Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is defined by excessive heart rate increments upon upright posture. A person with POTS will experience heart rates that increase 30 beats or more per minute upon standing and/or increase to 120 beats or more per minute upon standing (Grubb, 2000). These exaggerated heart rate increases usually occur within 10 minutes of rising.While the hallmark of this disorder is an excessive heart rate increment upon standing, patients often exhibit numerous symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. It is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that regulates the needed adjustments in vascular tone, heart rate and blood pressure upon standing. The ANS is also responsible for regulating a multitude of other organs and functions throughout the body. Some of these functions include temperature, pupil dilation and constriction, salivation and the digestive tract. A patient experiencing ANS dysregulation may experience abnormalities in the many organs and functions the ANS regulates.

Julie’s Story:

After I was diagnosed my family physician researched POTS and she and her colleagues decided on several things to "TRY."

In May 2005 I became pregnant. No one knew what effect it was going to have with the POTS or what all those medicines that I had been taking were going to do to my unborn child. So, because of this I was advised to have an abortion.

Abortion was not the answer to my problem. I was not supposed to be able to get pregnant again due to a cervix problem, so you can imagine how shocked I was. Not to mention the worry it caused my husband.

I immediately stopped all medicines and struggled through my days. My children started learning to help out more and we took naps or they read books while I laid down.

There were many problems and obstacles along the 9 months with the worst being the negativity of my doctors that there would be no way that my baby could be healthy. EVERYTHING was against me: age, weight, health,and the doctors. These doctors were the same ones who told me I couldn't get pregnant again in 2003.

To make a long story short. One day I couldn't get out of bed without falling over. As soon as I sat up my three small children were saying "Mommy, I'm hungry." And I couldn't get out of bed. At that time, I was 5 months pregnant. I sent my children into their bedrooms and I called out to God.

I told God how hard it was trying to take care of my children coping with POTS. And how worried I was about my unborn child and my husbands worried looks of fear of the unknown. The pitied looks from family members, and the confusion of not knowing what was happening to me.

Eventually, somewhere during my weepy prayer I fell asleep. When I awoke I prayed, "God, please help me through this day." let my legs work long enough for me to feed my kids. Please oh please don't let me fall!

I stood up, a little shaky at first but nonetheless stood up. Earlier I couldn't even sit up. I fixed what was by then lunch and even washed a load of clothes that day and then I laid on the bed the rest of the day watching TV with my kids eating popcorn.

That was the day that I found God. I now have 4 children the fourth being Gods personal handy work to me. She is a miracle and a medical wonder.

The best advice I can give anyone is to remember that God is in control of EVERYTHING. He starts my day and gives me pushes along the way. I take no drugs; watch what I eat, drink lots of water and trying to lose weight. And I listen to my body closely, I have learned that it means sit when it says sit. ha/ha

It's still not easy, the noise of my household puts me intouncontrollable rages at times and at the end of the day I'm completely exhausted, plus I have developed a sleep disorder along with other problems.

When my baby cries in the night and I don't have the strength to go on I say another prayer for strength. God gives me another push, and off I go to do what my baby needs. (I use to worry about how I would have the energy to take care of her). God gives me the strength I need to do what is needed.

So Keep in mind, the next time the doctors want you to be an experiment for them, or you feel like your at the end, when there is no hope of ever living a half way normal life again, when the doctors don't have any answers.....

Remember GOD!

He made you, and he can help you, if you will let him. He can take this dreadful disorder away from you or teach you to live with it.

Julie

If you would like to learn more about Dysautonomia read my article on Neurally Mediated Hypotension or if you would like to read about my personal health story click on My Personal Health Journal

After researching several sites, I compiled a list of symptoms associated with both Neurally Mediated Hypotension and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Today research is finally catching up and many of the symptoms I experienced are now well documented. Read Symptoms Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Neurally Mediated Hypotension to learn more about the medical symptoms of both disorders. Or you can read about the symptoms that I experienced Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

If you enjoyed reading about Julie's experience you may enjoy reading Traditional Unani Medicine - Amy's Story


If you have a personal health story you would like to share click on the link below and I will publish it on my website. Your Health Story

Because of the overwhelming number of questions that I have received regarding Social Security Disability, I put together a step-by-step guide to assist individuals in applying for and obtaining these benefits. My comprehensive e-book, A Practical Guide to Social Security Disability Benefits is already getting rave reviews!

Definition of POTS:http://potsplace.com/pots_an_overview.htm

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