Stories
Privacy
Download
See Alike in...
Alike App
Browser
433d
hi there! I'm starting my journey learning about POTs while managing my anxiety and depression. Two years ago my high heart rate was misdiagnosed as my anxiety but recently my cardiologist has reassessed it and decided it's likely POTs, I'll be getting a tilt table test to make sure but he didn't think it's necessary. Looking for advice on how to function now that I realize constant weakness and blacking out every time I stand up isn't normal lol
6
5
Share
Dehydration
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Brain Fog
Dizziness
Malaise & Fatigue
advertisement
66d
Somebody else mentioned drinking a lot of water, I’ll add: for POTS, it isn’t just the water that’s important, it’s also the electrolytes. Especially if you have low blood pressure, which many of us do. You can get them in sports drinks like Gatorade, or there’s packets / dissolvable tablets you add to water, or capsules you swallow (but you have to take them with water). If you’re going in to see your cardiologist again soon, it’s worth asking for guidance on how much sodium / electrolytes you should be consuming. It can’t hurt to eat salty foods, but that alone probably isn’t enough sodium intake for someone with POTS.
0
432d
hey! I'm hopefully being diagnosed by my cardiologist soon too. I was also previously diagnosed with anxiety. it's super frustrating. drinking a lot of water - and I mean a lot - can help significantly as it increases blood volume, which can help with your symptoms. I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia, not POTS (on this app it changes IST to POTS) and I've found that drinking electrolytes has really helped my high heart rate upon standing, so it might help for you too. keeping moving, rather than standing still, has helped me with blood pooling in my hands and feet if you experience that too. good luck on your journey!! I hope you get a diagnosis and recognition soon.
1
hey! i was diagnosed with POTS last april. every doctor will tell you this, but PLEASE make sure you are drinking a TON of water. it will not alleviate your symptoms but dehydration and POTS do NOT mesh well. in terms of lifestyle changes, i’d recommend buying a few pairs of compression socks and wearing them as often as possible. these move the blood from your legs up to your head so your blood pressure doesn’t go all over the place when you change positions! also, try to increase salt in your diet! i usually carry around pretzels/goldfish or even pickles in my lunch. increased salt in my diet has lessened my symptoms. i would also recommend investing in a shower seat or even just a regular stool. most of my accidents happen during hot showers, because POTS comes with the inability to manage heat, LOL listen to your body!! do not overexert urself or you will be feeling it the next day. sit or lay down when you need to! finally, remember that your POTS is not your fault. for me, i have a lot of guilt regarding not being able to do the things i used to— but it doesn’t make you less of a person, it just makes you chronically ill. you’re still you! i wish you luck on your journey! reach out if you need anything! ❤️
3
71d
@superstellar I don't really do showers. Would warm baths also be safe? I am going to also drink more water more often now. It's just that my ADHD makes me forget if I drank the water or not. However, I am always thirsty.
@superstellar I'm lucky I've always been a water o holic lol, I feel like I get dehydrated so easily I drink at least 40 ounces a day. Showering has always been a problem for me 😭 I just haven't moved the shower seat into the bathroom cause I've been sharing with roommates and I feel guilty making them move around it. Speaking of guilt, thanks for the reminder that it isn't my fault. It's really tough as I've always worked in very physically active fields and I just can't keep up anymore, I'm frustrated as my entire professional history feels like it's completely useless the worse it gets 😭 thanks for the kind words, its helpful to know I'm not isolated in this
☝ 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
Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.
Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences
Write your question here...
Download Alike for the full experience
Copy Link
Copied
Discover your Alikeness™ with people who are on the same journey, gain wisdom and get emotional relief in a secure & anonymous space.
4.7 Ratings
Scan code or click below download the app
Bupropion
night sweats
paranoid
Valium
sertraline
palpitations
Anxiety (Including GAD)
Depression
Alike health
Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences
Related Questions