See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

mashedpotatoes

437d

Just had a weird and scary POTS experience in the grocery store. I swear I gaslight myself into *acting normal* way too much and it backfired so hard today! I was at winco feeling very dizzy, weak, a little nauseous and suddenly in the condiment aisle my vision started blurring. I sat down immediately and got out my pulse oximeter and my bpm was jumping erratically from 80-115 for about 10 minutes. My dumb self was dehydrated and had already done too much today, especially for being in a flare. Clearly I will never learn, but it was really comforting that a nurse stranger ran over to check on me the second she saw me on the floor. She asked me if I was okay and stayed with me for a few minutes. I’m not diagnosed with POTS yet but told her that’s what I’m pretty sure was going on and she asked me all the questions about my specific symptoms and just did one of those knowing/grim/pity smiles. Shortness of breath, nausea, fainting, rapid heart rate. Anyway, my bf ran to buy me a water after the nurse told him to and I waited sprawled out on a bench for him to finish shopping. Grateful for that kind nurse but tonight was scary. And I’m feeling dumb for not doing my best to prevent it. And awkward that I had to sit on the nasty grocery store floor for 20 minutes with everyone staring at me as they walked past. Any POTS coping tips appreciated 🥲

Top reply
    • Chronicle_Pickle

      437d

      Oh and I’ve found that nuun electrolyte solution helps keep me hydrated and functioning better.

    • FS_cookielove

      436d

      Damn this is my fear or passing out while driving

    • Keikochan

      437d

      I keep salt packets on me (I take them from the movies), always have water to stay hydrated, if you feel dizzy then you need salt asap and u need to sit, don't push yourself. You are doing amazing hun. I just got diagnosed last year and you will too. You're a fighter!

    • CoffeeBeanC

      437d

      Don't be afraid to use the electric sit-down carts at the store! I use them when I'm shopping and use a wheelchair at the mall

      • mashedpotatoes

        437d

        @CoffeeBeanC thank you, that’s great advice 😊 I need to humble myself and use the accommodations in place for people like us!!

    • Chronicle_Pickle

      437d

      Oh and I’ve found that nuun electrolyte solution helps keep me hydrated and functioning better.

      • mashedpotatoes

        437d

        @Chronicle_Pickle I’ll have to check that out, thank you!

    • Chronicle_Pickle

      437d

      Sorry you had that experience. Don’t be too hard on yourself, it’s a hard thing to regulate ❤️ Don’t have any POTS recipes except I’ve learned to store things I use frequently in places I do not have to bend down.

☝ 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