POTS?
Hi lovely people, I have felt like major crap for years. I’ve had a constant high heart rate, the fatigue is always, I go through spells of my back and neck just aching to wear if I move my head to fast it feels like a electric shock (idek if that makes sense), my water retention is so bad by the end of the day I’ll have drank 80oz of water and 30oz of liquid iv I feel hydrated then as soon as I wake up it’s off to the races to get hydrated again. I did get tested for mold illness and one dr said I had it another said I didn’t. I have inflammation so bad depending on my cycle :) when I work out i physically shake like my entire body but mostly my legs. Honestly I feel like no doctor has my best interest at heart and won’t get back to me until I reach out multiple times 🤷🏻♀️every year I get my blood tests done and only my kidney function is off but my electrolytes are fine. If anyone has felt the same please lmk 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 #fyp #chronicillness #pots #help
Living with symptoms like a constantly elevated heart rate, extreme fatigue, and water retention can be incredibly challenging, especially when diagnostic tests come back inconclusive or confusing. From my personal experience and from conversations with others facing similar issues, the journey to a POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) diagnosis often involves ruling out numerous other conditions first. One helpful approach is keeping a detailed symptom diary, noting when symptoms worsen or improve, and what triggers like hydration levels, posture changes, or hormonal fluctuations might affect how you feel. This detailed record can be valuable during medical consultations as it provides a clearer picture than sporadic doctor visits. Hydration is critical for managing POTS symptoms, but it’s not just about drinking large volumes of water. Maintaining a balance of electrolytes is equally important. Many find that incorporating electrolyte supplements or drinks containing sodium helps improve symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. However, this should be discussed with a healthcare provider as individual needs vary. Exercise, especially light and graduated routines focusing on recumbent positions (such as cycling or swimming), can build tolerance and reduce symptom severity. It’s essential to start slowly and increase activity gradually to avoid triggering the characteristic body shaking and fatigue seen after workouts. Emotional support is another key factor. Feeling misunderstood or dismissed by doctors is common, and finding a support community online or locally can provide encouragement, share coping strategies, and reduce feelings of isolation. Lastly, if inflammation and water retention fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, tracking this alongside other symptoms can help identify hormonal influences on your condition. Collaborating with a knowledgeable healthcare team familiar with POTS and related dysautonomia disorders can make a significant difference in your treatment and overall quality of life. Remember, managing POTS is often about piecing together multiple approaches tailored to your unique symptoms. Patience, persistence, and connection with others going through the same struggles can empower you on this difficult path.
