ABitPeaky

Hi all, I had written out a post in draft form, but felt it was so whining and depressive, I couldn't bare to post it! I've been living with POTS for many years, unknowingly. My diagnoses was vasavagal syncope, but the symptoms are POTS to a T! My worst symptom is probably the constant (every waking moment) urge to lay down and sleep.This seems to cause a lot of pain in my upper trap muscles, an almost constant headache, blurred vision, and general muscle ache in my upper body. The lack of blood around my brain/neck/shoulders also hits me with brain fog near continuously, setting back my career, stopping my from learning all the things I want to learn in life. Waking up, getting up, going to work and staying there all day doing my best work is a real struggle - I've left nearly every job I've ever had because of it. I just get to the point where I can't move, or think, and have to give up. I'm determined to make things better. I'm at a point in my life where I'm looking to move in with my wonderful girlfriend, get a more senior role in a new company, and live more comfortably financially - many changes which I do fear may not happen if I can't start to feel better with POTS. I've increased water/salt intake, helping slightly with parasympathetic activation on getting up, but nothing major. My next step is to increase B12 consumption, and take electrolyte supplements (sodium, magnesium etc). I've also started weight training - very gradually. I can now do 75+ bodyweight squats, and I'm beginning push ups and sit ups. My theory is better functioning muscles will help circulation and lessen blood pooling. I'm almost always warm - I can't get cool enough to feel comfortable. I often wear moisture wicking, cooling material (Airism from Uniqlo), but can't every day. It absolutely affects my symptoms, so if anyone could advise any other ways to keep cooler, I'd really appreciate it! I'm sorry for the whinge - I don't want to be downbeat with this. I'm becoming more and more determined to not let this get in the way of my impending 'life upgrade' - and I'm incredibly grateful to have a community like this for support! Thank you all, Matt