was prepared to go through a series of fertility stuff. It was supposed to take a total of about 5 years. I think I gave birth a year after this diagnosis. I guess you just never know, and it either comes or it doesn't weather you're ready or not.

No matter how we receive our children, they are both blessings and hardships for POTs patients. I have 3 children and one on the way. Every so often I feel guilty for bringing children into a world where, "Mommy's not feeling good today" is a common phrase. I think when we conceive, adopt, or any other method it is always difficult to complain about your children...because you wanted this and this is the choice you made. It is also difficult to do knowing you have an illness that can make child rearing very tiresome. It is definately a responsiblilty of the Mother or Father (Even for people without POTS) to ask, "Can I actually do this?" In my situation, I have a great support system. My Mother moved close to me after my second child was born and has been a Godsend. Though my husband is not always the best at showing empathy for my POTS, he is great with our kids. We are on different shifts, so we share an equal amount of childcare. On days when I'm sick my husband, Mother, and Mother-In Law all kick in to help. I honestly do not know what I would do without them and would have to seriously think about children if I did not have help. My family has allowed me to enjoy having a large family. And I know that my children are loved and well cared for. I guess it really does take a village to raise a child. I believe children can also benefit POTS patients emotionally. Before kids, I spent a lot of time laying on the couch or watching movies. Even if I was only a little sick, I would not have the energy to go about my day. Children kind of force you to get up and get going. I feel I have learned to deal with minor illness days and just keep going. Reading other people's postings I really feel for those who have not been able to conceive or who have been too sick to really enjoy their kids. You are in my prayers!

Merrill, Let us know how your test goes, I am very curious. I will have a sleep lab scheduled for June. In a previous posting my cardiologist was the one that said that POTs is a "benign" disease, so he is going for a sleep apnea diagnosis which he believes is causing migraines, fatigue, POTS symptoms etc. I have snored since I was a child, but my husband did not notice it until after the birth of our first child. (I guess the honeymoon is over) I actually don't believe I quit breathing during sleep... In a previous posting someone discussed blood pressure during sleep. My theory is that my blood pressure goes so low during sleep that I do not get enough oxygen for deep sleep and circulation, and is why I wake up sore and with a headache & nausea. I even bought a tempre pedic mattress (which takes some getting used to by the way.) It has helped my lower back pain, but not my other symptoms. I'm just curious what these lab results will say about that, so check your oxygen reading during sleep after your test...maybe it's another POTS thing. My questionaire also asked if I halucinated or jumped during sleep. I laughed because about twice a week I do this as I'm drifting off to sleep. For some reason I see a man attached to my ceiling above my bed with his arms spread out. (This is actually my ceiling fan.) For some reason it scares me every time and I feel like I jump about 50 feet in the air. I wonder if this is a non-breathing time that they talk about??? Sleep well and good luck!

Do you ever feel like you're falling, but you're not? Sometimes I experience a weird sensation like when you're tummy drops going over the first hill of a roller coaster and you can't catch your breath for a minute. This usually happens when I'm driving in the passenger seat of a car. It almost always happens when I ride in the back seat. I have to squirm in my seat and focus on some scenery to get my breath back. It's just a weird feeling and I don't know if it's POTs related or what?

I keep thinking that my college days were only a few years prior...but it is now going on 10 years! During my senior year at college I was probably having undiagnosed POTs symptoms and was stressed about everything. I dealt with it by sleeping all day. Finding that I would not graduate with this sort of study habit I saw a doctor. It was the first time I was given a beta blocker. I was given one beta blocker for each exam. I was able to relax a little better, balance my emotions, and focus on studying. I also did not experience my usual test anxieties. That being said, I certainly don't want to advise you to take a beta blocker without your dx and proper doctor's perscription. I like the relaxation techniques that were suggested earlier. I also found that back then a quick aerobic work out, power nap, and some protein also gave me a little energizing boost. Academically speaking I'm not one for study groups, but curling up on my bed with my book and notes always seemed better than a firm desk at the library. I am currently in a college setting and have seen that "end of year" crunched look on my students' faces. If you're really frazzled, you should contact a Student Academic Services type of facility. They may be able to help guide you through a realistic schedule and help you if you have special needs. Our college allows a student to request an exam change if you have more than 2 exams in one day. I really think you would be able to get some sort of special needs allowance to space out your exams. All you would need is a doctor's note and exam change permission. Stop by and talk to your Dean or Assistant Dean of your college. Relax and know that college students with and without POTS are going through the same thing everywhere. Hang in there!

Oh man, I wish all of us could simply bypass the ER and get our specialist's butt on our scene as soon as possible. I'm sure if we were in a car accident, the ER could fix us right up...but there's no visible wounds for POTS! I'd like to share a similar story and then leave you with one to make you laugh!.... When I was 13 (still undiagnosed) 3 doctors were determined to find out what caused sugar in my urine, headaches, and all my other goofy illnesses. They were sure I either had diabetis, hypoglycemia, or epilepsy. So I started out with a glucose tolerance test. I drank the yucky syrup and about an hour later had a grand mal seizure in the middle of the hosptial gift store. Very quickly I was rushed to have an EEG or an EKG - where they glue those things to your head. Anyway, those tests were all inconclusive and doctors were purplexed. I was unable to walk or eat for about a week and had the mother of all headaches. When I was well enough, I was sent to another hospital for observation where they ran two other tests. I spent one day on all carbs and sugar with my blood drawn every hour (while laying down all day.) The next day I was on all protein and was allowed to walk around (because that should be healthy for me right?) Anyway, I ended up passing out on the protein day and messed up all of their theories. To this day I swear it was being hot and the smell of sauerkraut in the cafeteria that made me pass out. I finally recovered from all of these stupid tests....and even to this day doctors don't have a clue what the heck was going on. After being diagnosed with POTS, I believe these were all symptoms and I was going through my worst POTS phase during adolecsence. So yes, I have been that bad and I did get better. I hope that is an optomistic affirmation for you, so hang in there. And now for the funny POTS/ER story... I believe I had a similar (undiagnosed) attack in school. I think this was brought on by a heavy period (sorry guys.) I had very bad cramps, but also lots of POTs symptoms. I went to the school medical center where I passed out while I was checking in. They rushed me to a room where the doctor and nursing staff tried to convince me that I was probably pregnant and having a miscarriage. I kept insisting that I was not, but they didn't believe me. Things got a little more frantic when the room was filled with 3 nurses and 2 doctors rushing around. Again insisting that they had to check me for pregnancy. Finally frustrated yet dying from ambarrassment I yelled, "I'm not pregnant - I'm a virgin!" Very slowly and quietly the room filtered out and the doctor gave me a wonderful pep talk on how wonderful and virtuous this was, and I was given some motrin and water and sent on my way. It's all funny now, but it wasn't then and I sort of view this whole illness like one wacky M*A*S*H episode. Hope this brings a smile to your face and you know that we all feel for you. Get better soon.

I find that about every 2-3 weeks I simply run out of gas. It seems to happen when I finally have a day off or nothing to do. It's like my body says OK, you've finally slowed down, so I'm going to shut you off completely. This is usually when I get a migraine or tell my husband and family,..."that's it, I'm going to bed, see you in about 5 hours." I usually take a day or so and then perk up. Until I was diagnosed with POTS, I thought everyone did this just because we all seem to lead such busy lives.

I have taken reglan along with axid for my morning sickness and occasional heartburn/acid reflux. Many foods make my stomache upset or I get IBS, so I find this is also helpful for digestion. For some reason it makes me a little slow and sleepy. I asked the pharmacist about this and he said that should not make you tired. I just figure it's a POTs thing and the way my body interacts with that particular medication. I usually take it before I go to bed and just let the medication do its thing. I find it very mild yet helpful. Good luck with it.

Sorry, I didn't mean to raise such a stir with my doctor's "benign disease" statement...but it certainly does seem like a slap in the face; because we know our pain is real. Benign to me is something that is present but causes no pain or other complications. That was his opinion and I didn't want to argure with him and I'm just exhausted from explaining my pain over and over. I think our doctors believe that we have POTS, but do not believe that POTS is a diagnosis for each of our individual symptoms. For me, migraines are the issue, so the neurologist will focus on that and the cause. My Grandmother's syncope along with her pacemaker have been classified as a cardiologist's "heart condition" even though there are a bunch of issues that seem to elude them. She has also had these mini heart attacks which technically should not happen when you have a pacemaker and don't exactly seem to test out as a heart attack????? So what we end up with is a career of planning doctors appointments for each symptom, and that's exhausting in itself. Once I deliver this baby I am going on a quest to find a sympathetic and available doctor who is interested in researching this disease as much as myself. I'm also going to demand some standing order for drugs for my migraines; and really research products that will prevent these symptoms. It is difficult to find one drug to help something that does not counter act another drug that is helping something else. We kind of got off the subject here, but I will definately keep my husband coming to my appointments. Even though my doctor downplayed my disease he did confirm that I had things going on, and that was helpful for my husband to hear. I set up a canopy tent this weekend and then dragged it back to my house from 5 houses down after it blew away. Since my appointment the tent has still been standing there. My husband asked why I had not taken it down, I simply said, "I just can't do it anymore." I will have to learn to let more tents in my life sit, so I can get the help I need and have the energy to at least survive this illness during its ups and downs. I will continue to take all of your fabulous advice.

Hi Everyone! Based on several posts, I finally took your advice and asked my husband to come to my umpteenth doctor's appointment for POTS. This time it was a new cardiologist. I'm not sure my husband got the full picture of POTS, but it certainly helped him to see what it takes to go to each visit... The scheduling, the waiting room, starting from the top with my history, explaining, anwering questions, medications & their effects, discussing factual test results, etc. This was an actual doctor discussing my problems as medical rather than psychological. It helped him to see that this was not a made up disease. Because my husband has not been with me to the doctors in awhile, I had forgotten how comforting it was to have him there. Not only did the doctor ask me questions, but he asked my husband about his observations of me and confirmed to the doctor some of my problems. I also felt like I was treated a little better because my husband was sitting there. I am usually rushed through my appointments only to discover I forgot to tell him half of my problems. I'm not sure why, but I felt like I was taken more seriously and things were explained a little slower. What I did not like is the doctor's under empasis of POTs. Some doctors I run in to are very interested and concerned. Others dismiss it as some insignificant title. I really liked this doctor, however he referred to POTS as a "benign" disease and very common. I really did not need this statement with my already skeptical husband present. I do believe there are different degrees of POTS and some people have a mild case or don't even know they have it. With the birth of each of my children, mine has become progressively worse and I would not consider it "benign." I think we can only take the information from all of these doctors and be our own advocate and decide what is best for ourselves. He did order a new test I have not had. He believes I have sleep apnea and that many of my symptoms (migraine, fatigue) come from oxygen issues or lack of sleep. I'm sure this is a possibility and certainly worth looking into. What I think they will find (based on my tilt table test and information posted on this site) is that my blood pressure is so low at night that I truely may not be getting enough oxygen/blood flow. This could be why I have headaches in the morning and don't feel too hot when I get up. So if they discover that, it is another validation...but is there a cure? We did discuss medications and seem to be on the same page as far as treatment, so I guess we'll just go from here and see what happens. I plan on taking my husband to future appointments so he can be in the loop as well. I did notice a slight change in that it may have dawned on him that I am tired. He helped the kids with their homework this morning and did some budgeting regarding next year's childcare which was really freaking me out. Hopefully I will see these little increments of empathy in the future, because God knows I need them. Thanks for the great advice!

Hi there, I'm pretty sure I don't have EDS but I know I am very clumsy and have tons of bruises on my arms and legs that my kids love to point out. I have no clue where they come from. I do have a theory. Because of my POTs I learned that I have a gated walk and some dizzy spells that make me occasionally veer to one side or another. I am constantly running into walls or bumping my hips and legs on protruding objects and toys. Because I alway seem to be running around or in a hurry...I usally just sort of bump and go. I think now I don't even notice, but my husband will occasionally inform me that the wall has always been there:) Now, if I have blood drawn or an IV and it's not done just so....I will get one of those postcard size huge bruises on my arm. I thought it was some some kind of injury when I came home from having my first child, so I took a picture. They really hurt but can also just look really hideous. I have no clue how to fix these, but I really feel for you.

I used to be a competative swimmer and had a few POTs bouts before I was ever diagnosed. Foot cramps seemed to be my biggest issue as well as being dehydrated. I know it sounds silly (because you're surrounded by water) but just like running or aerobics, you need to keep a water bottle by the starting block. It would also be helpful to eat some protein before you work out...not enough to get a cramp, but enough so you have energy. And like the previous comment - move slow when you're done with your work-out, and never swim alone:)

I have no idea if this is POTs related or not, but I don't even think they could get blood from me. I have very very tiny veins. They always seem to blow and I usually try to convince them to use a baby butterfly needle if they need to draw blood for something. They roll, and even when they get a good one, occasionally it just up and quits flowing. Does this have something to do with the blood volume/pressure...or just something completley unrelated that I have to deal with. Needless to say, I have never even attempted to give blood:)

CJMANN1: My posted name is Migraine. That is my main POTs complaint, but if you look back at my replies and topics you will see that I always end up talking about my kids or this current pregnancy. I am 4 months pregnant. I have 3 girls ages 2, 4, 6 and we're hoping to have some XY chromosomes on this 4th one. We'll know in a month or so. I was unaware I had POTs with the first 3, so this 4th one will probably be a little guarded in my treatment. Are you thinking about becoming pregnant or are you already? Just like every pregnancy and birth experience is different...I think every POTS pregnancy and birth experience is different. From what I have read we need at least two bags of fluids before delivery and a keen eye for our blood pressure status. (By coincedence, I had those for other reasons) I have had a total of 5 epidurals (2 did not work on my last child.) From what I've read those can be very bad for POTs patients. I don't know if I experienced side effects from those or not. My migraines did become worse with each child which lead me to be tested for POTS. I really want a big family and it is worth it for me to put up with all those POTS symptoms in order to have children. I am very optomistic that once I give my body some rest, get some good medication, (and sleep through the night) my symptoms will ease. If not at least I will have 4 children to help me in my old age:) I am always interested in yapping about my kids and pregnancies, so let me know if you would be interested in talking through e-mail and such. Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Wow - soooo many emotions from this topic. It's hard enough to deal with this disease let alone put up with everyone around you that doesn't believe it exists. It's like a double wammy. I just took the advice of another member on another topic...I just say I have a heart condition, it seems to help. My Mom is a nurse and has been with me at all my tilt-tables and so on. She has been my rock through this whole thing and I am so lucky to have her. My husband is a different story. He believes that I have these illnesses, but does not believe that they are all related to POTs. He also feels if I would just excersise and eat right...everything would go away. I come home every night and tell him about what I read in this forum and all of your experiences. He thinks we are all nuts and is ambarrased that I have discussed such personal information on the internet. I think I'm going to take all of your advice and start making him come to these appointments, seeing the tests results as they occur, and listening first hand to what the doctor has to say. He seems to be compassionate when I'm throwing up or passing out, but not when I say I just don't feel well or I'm too tired. We rarely go out for an evening because he knows I will get sick from something I eat, get a headache, or become too sleepy. We used to go to a super bowl party every year. I would either get a migraine before we left or sick from one of the various foods at the party and have to leave early. Eventually we were not invited anymore. I know I'm making my husband sound like a jerk, but in reality I understand his feelings. I am such a party pooper. In knowing this I have tried to make adjustments. Rather than going out to dinner, a movie, and seeing a band...We usully just go to dinner. If we go to a party, performance, or wedding reception I will drive separately. That way I can go home if I'm sick. I am also very supportive about boys nights out. I also don't complain much if he works late or wants to go out after work. I trust him. And my hope is that he will not feel trapped by this disease and able to be there for me when I'm really really sick...and though he complains, he's usually there. As for everyone else I just say I have a cardiac condition. If they don't understand I'm sure they think I'm nuts...but Oh well! As for a pamphlet...that sounds like a wonderful idea! So many of you have metioned doctor Grubb. Would he be interested in putting something together?. I would love to have one to pass out to doctors and nurses every time I go to the ER or so on. And if I have an episode I could just sort of hand it to whoever is with me. Any volunteers?

Deanna: Yes, as a new member I feel like I have taken every opportunity to vent about my own problems. I'm hoping to come around to the side of a supportive member soon. It's just that every time I read something I go, "Oh that happend to me too" and so on. I have also taken notice to so many of you who can't work or have needed pacemakers or can't even walk across the room. I have to admit that that scares me, because that could be me some day. I feel so guilty, like my little problems are nothing. I do hope that you can work someday. And with this forum I hope to learn what seems to help everyone, medication updates, and so on.

Yes Dawn, I feel like I have tons on my plate but I haven't figured out a way to get out of it. I also used to sing in a band on the weekends, teach kindermusic, and try to be on a board or committee for all of my kids' functions. It took going to a shrink to validate that my mind and body were fried and how to express that to my husband! I quit the band and kindermusic. I go to my kids' activities, but I am not on any committees. I have become the Mom that always brings chips at every event:) As for work...well, I'm working on that. My husband owns a business. Since he is self-employed we have no insurance so I have to work in order to have insurance to support my POTs and doctors visits. My POTs symptoms started after my first child was born. I took a year off to be with her and supposedly get back to my pre-existing health (I was yet undiagnosed.) We were just starting out so to make a long story short I ended up with a lot of credit card debt. After seven years we are getting on our feet. I have about 2 more years to pay off my debt and then I will have more options. I keep looking forward to that day. Until then I sort of just push hard for about 2 weeks, collapse, pick myself up, and do it again. Another Mom mentioned that it was somewhat easier to be at work when you have kids and are POTSy. I agree with that. I feel horrible for saying this because I adore my children, but the mental effort of work is a lot less demanding on my POTsy body than the physical fatigue of getting bottles and changing diapers. Boy that sounded bad. I give stay at home Moms a huge amount of credit. I am hoping that by the time I am able to go part-time or not work, my kids will be older, and I will have the physical strength not just to be a stay-at-home Mom...but a good stay-at-home Mom. I live in a little development with several other families that are our age also with young children. They always look like they are buzzing through life so effortlessly. I hope to just appear like that some day. Paige, thanks for making me feel OK about venting. It makes me feel better to know other people experience the same things too.

Congrats on your new book. I don't know much about the publishing industry. I did see a story on Primetime or something about a writer that wrote his own book about RAP (clearly off the POTS topic) but he printed them himself and then sold them on the subway. A publisher happend to see it and then formally re-printed and bam he was a genuine author. With POTs, I don't see you selling it on a subway, however e-bay seems to do quite nicely. I notice whenever I'm searching for a topic on the web, several e-bay items pop up as well. If you could afford to print out 100 or so books I would give it a go the e-bay route. Maybe a publisher would pick up on it. You would certainly sell a lot to our POTS community. Good luck!

Oh yes, I get migraines fequently as well as bounce back headaches. I always feel like I am on the verge of getting a migraine and imagine that I am seeing the telltale eye auras that come with it. I almost feel like I am making it happen by thinking about it so much. I work as well and have 3 kids and one on the way. At work I dream of my pillow. I lay on my couch or floor at home to play with the kids or have tickle fests. I feel like my little engine is just winding down slower and slower. I get a little snappy with people at work sometimes. I think it's because I'm tired and they have no idea about the pains going on inside my mind and body. I work in a college and I very much envy the youth and health of my students. I am also not very patient when it comes to their woes because I sometimes think they have no idea what it's like in the "Real World" or to have health problems. Once I make it through this pregnancy I hope to start experimenting with new medications that will help with my energy level and POTs symptoms. Is there any one drug out there that is giving anyone a special boost (That's legal:)

Hey Paige, Sounds like you received tons of wonderful advice. I had one of your bad days yesterday. I don't think I'm depressed or anything I just feel like every once and awhile I look at myself and go, "It cannot be possible that any one person has this many illnesses." I almost feel more annoyed than actually sick. After setting up all of my appointments for my OB/GYN, neurologist, cardiologist, primary care physican, eye doctor, and chiropractor...it suddely dawns on me that I am literally falling apart! On top of everything I woke up yesterday morning with severe lower back pain hunched in a fetal position. Why in the world would I be cursed with this on top of my severe headache, nausea, and other POTS symptoms! I cried all last night because my six year old daughter had to make her 4 and 2 year old sister dinner...peanut butter and jelly - because I couldn't get up (My husband works nights.) They tucked themselves in bed and said that they loved me and would take care of me. This made me ball harder...I was determined NOT to be sore and sick. I laid on my counter top cleaning jelly from the counter and crawling on the kitchen floor to put dishes in the dishwasher. It was pathetic and I decided to give up and cry in my chair all night. Once home, my husband picked a very bad time to point out that I'm always sick and not a day has gone by that I have not complained about something hurting. He is not very sympathetic and I almost wish I had a disease he has heard of so he will nurture me. He thinks this is not an actual disease, but a way for the medical community to get lots of money from us and our insurance. "Oh and isn't it convenient that the cardiologist is located directly across the hall from the neurologist that referred you." This forum has helped me so much because I feel like you all understand and have been there. I do not always feel like this. I am usually a fairly active and outgoing person. I have been known to work, do landscaping, and drive the kids everywhere while sick or sore. I really need to quit more often so my husband and family realize that I need help. My husband and I have been listening to these financial planning tapes. The guy said something that really inspired me...He said "instead of not doing anything...try to underachieve!" I have been sitting on my bum all week. I know I could not go out and jog 2 miles or anything, but I did walk one mile on my lunch break today. I will also probably do 1 load of laundry and attend a soccer game. And that's all I can do right now, but darnit it's better than sitting there. I think without my kids it would be easier to fall into a depression and lay in my bed all day. They kind of demand that I push through this. I am convinced that even though I have had some crappy days, I'm going to have some great days too. Anyway, I'm probably venting more for myself than offering you support or advice...but just know that you are not alone. I really take all of the support and suggestions you have received on this topic to heart and I'm really glad we have this forum.

Hello Everyone. I haven't checked the site for about a week because I have been in the hospital and doctor's appointments. Boy these topics sure move quickly. Well, for starters I got that nasty tummy flu that went around. I was very dehydrated and went to the hospital to get some fluids to me and the baby. I was quickly given fluids and something to make me stop throwing up. Unfortunately I was NBM so I wasn't allowed anything else - even ice chips. This is not a good thing for POTSy patients. Without something to drink (I usually drink 1-2 cans of diet pop a day...I know I shouldn't) or my normal beta blocker medication my flu quickly turned into a migraine. I begged for tylenol but they said they couldn't give me that because it wasn't on the orders...instead I was given nubane. That stuff knocked me out for about 3 hours, but I awoke to an even worse headache. My IV monitor kept beeping splitting my head in two! I finally rolled it into the hall and hung my hand off the end of the bed. Someone finally heard it going off in the hallway. I'm sorry to all of you nurses on this web-site, but I was such a terrible patient. I was begging for any kind of pain medication and ice! Finally a nurse brought me some contraband ice! I had my beta blockers with me and snuck one of them. In the morning my Mom snuck me a diet pepsi. 20 minutes after the pop and some furinol I had only a minor headache. I feel like I could have just gone home the night before had I had all of my other needs/medications. I feel like I know what my body can and can't have more than the doctors....which leads me to my new doctor... I was with Dr. Stillman at the Cleveland Clinic. They were fabulous and Dr. Stillman was wonderful. My problem is/was that it was so far away. I only had check-ups once a year and I was not able to drive out there for a migraine because I was just too sick. I saw Dr. Patel (neurologist) at Community Health Partners today. He may not have as much knowledge about the POTS as Dr. Stillman but he seemed to be interested in it and as concerned as I am about this pregnancy. He also has a lot of experience with migraines which is my main complaint. He is sending me to a cardiologist next week. This way when I have my baby my OB/GYN, Neurologist, and Cardiologist will all be at the same hospital (3 minutes from my house) and all of them in the loop. I know I will have to be my own self-advocate, but at least I'll have a team available that knows my history. Also, this doctor is willing to just take away my misery during a migraine. As most of you have experienced many people think we are drug seekers. I have to tell you, when I have a migraine I'll beg people for anything. This doctor is not going to mess around anymore. I can just come to the ER, they will call him and give me medication that makes me stop throwing up and then knocks me out. I am so sick of going to an ER, having them run a million completely uneccessary tests and then telling me my head only hurts because I'm throwing up due to a virus! Man is that frustrating! Anyway I have upt my beta blocker dose and we are just going to sit tight and see if that works. I am eager to work with this doctor to make my migraines go away and lesson my POTS symptoms. I might be venturing into another topic, but I would also like to work on this weight issue. I can accept that I don't have the healthiest diet....but I don't eat like what I weigh. I was 130 pounds and gained 20-30 lbs. with each child (You do the math.) I don't eat that much, I don't eat snack food or sugar, I don't eat after 7:00pm, and I excersise. Cheesy stuff and pizza make me sick along with anything spicey...so I eat mostly chicken. I walk 1.5-2 miles 3-5 times per week and drink tons of water. I run up and down stairs doing laundry for a family of 5 and play soccer and ride bikes with the kids. Now I realize that none of this means I'm physically fit, but I shouldn't be at this weight. I see people on TV at my weight that are depicted as eating buckets of chicken and gallons of ice-cream and laying on the couch. This hurts and is not my lifestyle at all. My husband owns a music store and is in a band. I think he's cute (looks like Keith Urban) but I am constantly mistaken for his Mom! Anyway, my point is, could the POTS or beta blockers be causing this drastic weight gain? (They have checked thyroid and while it is large, it is not underactive.) I think this will be my last pregnancy and getting rid of my migraines and weight will be my main focus afterwards. Thanks for your replies.

WOW futurehope. That is some wonderful information. I printed it off right away. That way if anyone (especially the ER) ever accuses me of drinking again I can show them your information. I am on a low sugar diet. I do remember reading once about diabetics being pulled over because their breath smelled like alcohol even though they had not been drinking. Is this linked as well? Also, I am probably on the wrong organ, but does this effect the gall bladder. At an OB ultrasound I once mistook a gallstone for my baby's head. I was supposed to have that sucker out 4 years ago but I have had mixed reviews on the results of the surgery. I guess I have several huge stones in there. They won't pass so no one is too worried right now, but some day it could explode or something. Anyway, could this overgrowth be formed by the Candida Albicans?

Hi Ling, yes, I am concerned. I didn't know I had POTs the first three births. I am actually more nervous now than I was with my first one. I did read up on the epidural and pushing information. My last epidural they made 3 attempts and it finally worked. With all of the births I had back pain at the epidural site for a month or so after the pregnancy. Before my first child was born I swore I would never have an epidural but I kissed and hugged the "Edpidural Guy" every time he came in to give me one! I was given pitosin (sp) with each birth. Experts say this does not increase the pain, but I think it makes it come on faster and harder making the epidural necessary (for me.) I think the pitosin factor is actually the key to not needing an epidural. With the last pregnancy the anesthesiologist said I could probably not get another epidural due to scar tissue and it not being able to work, so I probably won't even have a choice in that matter. There was also something discussed about the flow not working properly and I had to have it inserted at a lower lumbar level on my back with the cathitur (sp) pointing down instead of up. As for the pushing, I did have chest pain and shortness of breath a few hours to a day after each delivery. I'm going to have them observe that a little better now. In my case I only had to push a few times with each child. I'm hoping my fourth one will just walk out on its own! I'm actually more concerned about having a C-Section with all that I have read on blood volume, clotting, and blood pressure. Since I have done it before, I am more secure with the vaginal delivery. My doctor realizes we could have had some problems in the past not knowing that I had POTs, but he is optomistic because I have had such healthy deliveries in the past. Just like every delivery is different I think every POTs delivery will be different as well, depending on the severity of POTs in each case. Right now my goal is to keep my OB/GYN educated and make sure my nursing team is aware of the situation. In my case, my Mother is a nurse at the hospital I will be delivering. She is quick to spot my POTs signs and ready to yell at the team if they are missing something. She will be at my side. If I was starting with my first baby I would have no clue what to expect. My POTs symptoms during pregnancy and delivery have been mild and well worth each child. Since I don't know your history I would hate to say, "Go for it!" but I certainly think giving up on having children or a natural child birth is a little extreme. How about a pole on how many POTs people had babies and their experience? It will probably turn into a Mommy's forum, but I find that many women on this site were diagnosed with POTs after the birth of a child. Thanks for your concern and I will always look into everyone's suggestions on this site. Thank you for keeping me informed.