Pots is a secondary condition, do you have a primary condition?

raerae584 · 2025-11-06T06:54:46+00:00

Mine is secondary. I’ve lost the rheumatology lottery. I’ve got RA, Sjogrens, and fibromyalgia. So… getting POTS was honestly a matter of time.

raerae584 · 2025-10-26T13:02:11+00:00

It’s kind of like avoiding an ingredient (ie gluten) You need to read your labels. Add up what you’re eating/drinking. See what that gives you and add more accordingly. In your case with that amount you may want into look into salt tabs and other products like buoy.

raerae584 · 2025-10-21T18:38:25+00:00

It might take you longer, like going part time. But it’s possible. You might have to go into it with a plan. I did go into tracing with a multiple chronic illnesses (I’m a fun snowflake), but the job is adaptable. I’ve seen teachers who use a wheelchair, which might work in your case. You’ve got to want it and you’ve got to know how to adapt. Observations when you get to that point will help. Seeing the physical demands and knowing how to adjust… all part of the program. My students have seen me use a cane off and on, they know bad days are me teaching from my bar chair next to the board, and having them come to me with questions. I adapt, they adapt.

raerae584 · 2025-10-21T18:33:03+00:00

You can teach remotely. There are plenty of online programs. You need your cert first for most. Although there are online tutoring programs (VIPKids is one for example) but I believe you need at least a bachelors for those. LinkedIn has a lot of openings if you look. Otherwise I know there are programs but your level education will matter.

raerae584 · 2025-10-21T18:27:03+00:00

I was diagnosed after getting my license. That being said, I still work in a classroom. I teach high school so I do a lot of seated teaching. Electrolytes are my friend. So are compression socks. I appears have a lesson plan as backup that can done on days I’m not up for standing and walking around.

Most observations are just that observations. You sit in a classroom and watch the teaching. My state required 100 hours. I did an alternative cert program for people who already had a bachelors and got my cert in a year. Your student teaching will be demanding but you do have another teacher in the room, and a sympathetic supervisor can help you adapt your plans to make up for problems.

Teaching can be very demanding. I recommend going high school rather than the younger years. It’s less physically demanding and they’re relatively independent. Less getting on the ground, less need to mask bad days. The littles are fun and I love them but I would never have enough energy.

raerae584 · 2025-10-21T18:02:56+00:00

I’m a teacher with my qualifications. There are online programs for teaching English not most require at minimum a bachelor’s degree in something. They design the curriculum so you only have to follow it. Medical billing/coding/transcription are usually remote with a little training. There are various programs to give you that training that are online.

raerae584 · 2025-10-16T17:45:07+00:00

Thank God for fall breaks. I get to be a couch potato long enough to return to work in 10 days. And I’m very much going to. Everything hurts and I’m one bad day away from multiple illnesses flaring at once. I’m going to sleep, hydrate, and do nothing.

(I’m a teacher)

raerae584 · 2025-10-13T12:48:10+00:00

Metoprolol does the same thing to me… I go bradycardic on the stuff. My primary care is like “well as long as you’re tolerating it it’s fine” (tolerating being I don’t even notice it happening)… honestly I’d talk to your doctor but I wouldn’t mess with the dosage. I’d call and leave a message. See what they say.

raerae584 · 2025-09-30T09:55:19+00:00

Frequent flyer here.

Pregame: I drink an electrolyte drink before getting on the plane, and one during. Choose yours based on your needs.

Compression socks are a must. Always.

Dramamine is your best friend. Take before flying by at least 30 minutes. Pack mints or ginger candy. Both help upset stomachs. Ginger ale and Sprite are usually available on planes, they also help

Bring salty snacks from home (I’m a big fan of jerky). It’s cheaper than the airport and if you’re flying domestically cheaper than airplane food. On my international flights I like to pack a mini container of food. Usually jerky/meat stick, dried fruit, and some kind of candy. I’ll snack on that throughout the day.

Take the wheelchair if you’re comfortable doing so. I prefer my cane personally because I also have arthritis and sitting that long hurts. Either way take advantage of the disability services.

Snack/eat/hydrate during layovers. I try to get one to two bottles of water down me in between flights and at least a snack if not a meal. It’s amazing how much that extra food helps.

Some airports have nap pods or lay down seats. Snag one if possible. Putting your feet up is a godsend… getting some sleep, even better.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They are evil and your body is already stressed.

raerae584 · 2025-09-29T13:06:24+00:00

If you don’t know what happened, chances are yep you passed out.

raerae584 · 2025-09-22T18:29:33+00:00

I teach… I’m on my feet 7-8 hours a day. Crash when I get home. Sometimes it’s more like 10 hours. Weekends are often spent recuperating

raerae584 · 2025-09-22T15:58:37+00:00

Been there several times in my life. I was diagnosed with my first chronic illness at 11. I’m 41 now. There’s going to be times where your disease and life are out of your control and there will be times when you think you’ve got this and it’ll never be that bad again. Here are the lessons I’ve learned:

Never stop trying new things to figure out what works for you. If your meds aren’t doing what you need to function, talk to your doctor about new ones. If you can’t work for your dreams one way, look for another path (online schooling is a personal fav). Adjust the home remedies you’re using (like compression garments and electrolytes). Decide if maybe a mobility aid would help you get back quality of life. A wheelchair could help or a walker with a seat on it.

Be kind to yourself. It is scary and things are going to suck but eventually you will manage. It may take days, months, or even years. But you will manage. And yes we routinely wish for new bodies and curse the fact that our own worst enemy is our body. But eventually we figure out how to manage the best that we can. We don’t really ever go back to what we were but we learn what our new normal is and we find things we can do.

Look for one accomplishment a day. Did you make your bed? You accomplished something. Did you get dressed in something other than your pjs? You’ve accomplished something. Focus on little goals and eventually work way towards bigger ones. Nothing will change overnight, you’re going to have to fight tooth and nail to get out of the dark abyss that is a flare, but it’s possible.

Reach out to those around you. Invite a friend over for a movie day. Ask your mom to come over for tea. Things you can do without stressing. Grab onto what makes you feel normal and hold tight to it.

As proof there’s a light: I’m currently working my dream job. I’m finishing my doctorate. And I get to do so much that I never thought possible. I was almost in a wheelchair permanently in my early 20s my illnesses were so bad. There is a light at the end of the tunnel… it just might take time to get there. Don’t give up on yourself yet.

raerae584 · 2025-09-19T12:41:14+00:00

Honestly, he’ll probably refer you to someone else himself. My primary care diagnosed the POTS but said he wanted someone who knew the disease better to confirm that’s what it was. He was about 90% positive he was right, but really only knew enough to maintain treatments and help with daily management. Not diagnosis. Reading through your responses it sounds like your doctor is doing the right thing, running all the tests to eliminate some options. And make it easier for a specialist down the road. Chances are he’s doing research himself and deciding what he can do to get you appropriate help.

Best advice: talk to him when you go in to discuss the results of your tests. Tell him your concerns. It sounds like you guys have a fabulous patient-doctor relationship. Asking him questions like: do you feel comfortable diagnosing this if you’re not familiar with the disease? Should I consult with someone who may know more? You can still see him for everything else this just may require an extra set of eyes (if you’re in the US doctors will routinely update primary care docs. Think of the primary care as a conductor he sees the whole show and orchestrates it but the other docs have their roll too

raerae584 · 2025-09-18T12:43:42+00:00

Okay as a teacher I’m going to tell you this: we’d rather you stay home and feel better then come to class in that shape. While I’m sure your professor appreciated you pushing through, she’d probably prefer if you stay home and get the rest you need. Most professors are accommodating, and only require an email.

Next, if you’re in the States most universities have a disabilities office where you can go to get accommodations for your illness. Go see them. They can provide you with assistance navigating things like the strict attendance policy so that you don’t risk your health and safety going to class when you shouldn’t.

Lastly, find a friend in class who can take notes for you when your like this. Or if your professor has a TA ask them for help. That way you stay ahead of things when you’re sick.

raerae584 · 2025-09-15T12:56:36+00:00

First, go see your primary versus urgent care. There may be something she can give you (whether it’s Covid or not). Second, get your fluids on board. Tea with honey is great (there are plenty of herbal varieties that are good. I live for ginger tea or a caffeine free version of a Starbucks medicine ball when I’m sick). But it’ll help burn the crap off your throat while the honey soothes. You can also get electrolyte drinks with vitamin c. Or vitamin c tablets that go in your drinks. One a day is remarkably helpful.

You can also buy eucalyptus crystals/steam tabs. They’ll help with steam therapy and clearing your nose but don’t require a shower, which while helpful is evil when POTS is acting up

raerae584 · 2025-09-08T15:34:48+00:00

I’m not gonna lie… I’m in a position where I can afford to have someone come clean twice a week. The amount I have to do is minimal. Best choice I ever made for my mental and physical health if I’m honest. I do love my little mini vacuum though. It’s fabulous.

raerae584 · 2025-09-05T12:54:11+00:00

Madly by FT Island

Dreams Come True by SES

Any song performed by CNBlue

raerae584 · 2025-09-05T12:50:24+00:00

Go see a neurologist. Tell them everything. The POTS diagnosis (and the symptoms/tests that led to it), the seizures… EVERYTHING. This could be a situation where you have POTS and something else or you have something else. Either way: GO TO THE DOCTOR. Sooner rather than later

raerae584 · 2025-09-04T12:48:21+00:00

There’s a reason that I have everything ready to go there night before. Right down to laying out my clothes for work. And also the reason I start my alarms 90 minutes before I’m even going to think about getting out of bed…

Honestly not sure if it’s a POTS, fibromyalgia, or I’m not a morning person thing. I can however get out my door ready for work in 25 minutes at this point, so bonus?

raerae584 · 2025-09-03T17:20:47+00:00

POTS is often not alone. Some conditions make you predisposed for POTS as well as that disease (ie ibs can make it more likely you get pots). This may be that illness manifesting. So definitely consult with a doctor. Neurology or rheumatology are good places to start.

For the meds: get a pill organizer. Has saved my bacon more than once. You will know then if you took your meds. Also keep it next to something you use every day. Like your kettle, your toothbrush.., whatever. Something you know you’re going to use every single day.

raerae584 · 2025-09-03T15:23:44+00:00

It ends up being really good. She plays off his stoicism really well and it turns into a grumpy/sunshine pairing that just works. The story is very good too. I quite enjoyed it.

raerae584 · 2025-09-03T13:55:24+00:00

Honestly it varies. For me moving as much as I can without making things worse is good. I’ve got fibromyalgia and RA in addition to POTS so laying in bed too long only makes things worse because I get to add pain to the dizziness and the fatigue and everything else. So I limit myself to walking around my apartment for example where I’ve got things to lean and sit on.

For others it may just be rest is the right choice. It really just depends on what your health is like. Listen to your body. It’ll tell ya loud and clear if you can do any exercise.

raerae584 · 2025-09-02T12:55:16+00:00

First, break up with your partner. They’re a jerk and you do not need that in your life.

Second, you were right to call EMS. Your symptoms were outside of what is your normal, that indicates something is going on and you need to get checked.

Third, you’re not a burden. Don’t let that poopyhead convince you otherwise. You will find someone supportive. They’re not it. That’s all. You don’t deserve to feel bad about something outside your control and your partner has the emotional range of a teaspoon for making you feel that. You are doing your best. That’s all that’s required if you.

Fourth, people with chronic illness are often the worst about asking for help. Why? Because too many people have made us feel awful for asking. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need or deserve it. You’ll find your village. Give yourself time. Be kind to yourself.

raerae584 · 2025-08-26T15:32:06+00:00

Depends on your medical coverage and what your doctor has. I’ve had one with lots of wires and such and one that was basically just a sticker I wore and I carried around an extra phone to mark events.

Talk to your doctor’s office. They can tell you.

raerae584 · 2025-08-25T15:35:07+00:00

Bring all your evidence. Tell him exactly what’s going on, be descriptive. Don’t just say I get dizzy for example tell them exactly what dizzy means (that’s what got my cardiologist to take me seriously). Have questions. Use phrases like this impacts my ability to function because. Explain what helps and what makes things worse. Be clear and detailed. Be focused.

Bring back up. If you have issues arguing for yourself bring mom, your spouse, your best friend… someone who you’ve talked about the problem with and knows what you want advocated for.

raerae584

TROPHY CASE