Hey Arnold! - Part 2

**POTS Info!**
My mom deserves an honorary degree in medical research.

• Most POTS patients are caucasian women in their teens, 20s, and 30s.
• Those who get POTS somewhat suddenly (as opposed to having lots of illnesses throughout childhood) have a better chance of recovering.
• There are three proposed "levels" of POTS:

1. Level 1, slightly irritated by symptoms;
2. Level 2, can't do as much as they would like to do, but overall still lead fulfilling lives;
3. Level 3, moderately to completely disabled. Unable to work, study, etc. (I'm Level 3.)

• "Generally, people with POTS are busy, very physically fit, successful, and high achievers" (Mayo Clinic, 2007). Glory be, if that ain't the sweetest diagnosis a girl could ask for!
• Medical school study shows that "the tachycardia (heart racing) found in POTS is NOT caused by anxiety" (...will cite source).
• Medical school study shows that "70% of POTS participants on medication were able to return to work within 18 months" (...will cite source).
• It is theorized that there are different types of POTS, including IST-POTS and adrenal-dysfunction-related POTS.

**Treatment!**

Tomorrow I start Beta Blockers, a medication that some dysautonomics respond well to. I also will start taking an iron supplement, OTC eye drops, and a shampoo to help my alopecia (fancy word for hair loss).

Other things known to help POTS patients:

• Lots of fluids
• Increased salt in diet (10g/day) -- increases blood volume
• Exercises specific to reconditioning
• Keep positive!

Again, it is a great comfort to have a diagnosis and a certain direction to travel, but POTS is so new and so complex, there's no quick-fix or magic bullet. We've read that the average time for a full recovery is 2-5 years. It's going to take a LOT of patience and understanding. Getting a diagnosis is just the beginning.

We're in it for the long haul.

:)

emma