Megan

As far as anxiety goes, I wonder a lot whether my anxiety (and depression) came first, or if it was a development of taking so long to be diagnosed and having episodes that doctors repeatedly told me were all in my head. I'm pretty sure it was the latter. And although the Prozac and Klonopin have always helped, they are both meds sometimes used to treat POTS...so it's hard to tell where the line is. I've decided that it doesn't matter a whole lot which came first as long as I try to maintain my health in all the ways I know how to. Meg

I don't count my sodium, I just try to load up and eat ramen noodles guilt-free. :-) Meg

I was told to avoid sudafed because it would make POTS symptoms worse...it's interesting that it was suggested to you. Meg

Ernie, just want you to know that I think you're awesome, and that I'm praying you get some answers! Meg

I took lexapro for a short time, and I do have hearing loss, but mine is hereditary. if there was a connection between the two, I wouldn't have noticed it. I've never heard of that as a side effect. Hopefully you find a new doc who actually listens to you. Meg

None of the typical ADHD meds worked out for me, I think because of my sensitivity to meds due to POTS. However, I take omega-3 and folic acid supplements which help a lot. They also help with POTS-y brain fog, so it's a two in one. The omega-3 is just over the counter, the folic acid is a prescription. Just a thought if ritalin turns out not the way you hope. but good luck with it! Meg

I'm glad you've gotten someone to actually believe you! I'm praying for you, hoping work doesn't wear you down too much. Meg

Some people do recover fully, and some recover partially. I'm hoping to grow out of at least part of mine. (I'm 20) Meg

At mayo clinic they told me as much as I could stand. Meg

That's a lot of blood! Two vials taken and I feel like I'm having life sucked out of me. Fasting is always an awful thing for me. I'm guessing dehydration's a big part of what you're feeling. Hope you get to feeling better! Meg

Hi Rachel! Stress definitely wipes me out! Finals week is always awful (I'm halfway through college). Sometimes it helps to journal, meditate, etc (if you have time with two toddlers!) As for the mild thing, I don't know if my POTS has necessarily gotten worse, it's just constantly changing. A symptom goes away, and a new one, sometimes worse, pops up. It's just strange. My doc said I could grow out of it, or at least aspects of it, by my mid twenties. As far as you staying mild, I would guess that it's a possibility, but everyone is different and I'm no doctor. Oh, and welcome! Meg

hmm...maybe my klonopin still helps me, even though I was originally put on it for anxiety...which I did have, but because of being misdiagnosed!

hey, whatever works! :-)

I am praying! Meg

I didn't get a diagnosis until I was sent to Mayo Clinic, but I hope you get things worked out! Meg

I don't know, but when I was seeing a psychiatrist (before my actual pots diagnosis...) he never mentioned anything about birth control being a problem. I'm on depo-provera, which has done nothing but help me in all of my health areas. I think I may have heard once that it can increase depression, though, so maybe it does lower seratonin? No idea, but I'd like to know also. Meg

Hang in there. As much as it *****, you'll fairly quickly adjust to the little things and they'll seem almost like second nature. I hope you're doing alright. Meg

Here's hoping that it isn't as bad as your doc thinks it is (whatever that may be). Good luck with your mri! Meg

I don't remember if my ANA test came back normal or not, but I know that my sister's ANA was abnormal and she has Lupus. Is an abnormal ANA a hereditary thing? Meg

Thanks for posting! As a side note, I use the need for high sodium as a guilt-free reason to eat Ramen when I'm too lazy to go to the dining hall. :-) Meg

I've had similar episodes that I attribute to pots, but yours seem much worse, so I'm not sure. You're in my thoughts. Meg

I'm also a full time college student. I'm around if either of you wants to chat about it. Meg

Praying for you! Meg

I'm on depo to stop my periods, and while occasionally I have mini-periods and some problems right around the time of my shot, every three months is better than every month. I hope you find a way to ease symptoms! Meg