Seeking Advice: How to Discuss Possible POTS Diagnosis with Doctor

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Continue to advocate for yourself. It took years for me, but I finally saw a doctor that listened to my concerns and I was diagnosed with it.

Go to a different doctor's office.

Yes u can

rose28 I know it's hard I been to 3 different hospitals and they keep telling me the same things I just want them to fix the problems. I pray u can find a doctor to take u seriously sometimes u have to do it own research to find u the best doctor I know it's not easy but give it a chance

U might need another doctor

Go to an Electrophysiology. You'll need a referral and it costs a hundred bucks

… It’s incredibly frustrating…. I never even heard of POTS until I was at physical therapy. Every single time I would go to sit up from the physical therapy table my heart rate would jet up at least 35 to 50 bpm. It wasn’t until my PT therapist Said I had POTS THAT I pushed for a diagnosis. Thankfully my doctors were very much on board with pushing for the diagnostic testing to really get the diagnosis via post concussion syndrome. All I can say is be your own best advocate and it’s your health so be adamant about the testing that you want. I would start with the poor man’s table test… Google it. You can also start with monitoring your heart rate. You can get a finger heart monitor on Amazon pretty inexpensively. I myself keep track with it on my Apple Watch. I would also do a Google search on POTS symptom list, because you could have a variation of POTS. I know that my blood pressure and heart rate go up, but I know others whose blood pressure goes down and heart rate goes up. Hang in there, I know it’s frustrating but just find doctors who will listen to you.

im in the same situation. so far the tips i recommend is to 1) find a doctor that at least seems compassionate and listens to you, because i saw a cardiologist and he was in the room for less than 5mins. 2) make a list or chart of all your symptoms, when tehy started, what makes them better or worse, etc. 3) and just keep telling them what you think because i had to tell my general dr multi times before she said fine and scheduled an appointment to just talk about my fainting/dizzy spells

My doctor at pavilion family medicine just asked me questions after I told her my symptoms and she diagnosed me with everything I said.

I am wondering about the same thing. Though my palpitations are usually panic attack or heat related. Exercise tires me out a lot though. Hopefully, you get the help and support you need.

Hi there! You should definitely speak with your doctor. Explain all your symptoms to them, and help them understand why you are concerned that you might be dealing with POTS and that you would like to get some diagnostic testing done. If your doctor is set against this testing, then it might be time to move on. Try and find a doctor who will be more open to listening to your concerns and be more on the same page with you. If you are unable to break away from this doctor, try printing out some information for them. Record your vitals for a few weeks, like sitting blood pressure and heart rate as opposed to standing, blood sugars, sleep cycles, and give that info to them and explain (with proof) why you have these very valid concerns. I'm sorry that you are in a position like this, and I hope you get the testing you need and deserve very soon. 🙏❤️

If you haven't seen a neurologist for this issue that's what you need to do. To lessen your symptoms try liquid Iv and keep packets of salt handy. That way if you feel like passing out you have it. Drink water all day long and stay hydrated. My doctor put me on propranolol and told me to drink water until my pee was pale in color

If they continue to not take you seriously after those results, ask for a tilt table test. If they won't do that, I would suggest finding a different doctor. Doctors who don't listen honestly aren't worth your time unless you have no other options. For managing POTS, I've found that adding electrolytes (Liquid IV) to my water consistently has really helped. I've also joined FB groups where people share their experiences and what works and doesn't work for them, kinda like this app.