Hyuckaderp

A few posts here describe how hypoaldosteronism is the norm for those suffering from dysautonomia, which worsens/causes hypovolemia, but how about an alternate scenario: already present hypovolemia (via some unknown mechanism) leading to increased renin activity and thus hyperaldosteronism. As a result, the sympathetic overactivity might not be as exaggerated because the aldosterone is increasing BP enough to where release of catecholamines wouldn't be as necessary, compared to someone with hypoaldosteronism. I ask because my face has become puffy over the past few years and hypothyroidism/acromegaly have been ruled out, so I am curious what else could be at work. I have many symptoms of POTs but the HR increases upon standing are usually only in the realm of 20. So theoretically, if I weren't able to hold onto water so well, then maybe the symptoms would be worse.

I've been experimenting with a low dose of prozac daily (5mg) and I'm pretty sure that it lowered my HR a bit for that latest series. I'm going to go off of it, because I can't have it interfering with a diagnosis. Oddly enough, it seemed to be helping my anxiety more than high dose SSRIs ever did (which is to say, they haven't) but it's also making me moody and tired. I'm also getting these tiny hairs sprouting all over me: on my hands, in my hairline (which is receded), on my chest and stomach... perhaps a result of vasodilation? This has also happened upon starting other SSRIs, but I've never made the connection until now. I've only fainted once in my life, and it was after I'd been chasing some kid during elementary school lunch. I've come close many times, and exercise has always been the provoker.. it's a feeling of breathlessness and malaise that comes over me. It angers me that most doctors would find all of my symptoms pretty unremarkable. Each of them separately are indeed pretty unremarkable, but all together, don't they at least suggest something is going on?

I finally had the time and courage to write an e-mail to my doctor. If she doesn't reply within a couple of days, I'll give her a call. I took your suggestion, Chaos, and checked my BP/HR for 10 mins while standing. The results were as followed: laying down: bp 121/55 hr 66 standing 1: 118/61 90 2 122/64 87 3 123/64 87 4 111/63 93 5 121/58 91 6 117/50 85 7 102/63 87 8 109/53 93 kinda all over the place, not sure about how accurate this omron device is either.. anyways, I'll keep you guys up to date if any developments come along or I need guidance on what to do next. Thanks for always being so helpful.

Hello, everyone. I'm 22 years old but I'm definitely not feeling like it.. at a certain point after feeling like crap every day, I asked my doctor to order some labs. She tested just about everything from hypogonadism to hyperparathyroidism but has not found a diagnosis. Upon coming across an article about POTs and reading the insightful posts here I'm beginning to wonder if I should suggest to her that perhaps it is some form of dysautonomia? I mean, is there some kind of test (norepinephrine) that, if it were off, would force her to admit something dysautonomia-related was going on? Here are the symptoms that make me suspect it: -My blood pressure from yesterday: ( sit ) (stand) 11:00:104/52 63bpm / 83/51 97bpm 1:00 109/50 60bpm / 103/44 75bpm 2:30 110/54 64bpm / 98/48 87 bpm 3:00 115/46 55 bpm / 84/49 82 bpm 7:20 117/50 69bpm / 112/43 84bpm 9:00 110/49 65bpm / 102/45 75 bpm I do not suffer from fainting, however I do sometimes unexpectedly stumble or lose my balance when walking or standing from what I would attribute to lightheadedness. -Lifelong essential tremor and chronic nervousness that multiple SSRIs have not brought any relief to whatsoever. I feel like my *** cheeks (figuratively speaking) are more clenched than I realize because I've forgotten what it means to be completely relaxed. Very bad temper and extreme mood swings as a child (still bad to an extent) -Exercise intolerance - Poor stamina. When running at a distance most would find comfortable at a certain pace, I start to get lightheaded and I have to stop or I pass out. -I know this doesn't necessarily mean I have polydipsia, but people are always in awe at how much water I'm able to drink and so quickly. As it relates to hypovolemia, I do have high albumin levels even though I drink a lot. I do have salt cravings as well. -Fatigue - I feel like I just can't get through my day without a nap most of the time. When this urge comes on my BP is pretty low. I feel very zoned out all the time, thinking is slow and I never feel like I'm 100% there. -Coarse/dry hair, hair loss: Appeared about 3 years ago, has gotten worse. Hair used to be very soft, fluffy, oily, curly; now it's dry, weak, thin, and full of dandruff. Hypothyroidism and other diseases have been ruled out, if dysautonomia is indeed the culprit perhaps inadequate blood supply to head is causing this? Also, oral temp of 97.4. -Not sure if relevant, but stretch marks on inner thigh I got when I was 11 yrs old even though I was a very skinny kid. Help would be much appreciated.. I'd just like to know how I should proceed with my doctor. She is pretty open-minded and understanding.