JenniferInOhio

Glad all went well!! I hope you find out that it's a simple, treatable condition causing your stomach troubles. It's good to see that the nurses were taking an interest in POTS!!

I'm so sorry you are feeling sick everyday. That has to be so tough. I hope you are feeling better soon. (((HUGS)))

Ooooh - I would be so mad right now. As a mom, I would want to go to the Dean also - that comment was uncalled for!! Grrrr!!!

Haha ~ we drove! 19 hours. I DO NOT fly for non-POTS reasons.

What a thoughtful and caring child you have. She must love you very much.

Just got back from Disney World! What a wonderful vacation we had!! It was so much fun, especially with two little ones. I am proud to say that POTS did not kick me in the rear. I did not wear my heart monitor (haven't for a couple of months now) and got along just fine. I walked around the parks all day long. After the first day, my calves were sore, because I wasn't used to all the walking we did. However, as far as heart rate, blood pressure, and all other POTS symptoms, I was fine!! Not a brag, just an encouragement for others. I was really worried about how I would do on this trip. The weather was sunny and 70 degrees. Obviously, if it was hot and humid, I probably wouldn't have done so well.

Thanks for your replies. I still don't know if I'm going to try them. We are going to Disney World soon and I'm wondering if I should wear them since I will be on my feet most of the day (something I don't normally do).

I am so blessed. I am thankful for: 1. Having God in my life. 2. My husband. 3. My beautiful healthy daughters. 3. Living a pretty functional life. 4. My home. 5. My husband's wonderful job that allows me to be a stay-at-home mom. 6. Chocolate.

I don't have much advice. I just know you shouldn't be on birth control if you have migraines (increases stroke risk).

Mine speeds up when a take a breath in and slows down when I breath out - sinus arrythmia.

I had one this year and had no reaction whatsoever. I was expecting my arm to be sore, but it was fine.

Carmen ~ I have heard that headaches on waking are something to get checked out too. Hopefully, it's just POTSY related and nothing serious. I don't really get horrible headaches. Sometimes shooting pains in the left side of my head and mild headaches. About once a year I get a migraine with visual aura.

I'm glad it was worth your trip. I was supposed to have the test done in August, but I chickened out. I'm glad the test went well for you and you got some answers!!

Hi Belinda and welcome. I am also from Ohio (Cleveland area) and was diagnosed by Dr. Fouad in July. I'm pretty new and have found the people here to be so helpful!! This is a great group!

He is in the Cleveland Clinic system. You know, after 30 minutes, you would think I would have mentioned the migraines, but I totally forgot. I will have to mention that to him at my next appt. I will be sure to say something to the new neurologist also.

I'm wondering if the body adapts to having compression stockings so that if you take them off, your symptoms are worse than before you started wearing them. I don't know if this makes sense. I do really well without compression stockings. My doctor wants me to try them anyway. What if I wear them and my body gets used to wearing them and then can't cope without them? Does that make sense at all?

I had to go to my PCP for a follow-up after my numb face/numb hands incident in the ER. My regular PCP (who last year wanted me to go see a psychotherapist) is on maternity leave, so I saw a new younger male doctor. He was awesome. He spent 30 minutes with me. As you all know, 30 minutes is a long time for a doctor to spend with you. He had 1 POTS patient a few years ago, so he knew what I was talking about!! He said that he was pretty sure that the numbness came from the POTS, but wanted me to call Dr. Fouad's office and tell them about my symptoms. He urged me to wear compression stockings. He seemed genuinely interested and concerned. He also referred me to a new neurologist to rule out anything else. He wants to keep MS on the backburner for now, but is not ruling it out. Finally, someone who is going to help me. He wants to see me back in a month. I took the POTS brochure with me. Even though he had a patient with POTS before, he looked at the brochure, and wanted to know which of the symptoms listed I was experiencing. I think I'm going to keep this guy!!

First of all, I'm so sorry about all of the stressful things going on in your life. Secondly, yes, your symptoms sound very familiar. First thing in the morning is my worst time too. When I get up, I go straight downstairs to get a big glass of water and take my beta blocker. I only take 1/2 pill (10 mg) because I have low blood pressure normally (100/60) and taking a whole pill would make it go into the 80's/50's. I also have PVCs, PACs, and sometimes SVTs. The beta blocker helps them tremendously. I live a pretty normal life except for when it's really hot and humid out my heart rate goes pretty high. If I stay in air conditioning I'm fine. I also don't exercise - but I'm going to start soon. Drinking lots of water and gatorade helps too. Salty snacks like pretzels. I'm 31 with a 4 year old and almost 2 year old.

I used to LOVE taking hot baths - and I mean HOT. Unfortunately, my feet and legs would go numb so I don't do it anymore. I do a quick hot shower instead.

Thank you all for your suggestions and advice. I am definitely pursuing the migraine, Lyme, and MS right now.

Wow ~ I can't say that I have what you have, poor thing. I do have some of those symptoms, but mine are related to panic attacks...tingling in hands and feet, extreme heat, heart pounding, feeling of doom, then onto clammy hands and feet and shaking all over even though I am not cold. Obviously, yours are not panic attacks. Wish I had more advice or encouragement for you...

Ling, I hope your 2nd trimester gives you some relief. I know sometimes the 1st is usually the worst. Hang in there. Are you going to have an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby?

Katherine ~ he is older. I'd say in his early 60's.

Thanks Melissa. Yes, I would like his contact information. That would be great.

I went to my neuro appt. this morning and complained about the facial numbness (which is gone now; lasted 24 hours), right hand going numb, showed him my papers from CC with POTS diagnosis. He asked me what POTS stood for. I told him and he said, "postural orthostatic - isn't that the same word?" Then he snickered. Made me feel like an idiot. My husband said I should have got up and left. The neuro also told me to stop crossing my legs and sit up straight. I was not happy. Anyway, my vision is still shakey from the last time I saw him. He didn't seem concerned. He wants to do an emg study on me and have my blood checked for B12 and folate. The nurse who was scheduling the emg said the diagnosis was carpal tunnel. HELLO. My face went numb too, not just my right hand. Will an emg test for other things too? Should I do the tests? Should I find a different neuro? I don't know what to do. Does anyone know of a good neuro. in the Cleveland area (west side)?