14 yrs old/Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome ("POTS")

[Morbid_Subhuman]

I'm a 14 year old female and have been diagnosed with POTS for a year or so now. The doctor that diagnosed me only mentioned what caused it and a couple of the major symptoms and even when he did that, it was more to my parents then to me.
Lately i've been having very depressed moods for almost no reason at all and I want everyone to leave me alone. My dad (who I live with) doesn't seem to notice and I don't mention it to him because I don't think it's worth bringing up. But it's been happening more and more and it makes me feel completely helpless and worthless. I'm currently taking florinef but this doesn't seem to help this problem.
If any of you know if this is a symptom or if you know what I might need to do to help this problem, I'd appreciate your help.

Crystal

[bassie]

Dear Crystal

Because I had no idea what it was that you had I looked it up and have copied some information for you here. Please read it and ask further questions if you need to.
Best wishes to you.

What is Postural Tachycardia Syndrome?
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder characterized by a pulse rate that is too fast when the patient stands. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness with prolonged standing, headache, chronic fatigue, chest pain, and other nonspecific complaints. Causes of POTS usually are not identified in individual patients. Reversible causes such as low blood volume should be ruled out.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment of POTS depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Individuals with the disorder are usually advised to increase their fluid and salt intake. Body stockings may provide some relief. Drug therapy, with fludrocortisone, beta-blockers, midodrine, or clonidine, can be beneficial. Physical exercise, especially calf muscle resistance training, also may help. Some patients may require and benefit from insertion of a cardiac pacemaker.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with POTS varies. Many patients improve with treatment, although severe POTS can be disabling for years. The disorder is not thought to progress to a cardiac disease.

Did your Dr.tell you to add more salt to your diet? It is suppose to help. I have POTS and I was taking Florinef also, but saw no results from it only headaches and weight gain. I did stop taking it. Now I just live with it and it is so hard everyday. I don't know day from day how im going to wake up, happy or sad. I can't run or do anything without being out of breath. It is stressfull and scary. If you ever need anyone to talk to about this I will listen, I know how you feel. If you would like we can chat sometime! Im a woman 29 years old and would like to help if i can.

Originally posted by Morbid_Subhuman:
I'm a 14 year old female and have been diagnosed with POTS for a year or so now. The doctor that diagnosed me only mentioned what caused it and a couple of the major symptoms and even when he did that, it was more to my parents then to me.
Lately i've been having very depressed moods for almost no reason at all and I want everyone to leave me alone. My dad (who I live with) doesn't seem to notice and I don't mention it to him because I don't think it's worth bringing up. But it's been happening more and more and it makes me feel completely helpless and worthless. I'm currently taking florinef but this doesn't seem to help this problem.
If any of you know if this is a symptom or if you know what I might need to do to help this problem, I'd appreciate your help.

Crystal

[Morbid_Subhuman]

Florinef hasn't been helping me much either, and I've not gotten the prescription for a while(a few months). My parents just keep forgetting it. It didn't really help while I was on it, and I've been taking two salt pills per day. I hate the taste of salt, so naturally I had to go with the pills. I would love to chat, I've never known anyone with this problem except my younger cousin who was diagnosed with it a couple of months ago and he's no real help with anything. So yes, please, I have a number of messengers if you want to contact me.

Originally posted by keepingfaith:
Did your Dr.tell you to add more salt to your diet? It is suppose to help. I have POTS and I was taking Florinef also, but saw no results from it only headaches and weight gain. I did stop taking it. Now I just live with it and it is so hard everyday. I don't know day from day how im going to wake up, happy or sad. I can't run or do anything without being out of breath. It is stressfull and scary. If you ever need anyone to talk to about this I will listen, I know how you feel. If you would like we can chat sometime! Im a woman 29 years old and would like to help if i can.

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Crystal