Nicky

Hopefully the Ferritin levels are the answer. but for me my bloods were all ok so - I agree with your postprandial hypotension theory - when I first had severe POTS symptoms, passing out when eating was a common thing for me. I also had problems getting up from lying down and using hot showers/baths etc. So fro mornings, I found the key to managing everyday stuff like this was to spread everything out. I formed a routine of only showering in the evening when I could lie down and rest afterwards. I planned the nights when I would wash my hair and dry it (which I got in the habit of doing less frequently) as holding my arms up was for some reason especially exhausting. In the morning, I took time to adjusting to being upright before eating. Took on fluids first. Waited a bit (maybe 30mins) and then ate - small meals that are easily digestible. Over the years, I've found pacing is a key thing. It's tempting to overdo it when feeling well to make up for lost time! (I did loads of sports at a really high level before POTS so whenever I had a glimpse of recovery, I overdid it - until I learned better.) I'd say, from my experience, the key thing is to not ask your blood to go to too many new places at the same time! I'm infinitely better these days. Thankful to say, it's been years since I did a face plant in my dinner. A key thing for me in managing the dizzys has been to practice breathing into my belly, nice and slowly and controlled. When pots kicks in and sends your head spinning, your heart racing and you feel like you are going to pass out, its really unnerving and being afraid of those weird feelings can make things worse. I found I had to practice breathing when I was not having an episode so that when I did have a POTS flare, I found it easy to use breathing techniques that help get my body back under control quicker. Hope this helps some. Good luck with it.

I've had POTS for more than 10 years now, since I had babies. Before POTS, I did sports galore to a very high level, did core and pilates regularly, I was really fit, into skydiving and scuba diving. I used to swim like a fish right up until the birth of my first child. Few weeks after his birth, I took him to his first swim lessons, I couldn't get out of the pool and walk properly, ridiculous exhaustion, legs feeling like lead. Thought it was just to do with the recent c-section, breastfeeding, tiredness etc. I had to have my Mum come with me to drive me home because I'd walk in and then crawl out. My POTS symptoms became more severe over time and really accelerated after my second baby. Soon I was having spells of being bedbound and having to use a wheelchair to get about. Eventually, I got so deconditioned that to get back to anywhere normal, I started with rowing, along the lines of the Levine protocol. I did loads of mindfulnees/breathing and meditating stuff. I used some special glasses and an earplug that helped desensitise me to certain stimuli (complex background info but this was really helpful) It took months but eventually I did my first run for 1 minute and 18mths later did my first 'fun run' of 2.5km. I'm back in work and exercising regularly these days. But I still can't crack this pool thing. I get similar when I fly and we circle, I pass out on descent and sometimes have to be carried off the plane. At nearly all other times I feel pretty normal. Doesn't matter if I swim or float I still have problems but I did see a brain training guy who suggested that I don't dive in, nor float, just get in steady, swim reasonably fast and then get out. This definitely helps. He reckons if I keep going, my brain will adapt. But I'm yet to find a window when I can be that incapacitated for long enough to crack it properly. If anyone finds the/an answer, please post!