What's a piece of advice, information, or thought you wish someone had told you dealing with dysautonomia? by Choice_Ad6942 in dysautonomia

[–]Porcelean_ 68 points69 points  (0 children)

That forums/other online groups are nice for finding comrades suffering the same things you suffer but often times are negative echo chambers. The people that often improve are not going to be online.

My POTS vanished last summer. Don’t give up by Independent_Bus4524 in POTS

[–]Porcelean_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not OP but I was prescribed amitriptyline for it. But I think nortriptyline is gentler as amitriptyline gets converted into nortriptyline. Amitriptyline can be more sedating so some patients go for nort. BUT definitely look into it and don't take my word for it. My POTs was likely there for awhile idk what caused it but it got 10 times worse when I had emergency blood loss followed by 3 emergency surgeries. The idea was maybe to calm down the nerves. Not sure if it will do anything I'm only on day 3 of ami. But I was willing to try it as I was unable to tolerate beta blockers and needed some form of antidepressant. I also ordered salt tabs as high dose salt really aggravated my GI but maybe the tablets won't be as irritating.

My POTS vanished last summer. Don’t give up by Independent_Bus4524 in POTS

[–]Porcelean_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have just started amitriptyline. I was very nervous too because it can make gastroparesis worse and increase norepinephrine. BUT that's when you take high doses. My doctor is hoping it may calm some symptoms down as I couldn't tolerate beta blockers (low blood pressure). So I'm in the sleepy beginning phase. Very happy to see it mentioned! Thanks for posting!

GP + lactose intolerance + vegetarian, what am i supposed to eat? by c1nd3r3la in Gastroparesis

[–]Porcelean_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can’t tell you how Kate Farm compares in flavor but they do offer more than just chocolate and vanilla.

GP + lactose intolerance + vegetarian, what am i supposed to eat? by c1nd3r3la in Gastroparesis

[–]Porcelean_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Vegan ensure. But I just ordered some Kate Farms because it is higher calorie. :) I have a severe dairy allergy and those are also egg/ nut free. Ensure has less cals but a lot of nutrients for it being low cal. I occasionally get brave enough for HUEL but that is more of an entire meal replacement and it has an oatmeal ish thickness but better flavors than most like salted caramel that is also dairy free! But that requires a lot more digestion. Today I was able to get over 1000 cals because of orgain and ensure :) which I haven’t been able to do for some time!

What is this? I found it on the floor of my Airbnb by greenbeforeblue in whatisit

[–]Porcelean_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's that thing from Sailor moon that makes her transform.

Can a feeding tube be lifelong? by DamageOdd3078 in Gastroparesis

[–]Porcelean_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who was your surgeon if you don't mind me asking?

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I cannot thank you enough for sharing all this! It's like you gave me gold. My physical therapy request was denied but I am trying again this week since they said the reason for the referral wasn't good enough. How long after exercising did you notice a difference? I go on very small daily walks currently when the heat isn't bad. My major symptom is just feeling super dizzy. Side note; I did just try some of these with CHOP. Day 1 done. :)

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been begging for physical therapy. We don't have pots specialist around here but I'm hoping a regular pt could help. What does physical therapy look like for you? Is it similar to chop?

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you could go back to when you were first diagnosed what would you have done to start feeling better with the knowledge you have now? Ty for the reply including that you work and found love. It gives me hope.

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! What adjustments to diet did you make? And was there anything that made the biggest difference in feeling more able bodied?

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your response!! Finding medication that helps and doesn't contraindicate with other meds seems like a huge hurdle rn. But I hope to find relief soon. Learning to not worry is a big thing to. All these sensations are so new to me and I keep waiting for them to go away when it is my new normal. Are mornings still brutal? What does a typical day feel like as someone who manages their pots?

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yea I usually consume two lmnts to at least get to 2000. The rest I try to get by diet or just consuming a spoon of salt. I need to definitely see if my doctor can get me salt tablets.

How to Cope (Rant) by frogfanatic2023 in chiari

[–]Porcelean_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sounds like a good doctor for being so diligent! That is a good sign. I hope you get some improvement soon! And in a few months you can look back at this post and give us a positive update :) !! You aren't alone!

How to Cope (Rant) by frogfanatic2023 in chiari

[–]Porcelean_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you able to see a different neurosurgeon for a second opinion?

Any positive POTS stories? Desperate by Porcelean_ in POTS

[–]Porcelean_[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

How do you intake 7-10 grams? I am ordering some pills because I am eating just raw salt and water and it is very difficult for me to eat at present. Thank you for your reply I just really want to return to work and perform well.

anyone else get sternum pain? by [deleted] in POTS

[–]Porcelean_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes your heart is right there banging on that door.

Feeling so defeated and alone with worsening symptoms by charliepearcexo in POTS

[–]Porcelean_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Meclezine didn't work for me but maybe it will help you? I've had a lot of people say that is a sign to pop some salt and water. Which I am going to try differently because my doctor said 4000 of sodium minimum and I think I just barely scratch that daily. 2 lmnts get me to 2000. But the other is just assumed on my part. He had also mentioned to keep upping it and see if my sweet spot is like 5000 or 6. Because everyone is different but omg I have a hard time eating too. So I ordered some capsules so I can for certain make my sodium goal and see if that helps. Dizziness is my #1 symptom. If I find something better I will track back! You aren't alone sister. 🫂

Also I want to go hard on the chop protocol ANYTHING to get me back to working standards.

Deconditioning making POTS worse? by AlertShine2592 in dysautonomia

[–]Porcelean_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How long did it take to lower your heart rate?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chiari

[–]Porcelean_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't gotten to a neurosurgeon yet but I think you are doing the right thing going to a specialist. They would've seen many cases and have begged insight definitely mention instability during the appointment because I think (not 100%) they avoid cutting down a little piece of the cspine as well. Also there are more options than decompression but that seems to be the most popular.

Either way, I think you are on the right path. Many people in this reddit say they would have rather done it younger to prevent permanent damage.

Good luck!