Sorry it has been over a month since I did my last blog post! It's been a crazy few weeks, but I am happy to be back to a more normal schedule:) To catch up for the weeks I missed, I wanted to answer a few "Ask Nurse Aubrey" questions in one post!
1) Can blood pressure fluctuate between low, normal and high with POTS?
Yes it can! High adrenaline levels can cause high blood pressure, low blood volume can cause low blood pressure and your high heart rate can actually normalize blood pressure! I am going to explain a lot more about this in an upcoming course I am working on:) But the short answer is yes! There are a lot of different reasons that it can be low, high or normal!
2) What compression do I recommend for POTS?
I definitely recommend waist high compression because a lot of blood pooling can happen in your abdomen! I feel a LOT better when I do waist high instead of thigh high or knee high:) I really like the stockings material and I have a prescription for the Medi brand, they're great! I have also seen similar ones on Amazon! I also really like compression leggings! I will sometimes wear them by themselves and sometimes wear them with compression stockings too. I like the CompressionZ, and Dragon Fit from Amazon:) I use the 20-30mmHg and that strength works really well for me!
3) What is the most important intervention to improve symptoms of POTS?
I honestly feel like this is a tie between salt and compression for me! I notice a substantial difference when I am not drinking electrolyte fluid, taking salt tablets and adding salt to all my food! 10 grams a day is the recommended goal and that's a lot! I also notice a substantial difference when I'm not wearing waist high compression, so I would have a hard time choosing between those 2 interventions! I also know that exercise is one of the best things you can, but I'm not very good at being consistent with that😅
4) Thoughts on getting the new COVID booster if you have POTS & bad palpitations?
I would definitely recommend asking your doctor about this just in case! But in general, I always recommend vaccines and always get boosters for myself! Unless you've had a severe reaction in the past, or you are severely immunocompromised, most people are normally better off getting it:) POTS patients often have a strong immune response after a vaccine that can include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue and just feeling crummy for a few days! But I know people who have gotten POTS because they had COVID, so I think it's better to prevent the illness! But again, ask your doctor just in case there are specific factors you need to consider:)
5) Any tips for a post-virus POTS flare up?
I always try to prioritize extra rest during and after an illness! I try to ease back into physical activity and give my body space and time to heal! I definitely have POTS flare ups with illness, so you are not alone in that! I also normally get IV fluids after to help my body stay hydrated:) I make sure I am eating regularly and drinking more electrolyte fluid than normal! I also make sure I am getting at least 10 grams of salt a day! I take naps and try to take it easy for awhile:)
6) Is there a link between POTS and PCOS?
Both PCOS and POTS are syndromes, meaning we don't know the underlying cause is! So, I don't know what the specific connection is, but I do know that POTS & PCOS are seen together in some patients! I have both and know there have been several studies that included patients with both:)
7) I have POTS and think I have PCOS, should I try to see a specific type of doctor?
Your POTS doctor should be able to also manage and test for PCOS actually! Most Primary Care Providers or General Doctors should know how to treat it! PCOS is pretty common and it's actually a clinical diagnosis. That means that you can do imaging to see if you have ovarian cysts and they can check labs to see if you have elevated hormone levels, but they can also just diagnosis it based off of symptoms in the office without needing more tests:) If you want to see a women's health doctor (gynecologist) or someone who specializes in hormonal conditions (endocrinologist) you definitely can though!
8) Should POTS patients worry about going on roller coasters?
I would ask your doctor about this just to be safe! But I have gone on roller coasters since getting sick! There are some intense rides that recommend not riding if you have any neck, head or heart problems, so sometimes I avoid those! But I have done a lot of the ones at Disney:) I often feel pretty dizzy and nauseous after, and by the end of the day I normally have a pretty bad headache. But normally my body recovered, so I just spaced them out and took breaks in between:) I don't think you can do any long term damage, I think they can just cause flare ups? But I would double check with your doctor just in case!
These have been great questions, thank you so much! Feel free to ask any follow up questions or any others you might have! I primarily check for questions through the "Ask Nurse Aubrey" Instagram story on Mondays, but you can also email me some at navigatingpots@gmail.com or by filling out the Contact Me form on this blog!
