Goldfish

Hi everyone, New to the forum, happy to have found a community of people with POTS Some background on myself, I am currently 16 and was ‘diagnosed’ with POTS in January of 2019. This diagnosis was given by my primary after going over my symptoms and many negative cardiac, thyroid, and blood panel tests. The reason I put diagnosed in quotations is because my doctor has never seen the POTS symptoms and therefore, hasn’t provided a definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis was given out as a reasonable conclusion and as a way to get the needed, educational accommodations. After the diagnosis, the typical management recommendations were given of water, salt, compression socks, and a possible service dog, most of which have been ineffective (currently no SD). Regarding my symptoms, every time I stand, my heart rate increases between 40-120 bpm, however, the increase typically happens within the first minute of standing and then returns to a normal standing heart rate. After another 5-15min of standing/walking, my heart rate will spike again by 20-140 bpm. Symptoms caused by my heart rate spikes/POTS include dizziness, lightheadedness, near-fainting spells (never fainted from POTS ), brain fog, fatigue, ibs, and frequent low grade fevers. These symptoms have been so debilitating that I am now lost in what major and career path to pursue. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be a doctor/nurse, however, with these symptoms making a simple trip to Target or Costco extremely difficult and physically demanding, those career paths seem to be unrealistic due to the physical demands. I would love to hear other people’s views on my POTS diagnosis (Is this POTS? What type of POTS? Treatment?) and advice for career paths. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, wishing you all the best, Goldfish

Hi! I have low grade fevers (98.7-100.3) all the time; almost weekly. They typically present themselves as 24hr colds but make POTS symptoms worse for the following 2-5 days after. Pre-POTS-diagnosis in 2019, I got sick often but not as often as now and symptoms were closer to that of a typical cold. I wonder if this is something that is related to POTS and if there is anything that can help with it. Like many of you, I have had many a tests preformed, all coming back negative which is SO FRUSTRATING when communicating symptoms and issues. Looking forward to finding resources and connecting with people on this forum!