I think I might have Pots...
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've been trying for ages to find out what's wrong with me. I've had major struggles with dizziness for a year which is fine lying down but walking or standing is soooo hard. Episodes of heart racing insanely. Crazy fatigue.
I did the 'home stand up test' and my heart rate was 42 beats higher when standing than lying down and stayed high throughout the ten minute stand. Standing for ten mins was so hard I felt like I was going to keel over the whole time and like the ground was rocking. Do you think i have pots?
0 likes, 7 replies
FoxyRoxy13 rosie34970
Posted
I think it's worth mentioning to your doctor as a possibility. I've not been diagnosed but I am being referred for testing for pots. My heart rate rises on average 40 to 50 bpm between lying down and standing and I also struggle with dizziness, fatigue and a host of other pots symptoms. I'm hoping for an answer when I see the specialist so we can maybe get some treatment going that will help. There are many treatment options that can help to manage symptoms.
rosie34970 FoxyRoxy13
Posted
Thanks for your message, I will mention it to my new GP like you suggest. Do you know what type of specialist you are seeing? Would it be a cardiologist? Good luck with your testing and treatment, hope they get you feeling better soon
FoxyRoxy13 rosie34970
Posted
most people who have pots get diagnosed by a cardiologist. The one I'm seeing is a cardiologist who specializes in autonomic disorders. Be aware the testing will involve a tilt table test which will be unpleasant for you. You will be upright for an extended period of time. If they don't have that equipment it would be a stand test like you did. They will monitor blood pressure and heart rate. For now you can try to increase your fluid intake. A higher salt intake may also help but only do so with the clearance of your doctor as for some people a high salt intake can be dangerous. I also have low blood pressure just all the time so I've been on a high salt diet by my GP. It helps a little but just barely. It really only helps me feel al ittle less like I will pass out when I first stand up. It does nothing for the symptoms that go on as I continue being upright.
rosie34970 FoxyRoxy13
Posted
Ok thankyou. I have always had a tendency to drink crazy amounts of fluid and get really stressed if I can't have drinks. I too also have low pressure and no kidney issues etc so I will try more salt while I'm waiting for investigation. Reducing that 'about to faint' feeling would be nice!! It is nice to hear from someone with similar issues, it is isolating when blood tests all come back fine but you can't live your normal life at all I have found. Hopefully a diagnosis would help identify a cure/something that helps...
FoxyRoxy13 rosie34970
Posted
Yes it's very isolating and frustrating. Don't go too high with the salt without asking your GP though. Always better to be safe.
rexjb rosie34970
Posted
Hi Rosie I also have dizzy problems. If you've had any type of neck surgery or radiation. Probably fall into my category we have a lack of blood flow to our brain. I still haven't found a cure for it and I've been to a lot of specialist. Is your blood pressure very high monitor that. Even if your blood pressure is normal any type of a drop will cause you to be dizzy. Drink a lot of water. What sometimes helps is a crouch down and made tight fist i've been able to regulate my high blood pressure. But still at normal blood pressure I still get dizzy sometimes 5 to 6 times a day sometimes more often .
rosie34970 rexjb
Posted
Thanks. Weirdly I find myself clutching the back of my neck a lot when walking along feeling very faint. My blood pressure is always pretty low which o suppose doesn't help my brain get enough blood!