DanniBunny

If you read the article the only risk is if its directly over your chest and it dosen't happen 100% of the time. I'd imagine its the same way for MOST electronic devices in that position. If you just move the ipod to another location, it shouldn't cause any interference.

A basic rule I learned a while ago, is that SOME plaque protects the enamel. I typically wait a half hour after brushing before I eat or drink anything, including water. Most mouth washes and gums contain some type of suger or alcohol in them, 'oxygenating' products do a better job of both protecting your teeth and keeping your breath fresh as things like sugar and alcohol just feed the bacteria. There are some natural types out there, I haven't gotten around to trying them yet personally, but I've heard good things.

I had a stress test during my diagnosis at Mayo. I was completely wiped out after. I had also been doing some symptom-enducing tests before that also (sweat test, with the yellow powder- if you know it). My understanding is that they wanted me to reach a certain heart rate. Well it wasn't hard, I only reached the 3rd 'level' before I stopped. That was the one time POTS came in handy, heart rate got high enough earlier than a normal paitent would. I had some really great women running my test who were very reassuring and made sure I knew that I was SUPPOSED to tell them if something felt awful and I couldn't go on. So I did None of my symptoms seemed to show through however.

If Gatorade isn't cutting it, I'd head in to the baby/toddler asile and get some Pedialite. Its specfically formulated to re-hyrdate kids for diarrhea. I've used it (and my stupid college friends have too for other reasons of dehydration if you catch my meaning) and it works great! I'm not sure about the ER or IV fluids part, I'm pretty stubborn and it takes a lot for me to get to the ER, and by the time I finally give in to go, I'm feeling better. Eating juicy fruits and veggies is also a good method of rehydration, so long as you don't eat so much as to reinduce the stomach probs. hope this helps and you're feeling better - I have the same prob, and I think its PARTIALY the POTS?

I'd also suggest getting your ears tested. However it may not be an actual infection (though since its a recent development of severity it does sound likly). Definately see an ENT specialist if you suspect this as well. I was diagnoised with a vestibular disorder the same time as my POTS at Mayo. - They did various tests specifically for dizzyness focusing on balance, eyes, and inner ear function. I'd definately reccemend the testing. It made me nausus, but we figured out why it did Now I have some vestibular therepy exerices I do at home, retraining my eyes and body for functioning with my ear. Other than the balance, (atleast when my eyes are closed) and some episodes in the car... I'm doing A LOT better!!

Actually I've been doing distance education since high school through Indiana Unversity because of my migraines and fatigue - technically I'm still working on that diploma in conjunction with my bachelors work. It's not typically something I share with people, but I feel very supported here, so I think thats why I'm feeling a bit more open about it. I definately love distance education, but I also find its easier for myself to make excuses when I'm having my good days 'oh well, there are no due dates, so I should take advantage of my good day and just be normal' things like that. Do you ever have that feeling? Thanks for the support from everyone else too! I'm sure I'll start PMing a lot of you pretty soon here. I'm still so distracted by the wealth of information there is, and trying to get a more complete diagnosis, but I'm slowly shfting into more of an acceptance mode.

is the back feeling in the same spot as where you get the heartburn? Because I've had something similar I think. Typically it happens when I eat too fast or I eat in a more reclined position. I actually had it this afternoon when I made a trip to the ER myself (for other reasons) - I honestly didn't think to mention it. Its infrequent, so I've never really told a Doc about it though maybe tis a good idea.

I've had the same experience. Since I've quit my job, and take my classes online, I don't get out a ton, so my every day symptoms are milder - and I'm VERY used to the fatigue aspect after having that part for the better part of 12 years, I almost forget I have these health issues, then one day, it could be one thats active or not, BOOM! I feel terrible and I'm begging my boyfriend to come home from work so I'm not stuck with a hyper 4 month old puppy. I can't remember the last time I had a symptom free day, but those awful ones make me appreciate the ones that are managable.

its good to that my childhood dream of being an astronaut is still in reach - and beneficial! lol

I haven't tried the tablets yet, but I've been trying to introduce more to my normal diet , everyone else in my life has medical reasons NOT to eat salt, so I was stuck doing the same and I think its part of my problem with POTS. So far I try to snack on almonds (I need extra protein anyway), gatorate as a good amount of salt, and believe it or not those healthy cottage cheese doubles with fruit have quite a bit of salt in them too - and they're yummy

thanks everyone! I definately am learning a lot already! I'm glad that if I had to have these medical issues, that I atleast live in an age with the internet and a great laptop at my finger tips.

As I mentioned before I've been having the same struggle of figuring out again what I will be capable of. Today I was able to not have the puppy locked up all day and actually took her for a short walk, probably lasted more than 10 minutes and I certinally havent' felt good since, but it was still worth it to get out in the fresh air. I've definately come to the conculsion that any sort of 'normal' job for a 20 year old like resturants, bartending, retail, is out of the question for me. But after reading everyones kind words, it definately sounds like there are possibilies out there for any of us that want them. I hope you find this encoraging as well.

I've never had any major issues, but my POTS really has just reached a severe stage in the last year or so. I've had a few small cavities over the years, the dentist says its because my enamel didn't form properly when i was young. Definately something I'm going to keep a look out for now.

I can definately relate to that feeling - I don't have the answers, but I can certinally empathize - I left high school early because of migraines and unexplained fatigue, then earlier this year as my POTS symptoms flared up and before they were diagnoised I had to quit my job in January. I'm at a loss right now of how I'll be able to go to college full time or work, but I have to believe there is a way. Full-time work isn't always possible from my understanding, but a return to 'normality' seems very possible and even probable for the determined. I recently became friends with a woman on another forum who actually has her doctorate and is going back to teaching this summer for the fist time in years :smile: (she is also a researcher of POTS hurray!) Sorry I have no specific advice, but I wanted to chime in with some words of encouragement and hope.

just thought I'd introduce myself since there isn't a specific area for that here - I'm 20 and was diagnoised with POTS just last week after about 10 years of progressive symptoms. This past winder was so bad I had to quit my job, school, everything, and there were a number of occasions where had I been smart I probably should of called an ambluance. I also have a previous migraine diagnosis and a inner-ear dysfunction which worsens my POTS symtpoms. I was finally diagnoised after spending a week of intensive testing at Mayo in MN. I've been put on toprol xl (25mg a day) and been directed to do some vestibular therepies and try to condition myself again (I'm a former gymnast, dancer, and many many other sports and endurance involving activities). My symptoms have decreased significantly since dramatically reducing my activity. Still I only have about 1 true good day a week where I feel like my normal self. So thats about it, I just wanted to introduce myself and ask all the veterans if they have any advice, particuarlly any other young females who are struggling through school and everyday life. I know there is no cure (and I don't even have a complete diagnosis yet) but I'm hoping I can live a some-what normal life now that I've begun treatment.

Yaz is the lower estrogen form of Yasmin - thought I might clear that up - I don't believe there is any other difference between the two other than that.

I hadn't heard about lyme and POTS before, but thats very intresting I should do some research, because I suspected I had lyme before my diagnosis with pots. I've heard MS and POTS is rare, but I've spoken with someone on aother dysautonmia forum that has both. If you like I can PM you the forum site and you could ask around there? I'm new to this world so I don't know how much cross-over between the dysautonomia forums there mnight be. I'm on toprol as well, but I just started 2 days ago, so I'm afraid I'm not much health. If i've learned anything during my daignosis though its tell EVERYTHING that changes to your doctor. It might mean nothing, but keeping them informed is always a good plan IMO.