JenniferInOhio

I'm sorry, but what are the port and piic lines for? I've been reading posts for a couple of years, and I still don't understand what they are and what they are used for...

LOL. I'm not cured, just functioning very well at the moment. I still feel POTsy when sick - high heart rate and quicker to recover than the average person. Heat is also a kicker, but I can't complain. I thank God in prayer that I function as well as I do. I'm so blessed.

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted as much lately, but still read posts on an almost daily basis.

I'm doing pretty well. We just got back from Disney World and I kept up all day for 5 days with the best of them. My legs were aching by the end of the day - but so were everyone else's!

Anxiety seems to be doing better. I don't fight the feeling anymore or the embarrassment of having to take a Xanax every once in a while. I've pretty much pinpointed the anxiety and panic attacks to the couple of days surrounding ovulation and the few days right before my period. It must be a hormone thing.

Anyway, I just wanted to update and say that I am doing well, carting around a 6 year old and a 4 year old to their activities and doing pretty much normal everyday things. I would like to get into an exercise routine, but haven't made the time.

Hope everyone else is doing well too - I haven't seen an update on Melissa (Sunfish). How is she doing?

I am able to exercise. Pilates, walking. Nothing aerobic.

Like momtogiulianna, I believe I had mild POTS prior to my first pregnancy - of course, I didn't know it then, but looking back on things I remember always feeling bad when my mom and I went for a day of shopping (lots of walking) and I could never stand in the checkout line for very long before feeling dizzy.

Anyway, I didn't know I had POTS...first pregnancy was fine. Vaginal birth. Lots of palpitations in the 9th month. Also 2 migraine headaches with visual auras 2 weeks before delivery - hormone related, I suppose (I thought I was having a stroke or something). Lots of palpitations during labor. My doctor was irritated that I was concerned about the palpitations. Hemmorraghed after birth (doctor pulled out placenta instead of letting come out on its own) and some placenta was stuck. Recovery was uneventful. No palpitations, no dizziness, nothing out of the ordinary.

Second pregnancy, still no POTS diagnosis. In my first trimester, my hubby had to bring a stool up to our bathroom so I could sit and do my hair and makeup. Reaching up to curl my hair made me dizzy (I look back and KNOW this was major tachycardia happening) first thing in the morning. I just thought is was normal pregnancy dizziness, but it was definitely tachycardia - I bet upwards of 150-160 in the morning. After the first trimester, I did better. Palpitations again during 9th month. Also, 2 more migraine headaches with visual aura 2 weeks before delivery. Vaginal birth. Wonderful labor - no palpitations. No complications. Recovery was fine.

Did not start to see more prominent POTS symptoms until I had a diagnostic laparoscopy 18 months after birth of second child. Came out of surgery with major adreline rushes with heart rate going from 70-130 in a matter of seconds. I also had anemia at the time which made the symptoms tachycardia and shortness of breath worse.

After correcting the anemia, I am back to functioning almost as well as before having two children. The only things that are more affected now (than before kids) is my performance in the heat and exercise intolerance.

Congrats!! How exciting!

You need to tell us more...

Melissa,

I'm praying for you.

Nevermind!!!! Hubby turned the job offer down. Whew!!

I took a small dose of atenolol several years ago - not for POTS (didn't know I had it), but for palpitations. It worked for the palpitations. No side effects.

Hi Dani,

I just wanted to say that I truly hope that you are in remission and are recovering from your treatments - I imagine that would be super-tough adding POTS into the mix of chemo/radiation.

Darren,

Like the others said, I felt like I was right there with you because of your excellent writing style and because I've actually been there. So sorry you wasted your time and money. It's happened to me so many times.

I know this is probably bad, but whenever I know I am going to be in a stressful situation, I take a Xanax before. It really does help me.

I sometimes get left arm discomfort - not actual pain. Usually in the upper arm and elbow area. It used to freak me out about a heart attack, but it has happened so many times that I usually don't get concerned anymore. I take my Xanax and chill. I would think if it was heart related it would be tingly and actual pain.

Mine feels like you described when I'm having PVCs and/or PACs.

I agree, even a good gyn visit is a bad one. A bad one is just the WORST!!!

Hi and welcome Mark.

I also diagnosed myself and then saw 2 doctors and did 2 tilt table tests to confirm diagnsis. Sad, isn't it? I have a Speech-Language Pathology degree, and I find that I know more than most physicians.

This board is great!

Hi and welcome, Kendra!!

This board provides a lot of information and support that you will need on your POTS journey. Again, welcome.

Mvdula, Calypso (Amy), & Dari,

Thanks so much for your responses. It helps to know that others know what I am going through.

Calypso - I am much the same way in that sometimes when I think that it would be a *perfect* time for a panic attack when I am extra-stressed - it doesn't happen. Yet, when I'm perfectly calm, they come out of nowhere.

thanks everyone. sometimes I get a headache with the xanax and was wondering if I could take tylenol.

Just wondering if I can take both at the same time or if it is a no-no. Anyone know? I guess I'm calling the pharmacist.

I just found out a few months ago that I'm deficient too - I think a lot of the general population is deficient and don't know it - at least that is what I read.

I love hot showers. Living in Northern Ohio, a cooler shower is not an option for me!!! I also get very tachy in the shower, but I settle down afterwards. I love me a hot shower.

I would say at least 3 months.

Could it be anxiety or a panic attack? - please don't be offended...I suffer from this and have very weird feelings in my body with the anxiety.

I was on nadolol for about a year. It lowered my resting heart rate which was fine to begin with. I didn't notice much of a difference in standing heart rate; however, I was taking a very low dose.