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SarahA33

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  1. UPDATE: We are pleased to inform you that the IT issues we previously reported are resolved.The DINET (www.dinet.org/forums) and website, (www.dinet.org) are back up and running smoothly. Thank you for your patience!
  2. Dear DINET Members: We are currently experiencing temporary technical issues within our forum & website, www.dinet.org We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this as quickly as possible and are sorry for the inconvenience. We will update you accordingly here on the forum, however should you be unable to access the forum, please visit the Dysautonomia Information Network Facebook Page for more information. Thank you!
  3. Hi, p8d, Balancing an exercise regimen is hard for me also. I used to have a schedule that I tried to follow, and I ditched that because I couldn't keep up with it on my very bad days. My doctor said to exercise 3-4 days a week, so I just do as much as I can on the days I feel my best. Some weeks I only get 2 days in but it's better than nothing. There is a definition for this that's used in the CFS community, post exceptional malaise which is the inability to repeat previous exertion due to worsening of symptoms both physical and cognitive. Some of My POTS symptoms have most definitely improved with exercise except for fatigue, which I suppose could be more related to my autoimmune issues, too. Hi, recumbent biker, Welcome to the forum! So sorry to hear about the obstacles and challenges your facing. I understand the ER merry go round also, many of us here do. Have you seen a Dysautonomia specialist? Maybe you'd benefit from a center like those at Cleveland clinic, mayo or Vanderbilt. They have all types of specialists under one roof and offer in depth full autonomic testing. Hope things improve for you. Sarah
  4. Hi, thank you for sharing these updates. If you'd like to suggest a physician to add to the list, please use this form: https://www.dinet.org/physicians/?do=form&d=3
  5. Your in our thoughts tcp, wishing you all the best. Hope your upcoming Mri shows good results. So sorry you've had to go through so much. Hang in there!
  6. Hi, runfoerester..Welcome to DINET. Sorry this is happening, it sounds scary. Have you looked into sleep apnea or considered seeing a pulmonologist? If the pillows help, then maybe you could try elevating the head of your bed.
  7. Yes I'd also expect it to be lighter in color, esp since your taking in increased fluids. here in the states the lab will usually include the color and clarity of the sample, is this done where you are? Might be helpful for your Dr. To know.
  8. This may be the book Kim was referring to above. Scroll down for the text
  9. No judgements here, chem. We're here to offer support and exchange resources and experiences. Here is a past thread that might help you. Glad your planning on talking to your Dr., Welcome to the forum
  10. Below are questions sent in by DINET members and answered by our team of medical advisors. If you have a question for DINET's advisors, please send to dinetandforuminfo@dinet.org The Medical Q & A is managed by Sarah Abraham Q: My doctors and I highly suspect I have POTS, though they aren’t experts, they feel it is plausible. That aside, my real question is...POTS...is it one of those things that can happen at night, too? I find myself sleeping and then out of nowhere my heart will pound up to 200 BPM and I will get nausea/diarrhea and have to go to the bathroom. Usually, though, I have to crawl or I will pass out. During this time I am so hot and sweaty. I feel no anxiety, usually sit in the shower and try to distract myself until it passes. The ER hasn’t been helpful and my cardiologist acts like it's nothing, but I'd really like to know what's happening when my heart is doing this to me and then stops in like 15 minutes. - Cassie A: Sometimes POTS patients can have accelerations of heart rate at night. This could be a part of nonrestorative sleep disorder. Alternatively, primary arrhythmias can also do that. You may want to consider a sleep study or Holter to look at heart rate at night. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: How do you decide which type of compression stockings are best for each of your POTS patients (knee/thigh high, abdomen compression and the stocking strength). Does open or closed toe or material matter? - Thanks, Kerry A: You can do venous Doppler of legs to see the level of venous insufficiency. Most patients require thigh high or waist high 20-30 Hg mm, Open or closed toe should not matter Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: When I drink water, I feel more dizzy. I fell (hard!) and fainted once. My blood pressure was 20 mmHg higher than usual and rose when standing, so definitely not OH. I was eating salty snacks all day. Why would I be more dizzy and fall from drinking water? - Forum Member A: You may have orthostatic "hypertension" consider consulting with a physician about this Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I was diagnosed with POTS about six years ago at Mayo. I am a member of the POTS Forum and have been for years. I have severe osteoporosis and reacted poorly to one dose of a bisphosphonate. My doctor is pressing me to take a shot of prolia, my bone density is low so I must take something. I am very concerned because I have read about POTS & Autoimmunity, and prolia works through the immune system, I’m worried about increased POTS symptoms. Thanks so much. -Lynn A: You should be checked for EDS phenotype. We have presented a paper on this in American college of Rheumatology. Also vitamin D levels should be checked I am not qualified to opine on treatment of osteoporosis but have not seen much problems with prolia Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I am newly diagnosed with POTS (unknown cause). I become SOB very easy especially in the heat. Is there anything that can help with this? Before it's onset I exercised 4-6 days/week and now can barely tolerate doing simple exercises. Thank you, - Tabatha A: Shortness of breath can be related with several things including but not limited to tachycardia, deconditioning, poor cellular oxygen uptake, pulmonary causes, rare disorders like platypnea orthodeoxia. You should see a doctor. A cardiopulmonary stress test may be a good starting point. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I was recently diagnosed with dysautonomia. In addition, I have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and kidney disease. I am flying to Denver this summer, and was curious as to whether or not flying could cause any issues with my dysautonomia. It manifests as an increased heartbeat, inability to regulate my body temperature, and I also have neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Also, could the higher altitude in Colorado be an issue? – Tammy A: I have not found flying as a major issue. Drink lots of water, preferably wear Ted hose stockings. As regards going to Colorado, I have seen it both ways mostly cold weather helps orthostatic hypotension. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I have high BP, rapid heartbeat and POTS.. I don't faint when I stand from sitting. I faint after exercise, after grocery shopping while waiting in line, while cooking, blow drying my hair, having a bowel movement, while showering. I'm super confused as to what I'm to do to help myself. I'm 63. All I've been told is wear compression socks. Any better suggestions? I have several autoimmune issues, the biggest one is lupus. - Donna A: In any postmenopausal woman, ruling out heart disease is very important if you have high blood pressure and fainting after exercise or with any other exertion. If your cardiologist has already done a thorough workup to rule out congestive heart failure, coronary arterial disease, cardiac arrhythmia and other heart problems, then a tilt table test may confirm whether you have neurocardiogenic syncope, POTS or orthostatic hypotension. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, can be associated with these autonomic disorders as well as small fiber neuropathy. Treatment that helps rapid heart rate and prevents syncope includes medications, such as beta blockers, Florinef, Mestinon and others, but should be started after your diagnostic workup is completed and preferably by a doctor specializing in autonomic disorders. If you can't find a specialist in your area, you can contact our clinic for help. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My name is Cassie and I have recently been diagnosed with POTS. I was cleared by all doctors to get a flu shot this year but after getting the shot my symptoms have been worsening. I was wondering if it was common for the flu shot to aggravate symptoms experienced by POTS? Thank you A: Some patients with POTS experience worsening of symptoms after a flu shot; typically, the worsening may last a few days to a few weeks, but in most cases, the patients return to their pre-vaccination symptom severity. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My daughter is 14 and recently diagnosed with POTS. In May 2016, she was diagnosed with h pylori bacterial infection. She was adopted from Russia in 2004 and it was so entrenched that they believe she has had it since before she was adopted from Russia. My question is: Is there any correlation between H Pylori and POTS? Thanks, Lisa C. A: I am not aware of any correlation between POTS and H.Polyri, but I don't believe this question has been studied. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My daughter is so tired all the time. The only thing her doctor says to do is eat salt and increase fluids and that is it She can barely do anything, is there anything else we can do? Beth M. A: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of POTS and the one that's difficult to treat. While increased salt and fluid intake can be helpful, it's certainly isn't enough to effectively address fatigue in many patients. Before proceeding with medications that improve fatigue, it's important to make sure that other POTS symptoms are well-controlled with medications that are used for POTS. Often patients report improvement in energy level if their heart rate is better controlled with beta blockers or their orthostatic intolerance is improved with Florinef or Midodrine. If these treatment options have been implemented and fatigue is still unrelenting, then medications such as Provigil, Nuvigil, Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta or Wellbutrin may be helpful. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: Since I contracted POTS and SFN (in 2011) I have had more frequent infections and infections that have needed antibiotics to resolve, in particular frequent respiratory infections. Just in the past 18 months, I've had frequent colds and flu, a couple of UTIs (I'm a male so a bit unusual), recurring prostatitis, recurrent sinusitis, developed asthma and had a bout of labyrinthitis. I've had blood tests for immune function and everything came back normal. Having read the DINET forums I gather other people with POTS have had similar issues with frequent infections and wondered if there was any research or further information available on whether to this part of POTS and why it happens? Many thanks, Glen Brisbane A: It would be important to rule out common variable immune deficiency through specific blood tests of IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4). In our study of 100 patients with POTS, the prevalence of CVID, generally a rare form of immunodeficiency, was much higher than what is expected in the general population. Additionally, other causes of small fiber neuropathy (and POTS) should be ruled out, including autoimmune disorders and Lyme disease, both of which can result in altered immune system and various infections. In general, POTS isn't considered to cause or be associated with multiple infections; rather, POTS is consequence of the underlying etiology that is causing your multiple infections and other health problems. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: I have Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF). While I have seen “weakness” listed as a possible symptom, I have found no further information than that description. If weakness is related to PAF, what is the medical understanding of why that occurs. Is there any treatment for it beyond the usual attempts to increase blood pressure? While it would be safer to limit walking when this is a problem, does that risk a loss of muscle mass? Merilee A: The weakness is usually related to the drops in blood pressure when standing or with activity. We would encourage activity below the threshold of feeling like you are going to faint. Cooler environments will help as the heat can make this worse. Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University Q: I was put on Concerta and I feel so bad. My bp is normally around 117/70. Since beginning the medication, my BP has increased dramatically to 195/77. Is it possible the medication can cause this? -Tyla A: Yes. Concerta is a stimulant that blocks the norepinephrine transporter. The net effect is that when your sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine, you are not able to clear it as well while on the Concerta. It can create a "hyperadrenergic state". Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University Q: I would appreciate any support regarding the following. My dysautonomia has been a big source of anxiety over the years, as I never know when I am going to have symptoms and what they will be and whether my current mix of medications will control the symptoms. Are there certain anti-depressants that may be better for anxiety/depression with dysautonomia? I happen to have a tendency for hypotension with POTS. SSRI's vs. SNRI's? Preferably an antidepressant that does not have extreme withdrawal symptoms like Effexor/venlafaxine? – Karen S., M.D. A: SNRIs can worsen tachycardia in some patients due to its blockade of the norepinephrine transporter. SSRI like sertraline or citalopram should not have this adverse effect and are often well tolerated. Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University
  11. Below are questions sent in by DINET members and answered by our team of medical advisors. If you have a question for DINET's advisors, please send to dinetandforuminfo@dinet.org The Medical Q & A is managed by Sarah Abraham Q: My doctors and I highly suspect I have POTS, though they aren’t experts, they feel it is plausible. That aside, my real question is...POTS...is it one of those things that can happen at night, too? I find myself sleeping and then out of nowhere my heart will pound up to 200 BPM and I will get nausea/diarrhea and have to go to the bathroom. Usually, though, I have to crawl or I will pass out. During this time I am so hot and sweaty. I feel no anxiety, usually sit in the shower and try to distract myself until it passes. The ER hasn’t been helpful and my cardiologist acts like it's nothing, but I'd really like to know what's happening when my heart is doing this to me and then stops in like 15 minutes. - Cassie A: Sometimes POTS patients can have accelerations of heart rate at night. This could be a part of nonrestorative sleep disorder. Alternatively, primary arrhythmias can also do that. You may want to consider a sleep study or Holter to look at heart rate at night. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: How do you decide which type of compression stockings are best for each of your POTS patients (knee/thigh high, abdomen compression and the stocking strength). Does open or closed toe or material matter? - Thanks, Kerry A: You can do venous Doppler of legs to see the level of venous insufficiency. Most patients require thigh high or waist high 20-30 Hg mm, Open or closed toe should not matter Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: When I drink water, I feel more dizzy. I fell (hard!) and fainted once. My blood pressure was 20 mmHg higher than usual and rose when standing, so definitely not OH. I was eating salty snacks all day. Why would I be more dizzy and fall from drinking water? - Forum Member A: You may have orthostatic "hypertension" consider consulting with a physician about this Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I was diagnosed with POTS about six years ago at Mayo. I am a member of the POTS Forum and have been for years. I have severe osteoporosis and reacted poorly to one dose of a bisphosphonate. My doctor is pressing me to take a shot of prolia, my bone density is low so I must take something. I am very concerned because I have read about POTS & Autoimmunity, and prolia works through the immune system, I’m worried about increased POTS symptoms. Thanks so much. -Lynn A: You should be checked for EDS phenotype. We have presented a paper on this in American college of Rheumatology. Also vitamin D levels should be checked I am not qualified to opine on treatment of osteoporosis but have not seen much problems with prolia Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I am newly diagnosed with POTS (unknown cause). I become SOB very easy especially in the heat. Is there anything that can help with this? Before it's onset I exercised 4-6 days/week and now can barely tolerate doing simple exercises. Thank you, - Tabatha A: Shortness of breath can be related with several things including but not limited to tachycardia, deconditioning, poor cellular oxygen uptake, pulmonary causes, rare disorders like platypnea orthodeoxia. You should see a doctor. A cardiopulmonary stress test may be a good starting point. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I was recently diagnosed with dysautonomia. In addition, I have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and kidney disease. I am flying to Denver this summer, and was curious as to whether or not flying could cause any issues with my dysautonomia. It manifests as an increased heartbeat, inability to regulate my body temperature, and I also have neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Also, could the higher altitude in Colorado be an issue? – Tammy A: I have not found flying as a major issue. Drink lots of water, preferably wear Ted hose stockings. As regards going to Colorado, I have seen it both ways mostly cold weather helps orthostatic hypotension. Dr. Amer Suleman, MD The Heartbeat Clinic Q: I have high BP, rapid heartbeat and POTS.. I don't faint when I stand from sitting. I faint after exercise, after grocery shopping while waiting in line, while cooking, blow drying my hair, having a bowel movement, while showering. I'm super confused as to what I'm to do to help myself. I'm 63. All I've been told is wear compression socks. Any better suggestions? I have several autoimmune issues, the biggest one is lupus. - Donna A: In any postmenopausal woman, ruling out heart disease is very important if you have high blood pressure and fainting after exercise or with any other exertion. If your cardiologist has already done a thorough workup to rule out congestive heart failure, coronary arterial disease, cardiac arrhythmia and other heart problems, then a tilt table test may confirm whether you have neurocardiogenic syncope, POTS or orthostatic hypotension. Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, can be associated with these autonomic disorders as well as small fiber neuropathy. Treatment that helps rapid heart rate and prevents syncope includes medications, such as beta blockers, Florinef, Mestinon and others, but should be started after your diagnostic workup is completed and preferably by a doctor specializing in autonomic disorders. If you can't find a specialist in your area, you can contact our clinic for help. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My name is Cassie and I have recently been diagnosed with POTS. I was cleared by all doctors to get a flu shot this year but after getting the shot my symptoms have been worsening. I was wondering if it was common for the flu shot to aggravate symptoms experienced by POTS? Thank you A: Some patients with POTS experience worsening of symptoms after a flu shot; typically, the worsening may last a few days to a few weeks, but in most cases, the patients return to their pre-vaccination symptom severity. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My daughter is 14 and recently diagnosed with POTS. In May 2016, she was diagnosed with h pylori bacterial infection. She was adopted from Russia in 2004 and it was so entrenched that they believe she has had it since before she was adopted from Russia. My question is: Is there any correlation between H Pylori and POTS? Thanks, Lisa C. A: I am not aware of any correlation between POTS and H.Polyri, but I don't believe this question has been studied. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: My daughter is so tired all the time. The only thing her doctor says to do is eat salt and increase fluids and that is it She can barely do anything, is there anything else we can do? Beth M. A: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of POTS and the one that's difficult to treat. While increased salt and fluid intake can be helpful, it's certainly isn't enough to effectively address fatigue in many patients. Before proceeding with medications that improve fatigue, it's important to make sure that other POTS symptoms are well-controlled with medications that are used for POTS. Often patients report improvement in energy level if their heart rate is better controlled with beta blockers or their orthostatic intolerance is improved with Florinef or Midodrine. If these treatment options have been implemented and fatigue is still unrelenting, then medications such as Provigil, Nuvigil, Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta or Wellbutrin may be helpful. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: Since I contracted POTS and SFN (in 2011) I have had more frequent infections and infections that have needed antibiotics to resolve, in particular frequent respiratory infections. Just in the past 18 months, I've had frequent colds and flu, a couple of UTIs (I'm a male so a bit unusual), recurring prostatitis, recurrent sinusitis, developed asthma and had a bout of labyrinthitis. I've had blood tests for immune function and everything came back normal. Having read the DINET forums I gather other people with POTS have had similar issues with frequent infections and wondered if there was any research or further information available on whether to this part of POTS and why it happens? Many thanks, Glen Brisbane A: It would be important to rule out common variable immune deficiency through specific blood tests of IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4). In our study of 100 patients with POTS, the prevalence of CVID, generally a rare form of immunodeficiency, was much higher than what is expected in the general population. Additionally, other causes of small fiber neuropathy (and POTS) should be ruled out, including autoimmune disorders and Lyme disease, both of which can result in altered immune system and various infections. In general, POTS isn't considered to cause or be associated with multiple infections; rather, POTS is consequence of the underlying etiology that is causing your multiple infections and other health problems. Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, MD Dysautonomia Clinic Q: I have Pure Autonomic Failure (PAF). While I have seen “weakness” listed as a possible symptom, I have found no further information than that description. If weakness is related to PAF, what is the medical understanding of why that occurs. Is there any treatment for it beyond the usual attempts to increase blood pressure? While it would be safer to limit walking when this is a problem, does that risk a loss of muscle mass? Merilee A: The weakness is usually related to the drops in blood pressure when standing or with activity. We would encourage activity below the threshold of feeling like you are going to faint. Cooler environments will help as the heat can make this worse. Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University Q: I was put on Concerta and I feel so bad. My bp is normally around 117/70. Since beginning the medication, my BP has increased dramatically to 195/77. Is it possible the medication can cause this? -Tyla A: Yes. Concerta is a stimulant that blocks the norepinephrine transporter. The net effect is that when your sympathetic nerves release norepinephrine, you are not able to clear it as well while on the Concerta. It can create a "hyperadrenergic state". Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University Q: I would appreciate any support regarding the following. My dysautonomia has been a big source of anxiety over the years, as I never know when I am going to have symptoms and what they will be and whether my current mix of medications will control the symptoms. Are there certain anti-depressants that may be better for anxiety/depression with dysautonomia? I happen to have a tendency for hypotension with POTS. SSRI's vs. SNRI's? Preferably an antidepressant that does not have extreme withdrawal symptoms like Effexor/venlafaxine? – Karen S., M.D. A: SNRIs can worsen tachycardia in some patients due to its blockade of the norepinephrine transporter. SSRI like sertraline or citalopram should not have this adverse effect and are often well tolerated. Dr. Satish R. Raj, MD, MSCI University of Calgary | Vanderbilt University
  12. Hi Kelly - Welcome to the forum! Maybe a second opinion is needed? Here is the diagnostic criteria from a recent paper by Dr. Raj, a POTS specialist - Table 1 Diagnostic criteria for postural tachycardia syndrome • Increase in heart rate ≥30 bpm within 10 min of upright posture (tilt test or stand) from a supine position  ◦ Heart rate increase must be >40 bpm in patients <20 years • Associated with a constellation of symptoms that are worse with upright posture and that improve with recumbence • Chronic symptoms that have lasted for >6 months • In the absence of other disorders or medications that are known to predispose to orthostatic tachycardia Central Hyperadrenergic POTS Although the elevated sympathetic tone in POTS is often secondary to another pathophysiological mechanism, such as neuropathy or hypovolemia, it can also be the primary underlying problem [19]. Furlan et al. reported increased sympathetic tone in patients with POTS [52]. Resting sympathetic nerve activity, measured by microneurography, is elevated. A spectral analysis index of sympathetic function and plasma norepinephrine are sometimes higher at supine rest and increase more with HUT in POTS [52, 53]. Plasma norepinephrine levels should be determined in patients with POTS while in steady state in the supine and upright positions (at least 10 min in each position). When measured during upright posture, norepinephrine is elevated in many patients with POTS (>3.55 nmol/L (600 pg/mL) and sometimes >5.91 nmol/L (1000 pg/mL)), consistent with the sympathetic neuronal activation elicited by standing in these patients [19]. This is sometimes used as a criterion for the “hyperadrenergic subtype” of POTS. An exaggerated sympathetic vasoconstrictor response during the recovery and overshoot phases of the Valsalva maneuver may also reflect a hyperadrenergic state in patients with POTS [2, 19]. These patients may have orthostatic hypertension (increase in systolic blood pressure >10 mmHg on standing) and complain of tremor, anxiety, and cold, sweaty extremities
  13. Hey Plaster -- nice to hear from you -- though sorry it's under these circumstances! I thought Sjögren's syndrome also.. dry eyes, low grade fevers. There is a study we recently posted on our facebook page just completed by Dr. Brent Goodman from Mayo Clinic -- Spectrum of Autonomic Nervous System Impairment in Sjögren Syndrome" and we include a list of Sjögren symptoms. You might want to take a look there. Have you had a lip biopsy?
  14. Hi, Ancy! I was just thinking -- northera is much longer acting than midodrine, so you'd have "less control" over your hypertensive episodes, as midodrine is shorter acting. Mine wears off in about 4 hours. I'm also a rapid metabolizer so it could linger longer for you and others. Something to definitely talk to your dr about though! I have to listen to my body when taking meds for the day, and like the midodrine, the clonidine wears off quickly as well. I'm still on as directed doses of Ivabradine & Florinef, but I have two doses of 3 meds, Midodrine in 2.5 and 5mg, Clonidine in 0.1 and 0.3. , Propranolol 120mg LA and 40mg tabs. So, depending on my symptoms I take the most appropriate dose. Even when I'm hypotensive I still take the 0.1 of Clonidine because it manages my POTS symptoms so well. It helps with night sweats, insomnia, tremor and flushing -- those were some of my worst symptoms before starting this med, if I don't have it my adrenaline just starts pumping away again. My doctors have given me permission to do this with my medications, if not I'd be calling them on a daily basis asking if I could take a different dose lol. I wear both my abdominal binder and compression socks, take in increased fluids and sodium on the hypotensive days. I can see how your cardiologist was apprehensive about rx'ing the clonidine -- my local POTS specialist is a hypertension specialist and brought a resident with him one day -- he said," In 39 years of practicing I've never prescribed clonidine for this purpose but it's her game changer" I'm glad you've had some nice moments this summer thus far. It sounds so peaceful and serene where you are! I have been doing rather well until recently. I went to a few concerts, been playing softball, and spending time with my family and friends. I've recently had a setback but I'm optimistic it will pass with rest and time
  15. Hi JShult17 -- Welcome to the forum! The symptoms you describe reminded me of a past thread, " http://www.dinet.org/forums/topic/27403-derealization-depersonalization-me-no-want-it/#comment-254162" . There are members who describe similar experiences to yours -- if you utilize the search option above you can type in "brain fog", "depersonalization", etc. and find past topics that may help. - Sarah
  16. Hi, Welcome to DINET! I'm not able to open your document, I'd suggest copying and pasting the results if possible. If you feel you need a second opinion, I wouldn't hesitate to get one. Here is our physician's list which offers a search option to find doctors by location who are familiar with dysautonomia's. Also, if it's been a few years since you've had autonomic testing and you are still symptomatic perhaps you can be re-tested by a doctor specializing in autonomic disorders. Take Care! Sarah
  17. Hi, Northern life! I wish I had something helpful to add, this sounds awful. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum! Hope you find some answers here - you can always try searching past posts using the search feature above. Sarah
  18. Hi, Ancy! Nice to hear from you, friend! FYI -- we have recent Northera studies published by Vanderbilt and Dr. Grubb on our DINET Facebook page. Just realized I'm not the only one juggling midodrine and clonidine in a medication routine.. it's exhausting. I have orthostatic hypertension & hypotension, plus been dealing with Low low's in the morning so I have to skip the BP lowering meds which cause a high HR and then hypertension later in the day. Its very hard to medicate accordingly. I know midodrine can cause vasoconstriction but I've been getting chest pain when I take a 5mg dose. I think its related to the vasodilation and vasoconstriction. How is your hr doing now with the pm? Hopefully it's one less thing for you to worry about. Sorry to hear there is so much going on right now -- I hope it settles down so you can enjoy your summer. Always Wishing you the best!
  19. hi vtpixie -- There is one doctor listed in OR on our doctor list -- http://www.dinet.org/physicians/?advanced_search_submitted=1&csrfKey=9146b3e77f325176f88190f199c4d192&content_field_7=&content_field_5=&&content_field_17=&content_field_1000=&content_field_1001[1]=Oregon&&sortby=primary_id_field&sortdirection=asc&record_type=all&time_frame=show_all
  20. Hi Meghan, Welcome to the forum! I'd choose a drink that re-hydrates you and drink a bottle of water in between. Regarding your question about avoiding alcohol -- that depends on how well you tolerate it, it looks like you have mixed reactions. I'd suggest steering clear from it if you have an event or commitment the following day, or if you aren't feeling well. Do you have problems with your blood pressure? Alcohol dilates (opens up) blood vessels which can lower your pressure. Are you taking any medications that can interact? I have a friend with POTS and she drinks a beer because that helps her POTS symptoms, presumably due to alcohol being a depressant and calming down cns activity, until dehydration kicks in. Here is the pots - what to avoid list, alcohol is listed here. There are some great past threads on this -- if you use the search feature in the above corner you can find many topics on this subject and read other member's experiences. All the best to you! Sarah
  21. Hi there. Brc-- man, I'm really sorry you experienced those events. I hope you didn't injure yourself Do you pass out every day? I wonder if your sensitive to the bp changes like the sudden onset of an increase (see below) or if it's due to a temporary shortage of oxygen or.blood to your brain. My doctor told me that when I feel pre syncopal to drink two bottles of water within 2 to 3 minutes. Drinking pure water at that rate increases sympathetic nervous system activity, constricts blood vessels, and energy expenditure. The red cross did a large study on syncope and blood donors tosome years back, they found drinking 16 ounces of water before giving blood reduces fai6nting episodes by 20% Some other thoughts...had you just exercised? Maybe your electrolytes could be slightly off. Do you have your period? I'd like to know the answer to this also, do you mind if we include this in our upcoming Medical Q&A Column in the DINET Newspaper? Our Dysautonomia/POTS Medial Experts answer member questions.
  22. So happy for you that you'll get to see a POTS specialist. My POTS specialist is also further away, about three hours with no traffic-- he's totally worth the distance though! He sends office notes to my local doctors including medication suggestions and I follow up with him about every six months. Good luck at your appointment!
  23. Hi again, Louis! Sorry -- here is the link for the doctors in Canada. Forgot to include the link above, must've had a case of brain fog! http://www.dinet.org/physicians/?advanced_search_submitted=1&csrfKey=74b287258772998de2786124a6653116&content_field_7=&content_field_5=&&content_field_17=&content_field_1000=&&content_field_1002[1]=CA&sortby=primary_id_field&sortdirection=asc&record_type=all&time_frame=show_all
  24. Hi Louis, welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear that you've had a rough go of it. Here is our DINET physicians list with the doctors listed in Canada familiar with dysautonomia. I hope you can schedule with someone soon. All the best to you! Sarah
  25. We've discussed this topic in past threads, there is a search option above to type in this subject. This used to happen to me all the time. During this time I also had horrible insomnia and was miserable. I started Clonidine, which is a BP med that blocks norepinephrine (adrenaline) and the surges completely stopped. Ativan was helpful for a time to calm the central nervous system down, but I've been able to go off that. Hope you get some relief soon!
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