And, I’m really sorry about how long this is, but I really wanted to go in depth with what’s been happening recently.

I've experienced some heart stuff related to my anxiety, but nothing a serious as this seems. I'd see a doctor and ask them to recommend you to a cardiologist and psychiatrist, because it could be a physical issue with your heart that's being worsened by anxiety. The jolt of waking up is usually what your brain does to make sure you're still alive if you start to fall asleep too fast. In the meantime, there are breathing exercises that might help your heart calm down a bit

Have you noticed any other symptoms besides increased heart rate? Either way it would be a good idea to go see a doctor to see what could possibly be going on.

Thank you, guys, for your input. I’ve been trying to go to the doctor, but I can’t get in until the 18th, although I really don’t feel like I’m going to be able to wait that long.

@Josephine Yes, I have so many symptoms, symptoms that vary depending on day/nighttime. I wake up with my heart rate fast and heavy which is worsened by movement or strain (Ex: my heart rate reaching 170 because I got up to go to the bathroom.) I feel trembly and weak, my hands get very cold and pale, chills, abdominal cramps. I feel the need to cough when I breathe (cough is wheezy)/shortness of breath, chest tightness. Lots of mucus. By around 3PM, my heartbeat isn’t as heavy, but It feels like my chest is thumping with each beat. My chest feels light and empty and my heart exhausted. I get very tired and drowsy, like my eyelids are heavy, and I can’t keep them open. My cheeks and the inside of my ears get slightly hot, and I get visual disturbances like random shapes/fuzziness/fog/slanted lines/difficulty focusing. I can feel my heartbeat throbbing in the back of my head, head feels heavy. Nearing nighttime, I’m still experiencing some of what happens at 3, but my heart rate drops. It feels slower and weaker. It seems like there’s a lot more irregularities with my heart at night. Occasionally, I will get pain around my heart and chest. These problems keep me up until about 2-4 AM, and that’s when I try to go to sleep, where what I previously stated happens.

I’m not a doctor so I’m just guessing (and I don’t necessarily want to assume things) but I looked at your profile and you mentioned Graves Disease. Do you think things could be getting worse with your thyroid? In my opinion I would just go to the ER at night so that they can see first hand what you are experiencing. Since that is when you are having the most symptoms and just write every single thing that you have experienced so that you don’t forget anything.

Although, it seems more like a heart condition. I wouldn’t wait 10 days that does seem like a long time.

@Josephine Yes, I really don’t know what to do about these problems. I didn’t mention it, but I’ve been to the ER multiple times, although it was during the day, and they couldn’t find much wrong other than my TSH levels being a little low, although that was a while ago, and my symptoms have worsened. I’m 15 (Yeah, I had to input a different age to my profile, because it wouldn’t let me in otherwise.) , and can’t just drive myself to the hospital. I keep telling my mom that we need to go to the doctor at night so they can see exactly what I’m feeling, but my mom doesn’t think that they would be able to do much for me, I do feel like this does have something to do with Grave’s Disease. We can’t really do anything about this until we can get into contact with my doctor, which my mom has already called, trying to schedule to an earlier day. They’re just very busy. I really don’t know what to do..

You know your body better than any one else. I would definitely still write out your symptoms if you haven’t already and try to talk to your mom again if possible about going to the ER at night. If not unless everyone is busy you can try another doctor in the building that specializes in the same thing. If none of that works just continue to pay attention to your symptoms and if things seem to be getting worse at night and it worries you don’t be hesitant to wake your parents up. Until then try to find ways to relax and think positive because your heart rate is also probably going up because you are nervous as well.

@Josephine Thank you so much, yeah, I have been writing down my symptoms, to the best of my ability. I’ve been trying my hardest to not get myself all stressed about it, but that’s hard when you’re experiencing this daily and it only seems to be worsening. I’ll definitely try talking to my mom again, because being in the hospital would make me at least feel a bit more safe when going to sleep.

Hello! Perhaps try getting screened for Dysautonomia/POTS?

@Chrys Wow, I looked up the symptoms of these, and that is exactly what it seems like I’m dealing with. I will have to discuss this with my mom.

Definitely! Hope things turn out well c:

@Chrys Thank you so much. I talked to my mom about this, telling her that I am experiencing every single symptom of Dysautonomia, and she agreed that it was something worth being checked out. Hopefully, I can get tested for it soon.

Good luck, it’s notoriously hard to get help and diagnosis with POTS especially. But regardless you can use the info to learn more about it and how to better deal with any symptoms or effects of it. Some tips for POTS is upping salt intake to help water retention, make sure you’re drinking an ample amount of water as much as you can, compression socks/tight help better distribute blood flow, rather than pooling below the waist which causes that lightheadedness/ can cause people to pass out. Feel free to message me for more info or anything!

@Acacia Thank you so much for the info! ❤️

Mhm! It wont feel great but look at the diagnostic criteria, try laying down, record heart rate and or blood pressure. Sit up, or straight to standing, and see if it increases by at least 20-30 bpm

Okay, I did exactly this. Laying down-105 sitting up-144 standing up-165. Pretty bad, I know.

Yup, that’s tachycardia! POTS definitely seems like the suspect. If so, I second everything Acacia mentioned; compression stockings, increased salt intake, electrolyte water, etc. are great ways to help your body stabilize. It’d also be great if you managed to get prescription IVS. I used to get them and they helped a ton, and I was able to go a few days without harsh symptoms.

@Chrys Oh my God, thank you so much. You guys have been so helpful!!

Of course! I genuinely hope things go well. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to message me. I’ll help to the best of my ability.