POTS - is my GP the best person to diagnose?

[fivecupsoftea]

My GP thinks I may have POTS, I feel lightheaded and have brain fog. She has booked me to come into the surgery next week, the nurse will have me lie down for 1/2 and hour, then they will stand me up and take my blood pressure after 10 minutes, as far as I can gather. The GP didn't think there was a specialist she could refer me to (I live in Hertfordshire).

Is this a good way to be diagnosed? Has anyone else had a different experience?

From reading up on POTS I can see my symptoms match it a bit, I find it hard to stand for any length of time, I have brain fog and poor concentration. I gave up on hot baths a few years ago as I realised I felt really crap afterwoods, the same with caffeine and 1/3 glass of wine makes me lightheaded. I'm cold all the time. I notice the POTS website said people tend to feel worse in the summer - I'm the opposite, I feel worse in the winter, my lightheadedness goes away in the summer. I'd like to hear your stories.

You could try for a referral here in London. There's also Dr Nick Gall who DD2 will be seeign whe she transfers from paediatrics.

Both have stupid waiting lists though (upwards of a year) .

The main diagnostic tool is a tilt table test (which does the same thing as the lying down/standing up blood pressure readings) but they can be difficult to get done.

Have a look at POTS UK for more info; also STARS. If you're googling, look up dysautonomia which is what it's generally called in the States.

There's lots of stuff that can help - lots of water, lots of salt, raising the head of your bed (not always easy if it's not just you in there ), low carb diet may help, meals small and often so as not to overload the stomach.

There's also a few different medications you can try in different combinations which generally either increase the blood volume or constrict the veins. Betablockers can regulate the heart a bit (but made DDs hair fall out ).

There are a few POTSies on here as well

Thanks for your comments, I said to my GP what about a tilt table test, she said it is the same as what she will be doing, I was wondering if the tilt table test is better for people who faint (I feel light headed but never faint), as it is a bit safer - if you are going to faint it is better to be strapped in. My GP said that she was not aware of there being any specialists in POTS. If I do have it I think I have it mildly and would be looking at life style changes rather than medication.

The thing that really concerns me is the brain fog, and memory and concentration problems. Do these symptoms mean that not enough blood and therefore oxygen is getting to my brain. I wonder if the long term prognosis of people with POTS has been researched ? - my big fear is that it will lead to dementia.