lukgar1

Hey guys, How were you tested for leaky gut syndrome? My integrative medicine doctor gave me a kit she said with some sort of sugars that shouldn't be in the urine. Did you do the same thing? Hope to hear from you soon.

I'm sorry but this just doesn't sound right to me. From what I understand, you should be off your medication if you are doing a tilt table test and holter. What's the point of testing you if the medication masks your symptoms. Does the SSRI help with the fainting? And pre syncope episodes? In the Changes video on you tube they explain the reason ssri works is not because of an anxiety/depressive disorder but rather it affects the same neurotransmitters that are misfiring. I just saw a neuro on autonomic disorders and he scoffed at the diagnosis of anxiety. In my opinion the anxiety is a natural reaction to your body taking on so much physical stress trying to maintain homeostasis, hence your inability to handle external stresses as you had previously. Well good luck, I hope all goes well!

My experience with lexapro was terrible. I took 20mg on day one and felt nauseas, fever, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate. I was rushed to ER where they were in disbelief my HR would not come down for days. I was admitted and here I am. It's what lead to my diagnosis of POTS. The same medication doesn't work for all of us. My doctor said he suspects serotonin syndrome so SSRIs are out for me.

Hey Ipad, I experience reynauds syndrome and my feet and hands can turn blueish purple. They also get very cold. You might want to have someone check your blood pressure after ten minutes, maybe there's some Orthostatic hypotension coming into play. For POTS you need to have a heart rate increase of 30+ upon standing so you should be checking your pulse right after you stand.

I was curious if anyone who has been mostly in bed or sedentary been tested for this? I've been in bed since last summer. I do get up from time to time but I have never been this sedentary in my entire life. Still not a huge relief in symptoms and everytime I try doing a little more I'm out of it for the next few days. I get pinching pain sometimes so I'd like a little peace of mind in that regard.

My insurance is pretty good too and has payed for everything thus far(knock on wood). I'm wondering whether or not it's because he doesn't deal with POTS much? Do you have another diagnosis? I might ask my electrophysiologist about it and see what he says.

I feel much better knowing this is common amongst us POTSies. It's no fun going to the bathroom so much. Funny story, I went to see Titanic last year with a friend and got into an argument with some pre-teens over blocking their view when I went to the bathroom. I couldn't help it! Couldn't find any end seats. Have any of you had reoccurring bladder infections? I've had a few. Thanks for the responses.

Has anyone been able to do cardiac rehab? My doctor said insurance will not cover it for a diagnosis of POTS. Both he and I feel it would be beneficial but costly. Anyone have experience with this?

Has anyone here seen Dr. Barboi? He works over at Rush hospital in Chicago. I'd like to rule out any neurological diseases associated with dysautonomia as I have some neurological type symptoms that make everyone scratch their head(I see that many of you have some of these symptoms too). Is there anything I should be asking? Any tests that you have done or find helpful? I'm really trying to find out what triggered my POTS. When it started I was sick with what I thought was a long lasting cold for months, was on a low salt diet and to top it off was hit on the back of the head with a metal parking gate.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Yeah I've been going every thirty minutes to an hour. I was thinking of stopping at whole foods for some electrolyte water. Thanks for reminding me of smart water, I almost forgot.

I also found a good snack for some salt is sea salt popcorn. It's healthy, low calorie if you're watching weight, full of antioxidants too.

I find that I've become very sensitive to chemicals. So I like to eat organic prunes, apples, bananas and yogurt with blueberries and flax for some omega-3. I find that when I eat foods with additives my symptoms get worse. Soy was a big no for me. Oh and I used to eat dark chocolate until I realized it was affecting my heart rate more. I don't mind though because it's all delicious.

Thanks everyone for your responses. @ Tobiano and Monstrosity I also had jaw chattering and difficulty speaking, and it was at rest. It is very uncomfortable, have you noticed if anything makes it better? How long have you been dealing with this?

I was curious about how often everyone urinates? My potassium, magnesium, and sodium are slightly low and I'm a little concerned with how often I urinate drinking only 8 cups of water a day that I might be losing too much electrolytes. I eat bananas and prunes. Anyone have the same issues?

I also have issues with nystagmus, imbalance, sensitive hearing, vertigo and central sleep apnea. What was the official diagnosis of your MRI? I know the definition of Chiari says you need to have a tonsillar ectopia of greater than 3mm. Mine is only 2.4mm so not sure that's of any significance.

Hey everyone, Has anyone experienced these symptoms together? I was laying in bed and barely moved then all of a sudden felt difficulty breathing, my heart raced to 140 bpm from around 70(my normal laying in bed awake) and then out of the blue I started to get violent shaking in my right leg which then started in my jaw and arms. I was conscious throughout the entire thing although did have difficulty speaking but I attribute that to being scared and my jaw shaking. This all happened fairly quickly and took some time to subside. I decided to go to the ER since this was not a normal symptom for me and of course they were of no help and had no clue what POTS even was. They admitted me to the hospital for observation but after a basic workup found my potassium and magnesium was very slightly low, just below the cut off if normal and attributed my "tremors" to that. However even after raising my potassium levels I still had the shaking in my leg. They did not know what else to do and sent me home. I feel really alone going through this and my father argues with my constantly that I'm not trying hard enough. I'm doing my best right now. I've explained to both my parents that I'm dealing with enough bodily stress and arguing with me about it only further exhausts me. Thanks any thoughts? Suggestions? I also live in Chicago by the way.

Hey everyone, I was just recently diagnosed with POTS in December 2012 after being sick since the end of 2010. I have found my tolerance for drugs to be hit or miss and I really would prefer to explore natural avenues. I was wondering if anyone has benefited from alternative medicine or a combination of the two? I thought physical therapy might be helpful, any thoughts? I've been mostly in bed for 7 months now and I'd really like to start somewhere. Thanks everyone and hope you are all well.