LindaJoy

Hi, Ernie, Maybe it has to do with the fact that the staff was nice to me or that I was able to refuse the Psychiatric evaluation and stand up to the doctors. I read through the additional comments to your post today, and this line from one of your emails stuck with me. I understand completely when you say that it helps that you stood up to the doctors. When I was in the ER this last March after a severe tach spell, when I was first falling into a POTS hole, my heart rate wouldn't come below 140 and I felt awful. The ER doctor wanted to send me home because all of my tests were normal. I looked dead in his face, and for the first time in ten years of having POTS problems, I said, "I'm not going anywhere. I came in here in tach, I"m still in tach, and you don't know why. I'm not going anywhere until you figure it out, or at least until my heart has slowed down." He tried and tried to get me to leave, but I wouldn't go. Finally, I was admitted, then made my own way to the Cleveland Clinic. Anyway, it felt SOOOOOO GOOOOD to finally stand up for myself, even though I got no answers. It was like I was saying, "Yes, I'm ill and I'm tired of being brushed off like I'm not. You're the inept one, not me, now do your job and quit blaming me." It felt good. I totally understand your little victory. It's that strength that will get you through to finding a knowledgable doctor. It's that strength that keeps all of us with POTS going. Ernie, know you're in our thoughts. Keep in touch with your progress. I hope your insurance pays for your wheelchair. What independence that would mean for you! Blessings, LindaJOy

Hi, Hayley, I hope you find some answers and can get some help. I found, too, that when my heart is pounding, especially after waking suddenly in the middle of the night, that my blood pressure is high--my husband bought me a little blood pressure machine for Easter. Then, as I settle down, my blood pressure goes really low. It just goes all over the place during these times. Let us know what your results to your tests are. Hope they're answers to help. Linda

Hi. Could use some help here. I'll try to make a long story short. For three years, I worked from home as a magazine editor and writer. Three days ago, I quit my job because of some really underhanded things that were going on at my workplace, with regard to my magazine--the place I have my freelance contract, which happens to be my region's largest newspaper--The Lima News. Anyway, for some reasons that I still have yet to figure out, the powers that be at the paper are terrified that I am going to sue them, that I found out things that I shouldn't have and are now going to get them. It's crazy!! I'm too down with POTS right now to get anyone, and even if I were healthy right now, I still wouldn't do it. All I wanted to do was walk away from the job because I felt I could no longer participate in the process. ! I don't know where they came up with their fears. Anyway, I also wrote for The Lima News, freelance, on stories now and then. I called the newspaper's editor to tell him that I still would like to write for the paper, and he said that he didn't want to deal with me anymore. That with all of the problems with the magazine, he didn't want me bringing that into his department. I told him I didn't understand--what problems? I resigned my post, but I did it with gentleness, I didn't cause a stir. What they all are making of it, I don't understand, but it's not me. He said he didn't want to hear it and I was done out there. I've been a nervous wreck eversince. My boss called me and has been telling me things that they're saying about me, how I'm going to sue them, how they do not want me to even write for them anymore. I've been blackballed, and I don't know why. My boss said they all think I know some of the illegal dealings they're composing out there. I don't know a thing! I quit because I didn't like the direction they were moving my magazine. Because of this situation, I've had more stress the last three days than I can remember in a long time. I'm waking up at night in tachycardia. I'm buzzy all day long. I'm falling into that POTS hole very quickly. I'm taking Xanax when my symptoms get really bad, but it's not controlling it. Can anyone tell me anything that can help me get through this stressful time? I'm soooo upset. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Linda

Hey, Calypso, don't feel bad for posting the article. It's good to keep up on what the experts are saying. But, I agree with everyone here. I don't think the study is something to worry about. They watched 72,000 people over the course of 12 years, if I'm remembering rightly. In that time, a little over 1000 people developed heart problems--is that right?-- and those people happened to have phobias. Now, how many of those 72,000 people, in those 12 years, who happened to have phobias, developed asthma? cancer? diabetes? ingrown toe nails? bunions? required bi-fogals for the first time? cataracts? You get my point. Did the phobias have anything to do with these conditions? They were looking for heart problems in these people, and they found them. I'm sure, with 72,000 people over the course of years, if the study was focusing on cancer, they would have found that over 1,000 of these same people would have developed some form of cancer. Would they have blamed the phobias for that? Probably, because that's what they would have been looking for. In a study, they have to rule out all other possibilities for their findings, such as coincidence. You have to really be careful when reading studies. Statistics are one of the easiest things to manipulate--I took a course in college about argument and saw this in action. Just be sure to question, when reading new study information. If it seems sealed too tightly with "conclusive evidence," when you know there are tons of questions still surrounding the subject, it's simply another "could be" study. Take heart, everyone. Linda

Hi, Ernie. I don't think we've chatted before. I read your post and got sooooo mad for you! You handled yourself well in your situation, but how awful for you that you KNOW you have a physical illness and they won't listen. I had a technician at the Cleveland Clinic the other day, right before my TTT, tell me that doctors who stand by psychological problems with POTS patients are just taking a cop out because they don't know what's specifically wrong and they don't want to look inept. Have you contacted Dr. Grubb? Can you come to the Cleveland Clinic for tests? I wish there was something I could do or say to help you. Please know, I think we've all been there with you. Ten years ago, when I was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic for tests and my POTS was REALLY bad, I had a doctor tell me I was psychotic. It was awful. I've been sent to a psychiatrist once for counseling, then was evaluated in the hospital ER by another one. Neither could find anything mentally wrong with me. Now, I've finally begun to find doctors who believe in POTS and believe in me. Keep searching, Ernie. Know we're here to listen and to help as much as we can. Linda

Ernie, this sounds bad, but I'm glad to hear that others had lower bp's during the tilt table than mine. I was beginning to think, after the POTS nurse and my new gp both said that they'd never seen pressures that low, that I was in for a really bad time with this POTS, maybe even starting to pass out at home, which I've never done. Thanks for reassuring me. Geneva, I have a feeling I'm going to have to try the Florinef eventually because everyone's really pushing it: my POTS doctor, my new gp, my POTS nurse. I know it will probably help, so when I have some days in a row when I'm not home alone, I'll give it a try. Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experiences and thoughts. I really appreciate it. Linda

Thank you all, so much, for your shared enthusiasm. Loise, I live 30 minutes north of Lima, in Northwest Ohio. Are you familiar with that area? Let me know if I can be of any help to you and your daughter. Have you been to the Cleveland Clinic. How far from there are you? Amy, my new gp thinks my breathing difficulty at times may be more POTS than asthma, since my peak flow numbers actually shot up after stopping my cortico-steroid and since I don't have wheezing. Now, I do have tons of allergies that cause me stuffy, runny nose, sneezing, coughing at times, itchy eyes, etc., but I take Benadryl for them and do fine. I really don't know how to determine if its asthma or POTS. My gp didn't say anything more about it other than to stay off the meds since I breathe better without them. I did notice, too, that this "return" of asthma came at the same time, years ago, when I was going through a very bad POTS spell. I hope you get some answers soon! Dawn, thank you for your comforting words about my approaching tests. After my blood pressure dropped to 26 / 14 during my TTT, I"m really apprehensive about more tests. But, I will do like you said and not think about them until the time comes. That will just cause me tons of stress, I know. Thanks, again. Hope this finds all of you doing well. Linda

Hi, everyone. I just had to share my good news. Today, I saw a new family doctor who was recommended to me by my heart doctor, since my current family doctor doesn't know anything about POTS and has continually told me that all of my problems are simply from anxiety. Anyway, with trepidation, I saw this new doctor, and guess what? She interned under Dr. Grubb!!!!!! She knows all about POTS, sat in on TTTs, visited many, many POTS patients while making rounds with Dr. Grubb. I was so excited to hear this, I about fell on the floor!!! I feel so blessed! She spent over an hour with me and my husband, answering sooo many of my questions, like about my asthma--my peak flows have gotten better since I quit taking my Azmacort, so I wondered if it was asthma or POTS. She said, if my breathing is better, it's best to look at my numbers and go by them instead of an older diagnosis, so I don't have to go back on any asthma meds. Then, I asked about my Zoloft, because it actually gives me anxiety (was given to me years ago by my gp who said I have simple anxiety with no physical condition). My new doctor said, once my POTS spell tones down a bit, she'd like to ween my down on my Zoloft. She also wants the Cleveland Clinic doctors to send her all of my records and for me to tell them about her so that they will keep her in the loop. Wow! I feel like, any minute, someone is going to come along and wake me up! I'm sorry to go on and on. I just feel sooooo relieved and excited to finally have a local doctor believe in what I have and know how to help. What a great doctor's visit, which is a rarity with this condition!! Oh, too, wanted to let you all know that I'm scheduled for more tests the 18th and 19th, at Cleveland. They're going to check my circulation and blood volume, then do autonomic testing. I'm a little nervous, but the tests can't be any worse than most I've already had....can they? Hope this finds all of you doing well. LindaJOy

Hi, everyone. Sonshine 456, your entry is soooo timely right now. I just quit my job today. I was a freelance magazine editor. I worked from home. I didn't make any money at all to speak of, but I enjoyed the work. I quit because the company I contracted with became very unbearable--lots of internal problems. Anyway, my degree is in English (took me six years to get it since I had health problems during my college years) and writing. Right now, I know I can't hold a 40 hour a week job because of my POTS. I don't even think part time outside the home, so Sonshine, I'm like you. What can I do? I'm struggling with feelings of uselessness. I want to be able to monetarily contribute to my family, plus do something that I enjoy and that makes me feel like I'm doing something to help others. I just don't have the stamina to do too much at once. My editor job was perfect, but it became too stressful, and right now, I'm in a POTS hole and can't handle the stress. I agree with Gena that there are tons of on-line opportunities out there, so that's where I'm going to start. Sonshine, what is your degree going to be in? I'm sure, whatever it is, you can surf the Internet and find on-line, stay at home, computer work in your area of expertise. Let us know how it goes. It is frustrating, when your mind soooooo wants to work, but your body won't cooperate. Hang in there. Know you're with people who understand. LindaJoy

Thanks, everyone, for responding. I still have my pituitary tumor. I go in the 19th of this month for an MRI to see what it's doing. My prolactin is high (51 on a normal scale of 7-10, or something like that). My endo won't have it removed because 95% of them grow back, and a brain surgery is too risky for something that will probably just grow back. I go on Parlodel when the symptoms get really bad, but it lowers my blood pressure, and with already low pressure, I will pass out quite readily on it, so I can't tolerate it for very long. Plus, it makes me feel awful--like being on chemo every day. I prefer to try to live without the medicine. Gena and Kathy, thank you for explaining about the psychological approach with this condition. It made more sense to me the way you two talked about it, that they're not saying it's all in our heads, but there are psychological aspects that can develop and should be dealt with, as well. Sounds much better than saying, "It's ALL in your head," as I've heard for sooooooo many years from tooooo many medical "professionals." Morgan, your word did not offend. And, I appreciate your long-windedness! I'm glad you share your experiences. I feel so much better knowing I'm not alone in this!! I'm sorry you all are going through it, too, but, well, you get what I'm saying. I see a new gp today. I fired my old one who, for ten years, has been telling me that it's all in my head. Wish me luck that this new one will be receptive to what I'm going to tell her about POTS. I'm really nervous. I hate searching for new doctors. I'm too tired to do a major, in-depth quiry here! Hope you all are having a blessed day. Linda

Thanks, everyone, for responding. KathyP, I was told ten years ago, by my endocrinologist at the Cleveland Clinic (I have a pituitary gland tumor that he treats me for), that I have POTS. He just did the manual blood pressure tests. Before that, I was diagnosed with IBS and fibromyalgia. I was having tachycardia, sometimes severe, especially after exercise, and I was told by one cardiologist that my adrenaline wasn't shutting off. I was losing a great deal of weight and sweat all the time, even sitting still, from the adrenaline. I always felt buzzy and had GI problems. I never gave it anymore thought because my endocrinologist never told me that POTS may have a lot more symptoms to it, symptoms that I've been dealing with for years, than just the irregular heart beat, low blood pressure and tach. I fell upon the idea to have a TTT the first week of this past March when I was just getting over the flu and my gp gave me an antibiotic that set me into tachycardia. I emailed a group who specialize in these particular antibiotics effects, and they wrote me back and said that I sound as though I have POTS and responded to the antibiotic the way that I did because of it. Remembering that my doctor ten years had used the word POTS, my husband and I began to research it on the Internet. I came across that website written by a patient, Chris something, I think, and THERE I WAS, in all of my POTS glory. I had most symptoms he described. I sat and cried. Finally, I knew what I was dealing with. I wasn't crazy. I wasn't just a basket case in need of a psychiatrist, like my gp had been telling me for years. I knew I was falling apart for some real reason, and this was it. We then got on the site that located dysautonomia doctors and found Dr. Fouad at the Cleveland Clinic. Since I am already a patient up there, and since my endocrinologist approved it, I was able to get into her within a month and have a TTT. Sorry to make this so long. I have to admit, Gena, that I actually became angry reading Durante's book, when they began talking about seeing psychiatrists and the psychological effects of dysautonomia. I began to feel defensive, like I have so many years, when I've been told "it's all in your head," "I want you to see a psychiatrist," when doctors wouldn't even look at the possibility that I may have some physical problems. I feel that if they focus too much on the psychological, that the physiological aspects of the condition will get lost, like they so many times do, and that's such an injustice to those who are really physically hurting. Does that make sense? Opus, I guess I'm still new at all this and think that a label will help me "control" what I have if I know all there is to know, or at least let me say to myself, when I'm having severe symptoms, "It's only the POTS, or the MVPS / D." Then, I can re-read all the material I have on it to reassure myself. There's so much out there under dysautonomia, like MS, Shy-Drager, etc., that I've not been tested for, so I guess a decisive label will help me be reassured that POTS is ALL I have, as well. Thanks, again, everyone. Linda

Hi. Maybe I missed this in the thread. With the way my brain is sifting through fog tonight, it wouldn't surprise me. If I did miss it, I apologize. If not, I wondered: Does a doctor have to do a specific cortisol test, or is cortisol included in one of the tests, such as TSH or some other hormone category? I have high prolactin, so I have my hormone levels checked at least yearly. I don't see specifically cortisol on any of my past test results. Would it be hiding in one of the categories? If so, where? Thanks. Linda

Hi, everyone. I just bought the book, The Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome / Dysautonomia Survival Guide. Gena, I know you highly recommend this book; I read some past threads. My question: Is POTS the same as MVPS / D? I was just diagnosed, through TTT, with POTS. I also have mitral valve prolapse, with all of the accompanying symptoms that make up MVP syndrome, although I've only been diagnosed, thus far, with POTS. I read, in previous threads, that some doctors consider dysautonomia and MVPS the same, but where does POTS fall into all of this? Sorry to appear so lame. All of these names of syndromes--I can't keep them straight what means what. And, lots of material I've read has credited POTS with the same symptoms as dysautonomia and MVPS. Are all three the same thing? Sorry to get stuck on labels. I just sort of like to know what I'm dealing with. Oh, one more question, too. Gena, you may know this. In the book, the authors mention psychological responses to MVPS / D, which entail the same symptoms (anxiety, panic) as the physical symptoms of dysautonomia / POTS. So, how is one to know if the anxiety one feels is from emotional responses or physical triggers? Thanks, everyone. Any information you give is very much appreciated (and, with the way my fog brain is working tonight, very much needed!!). LindaJoy

Hi, Michele. I am so sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad, both physically and emotionally. I have been there before, as well, so I can relate. I have had POTS symptoms most of my life, was diagnosed (unofficially) ten years ago, then officially (with TTT) just last week. My earliest really bad POTS episode happened when I was 27, 13 years ago. I used to just lay in the bathtub and cry, I hurt so bad (I also have fibromyalgia) and was so scared. I've had a few severe bouts since, but this time has been different. I didn't know about the increased salt to the diet, or the compression hose (which really DO work!!), or Gatorade and increased water, and staying out of the heat, etc., until this last time, when I joined this forum. This latest bout, which came on after I had the flu and has been with me since the first week of March, has been distressing, has made me more than a little depressed at times, but also hopeful as I seem to be doing better this time around, just using the natural things that I learned from everyone on this forum. I've learned, too, to not push myself, just go at my own pace, depending on how I feel. I don't do stairs, and I don't hesitate to ask for assistance in doing something that I don't have the strength to do by myself. I agree with Katherine on so many points: compression hose are awesome. Have you tried them? And, starting to do just 2 minutes of maybe leg raises a day would be great to slowly get you back into moving without overdoing it. And, I was thinking, as was Katherine, that speaking with someone about how you're feeling may be good to help you deal with living with a chronic illness. It is depressing that you have to live with symptoms that are harsh and scary. But, just as talking with everyone here helps, maybe you can find someone there, a professional who deals with depression, to listen and help, as well. During the one episode I had, I developed an eating disorder along with it. Oh, it was not a good time in my life! It took me six years of talking with my therapist, on and off, to get through the depression, but it really has helped me. I still deal with the POTS, and some days, I still get so upset and depressed, but I know it's not going to kill me, and I will have some good days, and I will have some bad, which makes me enjoy the good all the more. I think POTS is about state of mind as much as it is state of body. Emotionally, it is so easy to let it overcome us. I feel so badly for you. Please, just know you're in our hearts here, and please write any time you need to vent. We'll always try to encourage and support, and help when and if we can. I, for one, don't have all of the answers, since I really just started learning about POTS myself, but I'll help with what I can. Sorry to be so long-winded. I just feel so badly that you're having such a rough time. I remember when I was, and I want you to know that there is a rainbow on the other side of POTS and depression. It just takes a little bit to find it sometimes. And, keep in mind, you're never alone in your search. Love to you, Michele. LindJoy.

Oh, Morgan, praise God! I've been reading the threads of what you and Jake have been going through. What a lot you have been made to suffer. I'm so glad you had good news!!!!!!! Please know you've been in my prayers every day, and will continue to be for a good check up in three months. Blessings to both you and your little trooper!! LindaJoy

Funnyfrog, the tears your entry left me in were because I know the pain you are going through with this condition, and yet you continue to give of yourself, what you have left, to others. What a beautiful thing you are doing. I feel so selfish compared to you. I haven't even tried to drive since my POTS started acting up the first week of March because I feel so terrible most of the time, and here you are, dragging yourself to the hospital so you can support other people. You're an inspiration to me. Blessings, Linda

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. KathyP, oh, yes, I definitely showed POTS. The test wasn't bad, but my reaction to it was awful. I don't remember ever feeling that bad in such a short time. After six minutes, my bp dropped to 26 / 14. Then, I started to cry. Dr. Fouad just said POTS--she didn't say anything else. I do have mitral valve prolapse. I called Cleveland, and Dr. Fouad is going to run a blood volume test and an autonomic test this upcoming Monday. I'm still tired, but I really want to take advantage of the opening, since it's so hard to get in. I don't think I care as much about the exact cause of my POTS as I want to know what kind of POTS I have, like hyperadrenergic, or mast cell involvement, or low blood volume. Then, we can treat it directly. Hopefully, when I'm back next week, I'll have more answers to share. Again, thank you everyone for being so supportive. This site is such a blessing. I can't tell you!!! Linda

Funnyfrog, I read your entry and am now in tears. What you are doing is so selfless. What a beautiful heart you have. And, thank you, everyone, for sharing your stories here. You've all made me feel like I'm not alone, and that has been the best thing to happen since I developed POTS. You're all such a blessing to me. Roselover, thank you for allowing me to add and receive on your thread. I hope this finds you doing better. Blessings, everyone. Linda

Hi, everyone. Just a note: I've read a lot of the threads here, and I've seen where many POTS people were very athletic until POTS hit them. I was the same way. For years, I was into Tae Bo, aerobics, biking, walking, stretches, volleyball, weight lifting (heavy lifting). Now, I'm lucky to be able to lift my butt out of a chair. I tried a few stretches today, along with some light hand weights (3 pounds), and my heart sped up to 120 bpm, then went irregular. I know that exercise is important, but it is so hard to do when your body just won't cooperate! When I'm walking outside and I get out of breath, I feel like I have to make excuses to my neighbors--"I'm really not in as bad a shape as this looks." Then, they look at me like I'm pathetic. Oh, well. As someone said the other day, we POTS people can live life, just at our own pace! Hang in there. Blessings to all, Linda

Hi, mom4cem, I have just been diagnosed with POTS, and yes, I have what you are describing. Mine usually come in the middle of the night, when I've been asleep. I think this may be what some here refer to as an autonomic storm. Maybe some others who are more knowledgeable can help you out here, but for me, I do this. Then, when I would tell my gp my symptoms, she would say, "Oh, you're having anxiety. Take Zoloft." These are the symptoms of anxiety, but they also are part of POTS. Hang in there. Hope your doctor can help you tomorrow to feel better about what has happened to you. Keep us posted. LindaJoy

Morgan, I am so sorry to hear what you and Jake are going through. You may feel as though your strength is wearing thin, but as a loving mother, it won't. You'll be strong as long as you need to be, for Jake. Hang in there, and know that there are so many who are praying for you and Jake. Please, as you find the time and strengh, keep us informed and we'll continue to pray and think good thoughts. Love and blessings to the both of you, LindaJoy

Hi, sick of being sick (I know where you're coming from!), and welcome to the forum. I have had all of the symptoms you describe. I just returned from the Cleveland Clinic after having a tilt table test done. It showed that I have POTS. In a few weeks, I go back for tests to try to determine what's causing it. It would be good for you to take a look at the list of symptoms that Dr. Grubb put out for those with POTS. Go to www.potsplace.com, and you will find a great deal of information about POTS, along with that handy-dandy list of symptoms. It would be best for you to find a doctor who specializes in Dysautonomia / POTS. I believe this website offers a list of physicians. While you're waiting for tests, keep these things in mind: You are not crazy or a hypochondriac. Should you have POTS, which it very much sounds like you do, it is a real condition that causes anxiety, yes, but it is a real physical condition that needs to be taken seriously and dealt with. Your friends and family need to become informed about POTS, as well, so that they can be supportive of you instead of adding to your stress and doubt. POTS is not easy to live with. You will need all the support you can get. Continue to ask questions and do research yourself, so that you can find what works best for you in coping with your condition. You will find, as you read, that many of us utilize the same natural approaches that seem to help, such as adding salt to our diets, drinking Gatorade or Powerade, drinking plenty of water, wearing those nifty tight stockings, not sitting or standing for long periods of time, taking frequent breaks in our activities, staying away from caffeine and alcohol, avoiding heat (hot showers or hot days outside), certain medications that your doctor will discuss with you, etc. Please know that you're not alone. There are thousands of people out there who are suffering with POTS. Most have symptoms every day, and complete pots spells after suffering a virus, an injury, surgery, the birth of a child, or an extremely stressful period in our lives. Many have a very hard time just getting through the day, or night (I have a really hard time at night). There's no "cure" for POTS, usually, unless you do find what has caused it and it is something that can be fixed. But, usually, it's something you learn to deal with, AT YOUR OWN PACE. First, get to a doctor who knows about POTS. Have a Tilt Table Test done to verify your condition. Then, you can begin to work with your doctor on what works best for you to deal with the condition. As I said before, as you learn about your condition, educate those you are closest to about it, as well, so that they can be as supportive as possible. POTS is very real. It is debilitating at times. It is scary. But, you can live a fairly normal life with it, once you learn "Yourself." Hope this helps. Keep in mind, we're here if you need us. Most of us are still learning, too, but we're more than happy to share what we know. Blessings to you, honey. Hang in there. LindaJoy

Thanks, Everyone. Hey, Dawg Tired, what's a TTT? And, you said that your pulmonologist found the problem...he knew about POTS? I think, as long as my peak flow stays at 400, where it was even on the medicine, I'll stay off of the medicine. But, my allergist said that if I didn't take my medicine, then if I did have an asthma episode, it would be worse. Have any of you heard or experienced that before? Thanks for your help. Linda

Hi.. It's me again. Just wondering. My doctor at the Cleveland Clinic doesn't seem to be too interested in what's causing my POTS. I want tests to see if we can find out the root cause, but she won't order them. My question--does it really matter what's causing it? I read some information on one of the POTS websites that said it was important to try to find the root cause. What should I do? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Linda

Hi, Everyone, I've read some threads about asthma, but I'm wondering if anyone can help me with this question. I had severe asthma as a child. I outgrew it. Then, a few years ago, when I was having severe POTS symptoms, I was having trouble getting a deep breath, so I saw an allergist who tested me for allergies, of which I have tons of them, and who said that my asthma had re-occurred. He put me on Serevent and Azmacort. My best on my peak flows, even on the medicine, was between 400-450. I noticed, with this latest POTS episode, that my Azmacort seemed to make my symptoms worse, so I quit taking it, after being on it for about 8 years. My peak flows actually went up to 550! Now, they're back down to around 400, which is no different than when I taook Azmacort. My question--Do I really have asthma, or is it the POTS making it seem as though I can't get a deep breath? I'm never wheezey when doctors listen to my lungs. What do you all think? Thanks. Linda