Comments on: Is it just me? My Life with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia

By: Nadine

Nadine — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:54:14 +0000

Let me guess.…..“It should resolve on it’s own in a few days. Take it easy and call if it gets worse.?” This is often the response I got from doctors as well as friends that did not understand the ramifications of their words. (((HUGS)))

By: Kate Blaylock

Kate Blaylock — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:58:07 +0000

Rochelle, I am glad they were able to help him.

Katherine, I hate to say welcome to the club. Have you found anything that helps you through episodes? Be sure to keep in touch.

Benia, thank you for sharing your experience. Let me know how your trip to the cardiologist goes. Hopefully they are able to help you get comfortable.

As always, I will keep everyone posted on what works for me. I am grateful to have POTS friends to reach out to.

By: Benia Zouras

Benia Zouras — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:19:35 +0000

I had an atrial tachycardia episode that lasted several hours when I was 17. I went to the ER after my entire family couldn’t slow down my heart rate with a doctor over the phone. Afterwards, I saw a cardiologist who did an ultrasound and determined that my heart is fine. He told me that some folks are just born with this tendency and to avoid caffeine.

I’d had a handful of major episodes (hours-long) since then and have not been hospitalized for any of them. Other, seconds-long or minutes-long episodes have also occurred here and there, but not with any regular frequency. My primary care doctor had an EKG done — again, everything looked fine.

Just this year, while in the ER for unknown breathing problems, a stress test was administered, and another heart ultrasound was performed. I was told everything looked fine. (There was no conclusion about my breathing problems, by the way.)

Just a few days ago, I had another one of those heart-pounding, hours-long episodes. I patiently waited for it to subside, while I tried to enjoy my dinner at a restaurant, then go home and retire for bed. At bedtime, I was still concerned, but really had no plan of action. I spent most of the night in discomfort and increasing pain in my left shoulder. I had determined that if my heart rhythm didn’t return to normal by morning, I would head to the ER. Somewhere around 4 or 5 am, it finally returned to normal, though I continued to feel “odd” for the whole day.

I am planning on seeing a cardiologist, just to make sure I don’t have any serious problems or at least so I know what to do the next time (and when). I also suspect POTS, but have never been tested. I expect, however, the same old song and dance of “everything’s fine”. (Sigh…)

You’re not alone. It is frustrating.

By: KatherineBee

KatherineBee — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:39 +0000

I was just diagnosed, but now that I know the signs and symptoms I'm so upset I didn't know earlier. I "greyed out" this morning and was on the bathroon floor until my husband came to get me. It's a real thing and it's a scary thing and when people don't know about it it's super frustrating. Hope your doctor's appt. goes well!

By: Rochelle

Rochelle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:33:37 +0000

“It’s all in your head”

Ughhh. Sorry to hear you’re dealing with this! I have a bloggy friend whose son was born with it, it was really severe, and he had an ablation which likely saved his life. hope yours gets sorted out soon. I know what works for one doesn’t work for everyone. best wishes!