RIfainthearted

I like the red or pink lemonade Powerade. Of course the resulting bright red lips and tongue from the red one look really attractive... I was interested to read that someone drinks lots of green tea. I always feel guilty when I drink my morning and afternoon tea because I thought tea was a diuretic and therefore not good for us. Also- with my tachycardia, I really shouldn't be having caffeine. Can I now drink guilt-free? Powerade has a new zero calorie drink- haven't tried it yet.

Bella- If you need a ride I can give you one.My prayers are with you. I will email you my #. Suz

I went to the pharmacy today to purchase a new blood pressure monitor. I asked the pharmacist which brand was the most accurate. She pointed out one and said it was better than the store brand. I told her that I actually had that brand at home and when I took my BP standing, it would register an error reading. She said that's because you are never to take your BP while standing. I replied that I had a condition that required it. I mentioned that when my systolic readings were in the 70's or 80's it wouldn't give a reading. She then told me that they are never made to go that low because it is too dangerous to have such a low BP. I responded that that was the point- mine does go that low and that's why I need to have an accurate reading when it does. She shrugged and walked away. Using her logic, I guess BP monitors stop working because after all, our BP's just shouldn't be that low. Good to know...

These posts came at the perfect time for me. I was at PT yesterday and they informed that they couldn't treat me until my BP increased. So- my doc prescribed .1mg of Florinef to raise it. Since I'm often tired, it will be interesting to see how it affects me. After reading the informative posts, I realize that the adderall that I take for my ADD probably helps with the fatigue. I've done well (until now) with midodrine and nadolol for the low BP and tachycardia. In all of your quests for info and explanations about your various symptoms, you certainly have gained an incredible amount of expertise. As a librarian, I always believed that information is power- you are one incredibly powerful group of people!

I need to find a neurologogist in MA or RI. I went to PT today and my BP was 94 sitting. They said they don't want to treat me until my BP is consistently higher. Has anyone seen Dr. Anna Hohler in Boston? Any suggestions on finding a specialist?

Regret and displeasure about attending a certain school or choosing a certain major are not uncommon. My son just graduated a semester early from a top-tier school because he was so unhappy there. The classes were so big he never got to know profs in his dept. and he discovered his major didn't prepare him for a career that he wants. Would your scholarship and school allow you to do a semester exchange? You could look for a school in a healthy climate with a stronger anthropology program. See if you can find one that offers field work if that's what you're interested in. That way you can find out if you enjoy that part of the field and whether you physically are able to do the outside work. You also could contact people (through the internet or ask your favorite professor) involved in anthropology to see if there are jobs in anthropology that would allow you to use your skills without draining you physically. You might want to check Occupational Outlook Handbook (it may be online or it'll be in your public library) to see what jobs are available in your field. Another source which might be helpful is The Book of Majors. Your college library should have it or they'll get it through Interlibrary Loan for you. If I remember correctly, this book will provide info about different paths you can follow with specific majors. You could drop one of the majors. Once you are looking for a job, fluency in Spanish may be needed but a degree in it wouldn't be. Another option is to keep the Anthropology major but drop the other two to minors. I always believe people should follow their passions, if possible, when it comes to careers but you need to be realistic about your choice. POTS patients usually do very poorly in hot weather. In looking at your majors, I would think you would want to work with western tribes (very hot). If you have allergies to dust you probably would have serious problems working outside. I don't mean to discourage you I just think you need to investigate. In college, I decided that I wanted to work on a reservation and help develop library services and improve literacy. After reading up on it, I learned that Native Americans preferred to develop their own libraries and have Native American librarians. I meant well but I was naive. I agree with everyone else. Your health must be your first priority. As much as you want to help your family, living in that environment could be dangerous to you. The allergens would cause serious problems and even something as simple as shoveling out your car in the winter may not be physically possible for you. I am sure your family knows you love them and only want what's best for you. My short-term advice would be for you to try to meet people at your school. You can meet them through church, temple, etc. Join a club or group that doesn't require a big time commitment. Attend free lectures or concerts and try to meet people with similar interests. Maybe there are one-time volunteer opportunities (so not a big time commitment) that might interest you. Depression and loneliness can drain you of strength. Talking to a counselor in the health center (I think their counseling is usually free). It might help you make decisions. Keep in mind that you have a great future ahead of you and eventually things will sort themselves out.

Anne- I am looking forward to hearing about how your appt. in Worcester goes. I've been seeing a cardiologist in Boston but after reading this forum, I'm thinking I should see a neurologist. Can anyone recommend a doc in Boston or RI who specializes in POTS?

I've had iritis four times. Right now I'm dealing with it and the pred drops don't seem to be doing the job. I also have simultaneously been having trouble with POTS during the past 3 weeks. I agree, I do think there could be a connection although iritis is usually associated with autoimmune diseases.