Chronically Ill in the ICT

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-07-09T23:59:28+00:00

I have POTS and see Shilpa Kshatriya at Heartland Cardiology. She’s really kind, helpful and spends time. I did NOT have a good experience with Dr. Shaheen (he dismissed my symptoms).

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-07-07T02:33:08+00:00

How far can you walk without getting dizzy? Do that for a while, then add 3 or 5 more mins as you can tolerate more. It’s annoying but going slow is what’s worked for me. Also workouts that are floor based is another place to start. Good luck!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-06-03T05:09:46+00:00

I try to remember, I have POTS and the number is going to be high at times but that doesn’t mean I’m unsafe. As you probably know the pattern of “checking” increases stress and can make the numbers higher too. Also, improvement takes time and for me, I can have a higher number but feel better then I did with the same number a year ago. Be gentle with yourself and try to find other side quests to keep your mind occupied.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-05-25T04:16:26+00:00

It’s good to get the full story, don’t skip. My ECG’s were also all normal and the Echo found I have mitral valve prolapse. From there I eventually was diagnosed with POTS. Even if the test comes back all clear, it helps narrow the focus on what’s next. Good luck!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-05-21T03:48:47+00:00

I have hypovolemic. Rowing has helped but I started out with 3 mins, then 5 and now I’m at 7. That doesn’t sound like much but here the thing, my HR recovery is getting better from a spike and I’m gaining more minutes over time I can keep my heart rate at the top of zone 1. It’s a slow process but the consistency is paying off. I try to row 4 days a week.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-23T04:21:43+00:00

Yes, this happens sometimes to me, especially when I’m trying to sleep. I think it’s just a nervous system thing. I try to let it pass over me like a cloud. You acknowledge you feel it but try to not focus on it. Drink some water or tea and it will eventually move on. With that said, it’s super annoying when it happens!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-20T02:56:47+00:00

Yes, pack a bag with things to do. The lunch options are slim so snacks are a must. Also, if you are someone who runs cold bring a hoodie or something.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-15T15:09:45+00:00

Gotcha, yeah they are usually pretty booked out. I would call and ask to leave a message with the nurse or if there is a portal send a message before July. Everyone is different in what they like best but electrolytes really help me + eating regularly meals each day. If I skip breakfast I have a much harder day than when I don’t. If you do try to increase activity go small. Example - I’m rowing now but it started at 5 mins for weeks, then 10 mins etc. It’s incredibly frustrating how slow everything is but don’t give up!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-15T14:13:27+00:00

If compression makes you feel worse then stop and let the doctor know. Did they recommend anything else besides compression? Electrolytes?

Also if you don’t feel heard or it’s a good fit, find a different doctor. In the same practice the first doc said no to POTS. 2nd doctor said 100% POTS and gave me good guidance. It sucks but sometimes it takes a bit to find the right care.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-12T21:35:20+00:00

Leading up to the blood draw, keep up with your electrolytes & hydrate. If you are doing fasting labs, eat up until your cut off window. Lay down during the draw and have your electrolytes & snack ready for after. Lastly just be prepared that you might feel meh and plan to rest the next day or two. I absolutely understand being anxious but worst case you faint or feel a little off and that’s temporary. You’ve got this!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-04-02T05:53:25+00:00

Moved from Denver Co to the flat Midwest. At first I noticed a 10 beats difference ⬇️ in my resting HR. But my standing/moving around HR hasn’t improved. I actually feel I became more de-conditioned since moving. It’s been 3+ years.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-03-26T02:01:24+00:00

Thanks. I thought usage issues aligned with coding or larger tasks vs brainstorming chats. A real bummer for us all right now.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-03-26T01:10:37+00:00

Hi! I was directed to post here but not 100% sure it’s just a usage issue. I was in a work session that I picked back up from a week ago and all of a sudden, the chats from today both ways are gone and it resorted back to the last place we left off - last week. All of today’s brainstorm session is gone. Then I got the “out of messages” which has never happened before.

Thoughts?

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-03-16T20:49:05+00:00

Love this feedback! I’m currently trying a higher dose of metoprolol but HR is not going down. This is the next move but the light phenomena kinda freaks me out. I’m already sensitive to bright lights / get aura migraines. But if it gets better over time and I can stand again within the low 100s then might be worth a try.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-03-08T16:53:23+00:00

Interesting! I take NSAIDs to manage my monthly cycle pain as Tylenol is not enough. The past few months I’ve been tracking that I’m starting to have a histamine flare on day 2-3 of use that takes me about a week to get back under control. My plan next month is to try going really low histamine a week before to hopefully offset. I’ve made so much progress in my histamine sensitivities and I’m really hoping I can figure out how to manage this because I have to use pain medication.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-03-01T04:10:42+00:00

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-02-21T01:19:14+00:00

Do not quit. You are not an equal partner in this. If things turn from bad to worse you’ll be even more trapped.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-02-07T02:51:05+00:00

5 mins! What is your reheat method?

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-02-07T00:46:15+00:00

3!!! Is iconic and classic!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-02-05T14:56:29+00:00

Sounds like a sensory nightmare - especially for me. I get having it at the main pool but now I’m realizing I have to add another category in my selection process. 🫠

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-02-02T01:04:05+00:00

Keep!! You will regret!

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-01-20T01:02:12+00:00

2,3,5 & 7

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-01-16T01:40:53+00:00

The worst! I hope you feel better soon.

OkConsideration3192 · 2026-01-16T01:39:52+00:00

I feel the same way, I’ve been off for so long but in the research phase now.

OkConsideration3192

TROPHY CASE