POTS

What is POTS: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or aka: POTS, is an autonomic nervous system disorder. It’s also referred to as ‘blood circulation disorder’. This is a life long issue and while it’s not “fixable”, it IS manageable.

Symptoms:

People with POTS have issues because when they stand up after periods of sitting, or sleeping, their blood vessels lack a proper response. This causes the blood vessels to pool into the lower legs which is why most people experience lightheadedness upon standing or even after long periods of standing.

Other side effects can include:

• Fatigue (long lasting or severe)
• Brain fog
• Heart pounding
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Excessive Sweating
• Shakiness
• Intolerance of Exercise (this can include worsened symptoms after increased activity; this DOES include wild rollercoasters as I found out.) See picture below.

Triggers:

• Hot days or environments (saunas; showers; ect)
• Prolonged Standing (shopping; waiting in line; ect)
• Inadequate fluid intake
• Inadequate sodium intake

Treatment:

While there is no exact medication to “fix” POTS, there are ways one can use to manage the symptoms. These include:

Fluids: Increase the fluids! The daily fluid intake recommended for those with POTS is between 64 to 80 ounces a day. I’m not just talking plain old water either.

If I am doing physically demanding activity such as shoveling the sidewalk, or even just a walk down the street, I need to add a drink with electrolytes. I like adding a Gatorade packet to one 16.9 bottle of water or even in a slightly larger bottle of water. Why?

Sodium: Because electrolytes include sodium. *Its important to note: check the label carefully as not all hydration packets/drinks have sodium.* People with POTS need to add extra sodium to their diet. It is recommended to use the sodium tablets vs dumping table salt on their food like I do. My kids tease me about my stash of the salt packets in my purse, comparing me to Mary Poppins. (Thank younfor the compliment!) But hey, that stash has saved me a time or two.

And yes, I DO use the sodium tablets. I just think the food needs extra salt more than the average person. As most people do with POTS. We like flavor in our food 😉.

Knowing your body’s limits… I mentioned physically demanding activity earlier. Yet, POTS makes us intolerant to exercise. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t or can’t exercise. The key is in moderation.

Know your body and its limitations or tolerance level. My family, I’m sure, are raising their eyebrows at this one because I have a nasty habit of overdoing things and exceed my body’s limit.

You’ve read the saying on the t-shirt that says “You’re about to exceed the limits of my medication”? Well… I need a shirt that says “I’m about to exceed the limits of my battery life” or something to that.

I don’t listen (least not all the time) to my body. Everyone has their stopping point and it’s important to recognize it and respond in an appropriate manner. Sit down, rest awhile. Take leisurely sips of that Gatorade. Remember it’s OK to rest. It’s not being lazy, it is actually a form of self care. (Yes, I’m telling myself this too mom!😉😀)

*disclaimer* The medical information and definition, such as the symptoms and triggers, is on the John’s Hopkins Medicine website. It should not be used to diagnose or treat. Any one who wishes to get more direct information on POTS is encouraged to visit their website. If you suspect you might have POTS, visit with your primary medical provider about the ongoing symptoms.