lalalisa

Lolo, I'm so sorry to hear about your fall and concussion! Sounds painful and frustrating. I hope you heal quickly. I'm sure not being able to sleep/being woken frequently is frustrating when you need sleep!! Thanks for sharing about your rough day and I hope your week improves dramatically!! Take care, Lisa

Hello, I too experience chronic sinus infections. In the past 2 years I've found a few things that have helped. First was getting a CT scan of my sinuses that showed I had multiple polyps. (These can definitely contribute to infections not allowing things to get better) These were surgically removed along with the dr. opening up my sinuses allowing for more room for infections to drain. Second was beginning allergy treatment. Shots or sublingual drops which aren't FDA approved yet but have been used in Europe for 20 years and my dr in the states uses these) I didn't realize that I had severe allergies. When I was tested the dr's and nurses were all coming to take a look at my reactions. Third is frequent nasal irrigations with salt water (it sounds like you are already doing this). I'm not sure how I can help but thought I'd at least tell you about what has brought me to a hopeful turning point with my infections. Take care, I know this is frustrating! Lisa

Hello Willows, What fun news!! Thanks for sharing! This sounds like it will be amazing!! Lisa p.s. My family uses that expression as well "Cat out of the bag"

Hello, Sorry, I should've clarified, I meant just having a blood test done. As you mentioned I already have low blood volume and should/would never give blood. Thanks, Lisa

Hello, Since I've had POTS I often pass out or almost pass out when I'm giving blood. I haven't ever liked needles but thought it would be interesting to hear from you guys. Is this common? The only conclusion I can come to is that my blood is already so low that a slight drop sends me into this state. What are your experiences? Before POTS I did pass out once but now it's frequent and to the point that I will never again give blood unless I'm lying down. (I try to be "tough" and sit and it backfires) Thanks, Lisa

HaHa!! Good question!

I agree with Rachel, The Meet Other Program is really neat. I've had some friendships through email that have been huge blessings to me because of the program. Lisa

Yes!! You're not the only one. Sometimes it's embarrassing for me that I can't watch any movies that are intense at all. Also, I used to like to play video games every once in a while and now when I play the adrenaline surge is just too much. I also react like crazy to slight things like a minor accident, as you mentioned. Just wanted to say you're not alone. Lisa

Hey Rachel, I'm SO glad you have moved to Louisville! It's great having you here and I look forward to getting to know you better. Thanks for posting our picture. =) The fair was lots of fun! Lisa

They are just SO cute!! Thanks for posting. =)

Hello, I realize that having children is a huge decision - especially when you have an illness like POTS but did want to chime in and let you know that I've been given nothing but encouragement from Dr. Grubb as far as having children. He's been extremely positive whenever I've talked about it and just wanted me to know that he'd help walk me through the pregnancy as much as possible. This said I do still have concerns that I could take a turn for the worse after the delivery, but you just never know. Oh, I also saw a high risk OB recently because I also have congenital heart disease and the dr. wasn't phased by my POTS as far as pregnancy - she was just like we'll just take what comes but everything should be fine. Hope this helps, Lisa

Erika, Welcome!! We're glad you're here! We hope you are encouraged and that you have a smooth pregnancy. Lisa

Hello, I recently ran across an article in the Cardiovascular Health section of the Summer '08 issue of "Holistic Primary Care." The article has a section on Magnesium that reads.... "Magnesium: This essential mineral is a co-factor for practically all enzymes involved in mitochondrial ATP production. It also has direct vasodilatory effects. In a sense, it is a natural calcium channel blocker, relaxing smooth muscle, lowering blood pressure, reducing arrhythmias, and alleviating angina. It can slow and normalize heart rate, so it is good for people prone to tachycardia. There's evidence it can reduce symptoms associated with mitral valve prolapse. Depending on a patient's age, nutritional status and specific cardiovascular condition, Dr. Sinatra recommends between 400?800 mg of supplemental magnesium daily. He prefers chelated forms of magnesium, like orotate, glycinate or taurinate, which are better absorbed than the more common magnesium oxide forms." [Holistic Primary Care, Vol. 9, No.2, Summer 2008] The entire article can be found here: http://www.holisticprimarycare.net/app/2_1...0CE731D97C1B150 Anyways, I thought this might be of interest to some of you and may be worth talking with your dr. about. Lisa

Sara, I just wanted to chime in and say that I've just started checking my BBT and they seem to be all over the place. I think I need to do it for longer before I can declare this but I've been wondering if my POTS affects this or not as well. Take care, Lisa

Thanks so much for sharing this great news!! I'm so happy for you! Lisa

Ernie, Thanks for sharing about this exciting and yet difficult process you are going through. I will pray that your family will be willing to help. I am so impressed by your perseverance and determination and I'm sure it will pay off. You are an inspiration to so many!! Take care "Honeybee Queen" =) Lisa

Jennifer, Hello! Welcome! We are glad you are here and hope this forum is helpful for you. Take care, Lisa

Randi, Oh, wow, thanks for sharing with us. I can't imagine what you are all going through right now. I will pray for you. Take care, Lisa

Ernie, Happy Birthday!! Your life is a blessing to us and it sounds like many others as well. Thanks SO much for sharing your story....I found it very encouraging. Take care, Lisa

Hello, Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news. I hope all goes well and that you continue to feel well. Take care, Lisa

Hello, For various reasons I've recently gone off of my sleeping pill (Lunesta) and can't be on any similar medicines right now. I am having lots of trouble sleeping at night and it makes me much more symptomatic while I'm awake. I'm considering having a sleep study done but wondered if this really accomplishes anything. I'm almost positive i don't have sleep apnea. Is there anything else a sleep study could help to diagnose / solve? Thanks so much for any input! Lisa

Hello, Thanks so much for your input. It's just nice to know that I'm not the only one experiencing this. Take care, Lisa

Hello, I've experienced a feeling of pressure in my chest that makes me feel short of breath before but it's never been quite this consistent. I've noticed it ever since the weather began to get humid and the daytime high's are consistently in the 80's (about 2 weeks now). Could this be caused by the summer like weather? What are your experiences with this symptom? Does this get worse with heat for you. (The weird part is that I'm not even spending much time outside.) Thanks for any input! Lisa

Tearose, Wow, I've never heard of this before. Thanks for posting about this and I'm glad to hear that you've found the source of why you were feeling so poorly. Are you feeling closer to "normal" now that you're off of coffee? Hope you have a good weekend! Lisa

Amy, I just signed on and was encouraged to see your name/post. Thanks so much for writing and keeping us up to date. I'm sorry to hear that you've had such a hard time lately and hope things improve for you. I'm encouraged by your determination and perseverance and know this will help you along the way. Take care Amy, Lisa