Hello everyone,
I have been ill with dysautonomia like symptoms since 2011. In that span of time, I was diagnosed with CFS and orthostatic intolerance. I do not think I have POTS as my heart does not race when I stand up but I do feel very lightheaded and exhausted when standing, and my primary thinks its orthostatic intolerance. How is this different from POTS as far as treatment goes?
Since I have been able to find this site, I have booked appointments with a couple of dysautonomia specialists - specifically Dr Chemali in Virginia and Dr. Balboi here where I live in Chicago. However, I can not get in until August/September. I have increased salt intake to 5-7g per day and I am on a strict diet of vegetables, animal protein and healthy fats. I was an All-American college football player (small school) and woke up one day and was dizzy in 2011 and my life has never been the same.
So my questions are:
1) How do I decipher if I need to see a CFS specialist or a dysautonomia specialist because I fall into both categories really?
2) What are some home remedies/supplements etc that I can implement in addition to the increased salt and strict diet regimen?
3) This site seems to mostly deal with POTS but I have orthostatic intolerance or orthostatic hypotension and my BP gradually falls as Im standing or upright? What is the outlook for OI and does treating the OI resolve the fatigue too or are they two distinct and separate issues?
Thank you,
Sean
PS. If anyone had insight please message me personally, I would be happy to chat.