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Could it be POTS?

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stooshiecat
stooshiecat

I've been having some issues with dizziness, fatigue, nausea and almost constant headaches (excpet at night) for the last few months.  I went to the doctor at the end of February after almost fainting during a physiotherapy session.  She said I had water in my ears which could explain the symptoms but wanted to run bloods just in case.

A week later I got a call from the doctor's receptionist telling me that my blood test came back showing low iron.  The doctor wanted another test in 3 weeks and to see me again to discuss the results.

I went for the second test yesterday and the nurse said it was my folate and B12 levels that were low.  I see the doctor next week.

Since my first test I've been having 'new' symptoms.  When I stand up my heart rate shoots up within a minute or two, I feel dizzy, my chest starts feeling tight and it gets difficult to breath.  It's jumped from about 80 bpm when sitting to 112 - 130 bpm.  It usually settles back down after a few minutes.  When I googled the symptoms it suggested POTS and I do seem to have many of the symptoms.  I also have hympermobility syndrome which is often linked with POTS so I thought it could be likely.  However I wasn't sure if my symptoms fit completely.  Like I said, my heart rate calms back down after a few minutes on my feet - I wasn't sure if this was normal for POTS or not.

The symptoms might be caused by the low B12 but from my research low B12 is sometimes linked with POTS.  I suffer from anxiety  so the thought of asking my doctor to test me to rule out POTS fills me with dread.  I don't want to ask unless POTS is a real possibility.

Do you think my symptoms could be indicitive of POTS?  Or is it likely to just be anaemia?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • stooshiecat
    stooshiecat

    Posted

    Forgot to mention:

    I been having little episodes of increased heart rate, feeling really hot, flushing and difficulty breathing since mid-January.  I was at the shop once where I had to stand in queue for about 20 mins.  I started to feel really hot and my heart was racing.  I started feeling faint, nauseated and things started fading in and out.  I had to dump my shopping and run outside to sit down before I passed out.  I had put these little spells down to anxiety attacks.  Not sure if they're connected to current events.

    I also have IBS and the GI symptoms that go along with that,

  • FoxyRoxy13
    FoxyRoxy13 stooshiecat

    Posted

    I would mention all this to your doctor at your next appt. I believe for POTS it has to be a sustained increase in heart rate but only a doctor could tell you for sure what is ging on. low iron and b12 can cause many similar symptoms and it may just be that. Either way I would mention all the symptoms you are experiencing and noticing and ask your doctor's opinion on POTS. I find many doctors are open to considering the options you bring to them. You know yourself best and if you feel it fits then ask. They are experts on medicine but you are the expert on you so you need to work together to figure it all out. 

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