Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Has anyone been diagnosed with POTS? Does anyone suspect they may be dealing with it?

Symptoms:

• Severe and/or long-lasting fatigue
• Lightheadedness with prolonged sitting or standing
• Brain fog: trouble focusing, remembering or paying attention
• Forceful heartbeats or heart palpitations (a feeling of the heart pounding or skipping a beat)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Excessive sweating
• Shakiness
• Intolerance of exercise or a prolonged worsening of general symptoms after increased activity
• A pale face and purple discoloration of the hands and feet if the limbs are lower than the level of the heart

POTS symptoms typically get worse:

• In warm environments, such as a hot bath or shower, a hot room or on a hot day
• In situations involving a lot of standing, such as waiting for a bus or when shopping
• If fluid and salt intake have not been adequate, such as after skipping a meal

I have italicized the symptoms I experience. I used to work with a doctor but the only thing that ever helped was a drastic change in routine and lifestyle.

 

If symptoms only recur for you upon relapse, it may be possible that you have POIS instead.