ellen

I don't have any excess hair and I have been on florinef for 9 years. However, it has a long list of side effects, and "hirsutism" is one of them. If you mention it to your doctor, he might have some suggestion (like cutting down your dose), but I doubt he would take you off it for excess hair, (which is cosmetic) since florinef is so effective in treating your symptoms.

So good to hear your good news-what a blessing!

Maxine, yes, I have memory problems like that, but not that, uh unusual. I think you should mention it to your doc, since you're obviously concerned about it. That would give you the peace of mind you need. Don't forget you just had a LOT of excitement, and that drains your whole being. And at four oclock in the morning! What a thrill-

Yes Lina, I think we all have this experience. Maybe that's why it's been so hard for us to get a diagnosis. I just picked up my Holter ECG Report from my cardiac EP, and (not surprisingly) it was normal. Next week he will give me a tilt table test. I have mixed feelings: if I get symptomatic, it might trigger a crisis, or ...if I don't, he might think I'm fine and not treat me at all. Which is worse? :lol: Then again, it might go fine and give just the right information needed to treat my symptoms. I will let you know.

brwn, where are you located?

Thankyou All for your encouragement. I will let you know how it goes. -Ellen

I've heard about this "mothers' camp" in California that just sounds great. I just enjoy THINKING about such a place, even if I never get to go. /www.campgetaway.com/

Jaqui-I just had a massage (masaje) in the hope that it increases circulation. Feels good.

Tearose- that sounds like Canyon Ranch here in Tucson. It's pricey, but it's all that and more. Also Miraval. Summer time might give you a discount because it's so 'warm', but winter is peak season. You can PM me if you choose Tucson, I can tell you more.

I have been doing Curves for 4 years and love it! It's a circle of 12 or 13 machines with a recovery station (small raised platform) between each. You do each machine for 30 seconds, then the recorded announcement says move to the next station. So the whole circle of ladies move over one and resumes exercise. Every 8 minutes it says "check your heartrate for a 10 second count"and gives a 10 second countdown. There are no mirrors, no fancy outfits, no lockers so you don't have to change - just come, in drop your keys in a cubbie and jump on a station. You can be in and out in 30 minutes. Often I'm the youngest (52) gal in the room! We're all very supportive, you go at your own pace and can skip any machine that you don't like. Sometimes I just go for 20 minutes. Anyone can walk in and check it out- it's a very low-key, gentle atmosphere. After years of health club memberships, and serious aerobics classes, this is a relaxing change!

Thankyou Tearose, Ernie, Aj, and Flop- I feel much better with everyone's (unanimous) input about taking the test. I trust the forum more than another physician as a 'second opinion'! I have a ttt scheduled for Feb 7 and will let you know how it goes. NO water for 4 hours before is a concern, but they allow all my daily meds.

After 9 years on florinef, I asked my PCP if I could possibly switch to another treatment, maybe an ssri, because of the long-term side effects of florinef. She sent me back to the cardiac EP who diagnosed me 3 years ago with POTS based on my poor man's tilt table results, in which my heat rate increased more than 30 beats upon standing. Now he wants to do a Tilt table test on me (in his office) but I prefer not to put my body through that kind of trauma. When I expressed this concern, I was told by the girl(assistant), "oh, there's no danger, and it can give us more information about what is going on with you." My question is what, if any, info can they get from a tilt table test other than yes or no to the diagnosis of POTS (and even that is inconclusive). I just don't want to go through an unnecessary test which sounds awfully unpleasant, from the reports on this forum. Is this doc just looking to gather info for his next study, or is there some real value to the ttt that can help in my treatment? I really appreciate the insight from the members of this forum.

Doctorguest, You are a winner, even if the article HADN'T won. Thankyou so much for your support.

I use the timer on my cell phone- works great. and the one on the microwave, one on the oven and on my pda. sometimes I hear beeping and can't remember which appliance I set!

I have a "To Do" list on my bathroom mirror -first thing I do is go to the bathroom, take meds, shower, brush teeth etc. I have them laid out in the weekly dispenser, and I also keep a day's dose in my handbag in case I remember them after I leave the house.

Willows, thankyou for the update. You and your family have been in my thoughts. It's so good to hear that Mike is going ahead with his career plans- you must be so proud of him! - Ellen

Yes, I have low thyroid- it looks like alot of us take thyroid supplements.

Morgan- for the future, you can ask jake to sign a paper with his providers giving him/her permission to discuss Jake's case with you. That privacy law is real pain when caring for adult children!

Mrs. B, if you don't want to see a medical doctor, you could start with your optometrist. If it's something more serious he can direct you to a specialist, if not he can allay your fears. Because I see mine every year, I feel I know him and he listens carefully and spends time answering my questions. Please let us know how you're doing. I also have had that kind of feeling, but it has gone away.

Cardiactec, How would a typical POTS person know if they had V tach? I use a sports heart monitor and my heart rate jumps from 80 when I'm jogging to 180 for only a few seconds when I stop. Occasionally, not predictably. I have never had a holter monitor, so how would my doctor know if I (a typical layman) have V tach. -ellen

Made me laugh out loud!

Polarized sunglasses make a big difference for me also, but be careful to buy them from a reputable dealer- I bought some at "Odd Lots" (great price), and they were no different from regular sunglasses! I tried Transition lenses, but they only work when the sun is high in the sky (mid-day). When the sun is shining in your face is at dawn and dusk, so I still needed sunglasses for driving! I get the biggest glasses I can find, so the sun can't peak in from the sides.

Sophia- YES! that is exactly what my cat does! I laughed out loud - Ellen

I was having swelling from my OPEN TOED compression hose, so I switched to close-toed hose and it went away. Baby powder makes getting them on easier!