hypermobility joint syndrome and POTS

It is thought that people with JHS are a little more resistant to local anaesthetics so more may be needed - epidurals may not work as effectively. It's not dangerous-just a nuisance and making the anaesthetist aware should resolve the issue.

In PoTS it is also important to let the anaesthetist know so that they can ensure adequate fluids-especially if the patient is fasting, and that the patient is not kept upright. They will also need to know about any medication. Most reports in medical journals relate to pregnant patients who have anaesthetics or epidurals and no problems were reported.

PoTSUk , STARS and HMSA websites have a range of leaflets that can be printed and taken to the relevant doctor/dentist.

Thank you for this information - very helpful. I will visit the websites you refer to and print off the leaflets as suggested. Thanks

I recently had a hysterectomy under a general. I told the anaesthetist about my hpermobility and pots and he said it wasnt a problem and not to worry. As long as he knew he could act accordingly and had managed plenty of patients with the condition. I put my trust in him and came round feeling fine, had no problems at all. Basically just make sure the clinician has all the information and maybe ask them if they have any experience of it. My dentist has also been made aware and has to give me extra as it is less effective for me. He read up on the condition first and again I have never had any problems.

I was diagnosed with POTS when they were trying to see if I had EDS but it came out to be more JHS.

Not trying to scare you, but according to my mother, when I was young, I had surgery for a hernia and I told her that I woke up during the surgery but I personally can't remember that and we don't know if I was just dreaming, though my mum's convinced I woke up. This was way before all of my diagnoses. 

After being diagnosed, I was fearful of anaesthetic but all I could do was state it in the form they give you. When it asks if you have blood pressure issues, tick yes and say she has POTS. In further notes (if applicable) explain that POTS/JHS will make your daughter more resistant to anaesthetic. As long as they're aware, they should take extra care to make sure she's safely anaesthetised.