See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

Meggo

694d

My life has been overrun by my symptoms and only having the Internet and home remedies to combat them isn’t working out too well. I have more bad days than good and I can’t really explain to work and friends that I have a diagnosis based off my symptoms and the fact that I have EDS & MCAS. I was sent to a cardiologist before my GP (who believed I have POTS) left the practice for the formal diagnosis and help - but where I live, the medical care for disorders like these are next to none. The cardiologist gave me a stress test - which I almost passed out during because I could barely breathe, refused to give me a tilt table test, and then told me to stand up…. He then proceeded to say that since I didn’t pass out that I don’t have POTS. I know this is untrue, especially since my symptoms do respond to the home remedies like my compression stockings or drinking some liquid IV. What are some home-remedies that work for you? Anything to help until I can afford (and am healthy enough) to travel to a specialist.

Top reply
    • Emily2

      691d

      Also dysautonomia international website is very helpful

    • Emily2

      691d

      Also dysautonomia international website is very helpful

    • Emily2

      691d

      Shower chair (really took a hit to my ego when I had to buy one at 26 years old but a lifesaver), compression, I do Gatorade (can’t do fake sugars so I’m thinking about adding water to dilute them a bit), always keep potato chips with me, also stop at McDonald’s for fries when I need salt in a pinch, a bit caffeine does wonders for me but can do more harm for some people, I don’t drink often but if I do, I try to drink 2x the water to whatever alcohol (so 8 oz of alcohol means 16 oz of water). Ibuprofen doesn’t do anything for me, so I take Tylenol which helps with my aches and pains (likely fibromyalgia). In terms of recovering, look up the CHOP protocol and start that. It’s free to print out online. Alter it to fit what your body can handle. If you can afford reconditioning PT, that saved my quality of life. I’m considering asking my docs for a handicap placard because that additional walk being parked far away is killing me. As for water, it was recommended by a doctor at the John’s Hopkins POTS clinic that I drink 80-100 oz of non caffeinated/alcoholic beverages every day. So Gatorade, water, juice all count. Apple juice also helps me a lot, but I’m hypoglycemic so it might be more related to that than POTS.

    • moonquail

      691d

      Compression socks are the only way I exist. I’ve invested in more expensive ones from Bombas and Comrad. As well as leggings. Some days I need compression all the way up my legs. I have a couple pairs of leggings that are pretty tight. I’ll share with you where I got them if you wish. Water & I prefer Gatorade for bad days, but anything high in electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, sodium). You’ll can also take them as supplements, (I used to be deficient in potassium) but my levels are fine now and I don’t seem to notice a difference when I take supplements. The exercise that is prescribed by POTS specialists is recumbent bike/rowing machine 5 min a day max! For a week. Then each week add 3 min as you can handle it. Until you are at 45 min. Then start transitioning to upright exercise like walking in 3 min increments. i.e. first week will be 3 min walking 42 on recumbent bike. Second week will be 6 min walking 39 min on bike. etc. If this is confusing I will try to find the document my dr. gave me.

    • Meggo

      692d

      Thank you!! I live in compression stockings now and they definitely help! I need to get better with keeping liquid IV on me because it sounds like that’s key! It’s interesting you guys suggest exercise because I was trying to figure that out as well - too many questions for one post LOL.

    • incogneato

      693d

      My cardiologist suggested increasing salt intake, drinking at least 100oz of water a day, exercise, and compression socks

    • bbails

      694d

      propel/liquid iv, salt tablets, compression socks, and tbh excersize (i do dancing)

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion