Does anyone have POTS? Is it worth trying to talk to a GP about it?

[GrouchyKiwi]

I have Hypermobile EDS and I've been having dizzy spells for months now. Having done some research thanks to the Dysautonomia posts on a Facebook support group, I suspect these dizzy spells are caused by POTS, which is often seen with EDS.

Is there any point in talking to a GP about it? Can they do anything to help? Our GP is in a total mess and the MSP has had to get involved. Getting an appointment is more of a miracle than winning a Golden Ticket from a Wonka Bar.

But if it's worth it, if the GP can help, then I'll try.

It's worth speaking to your GP about. I have EDS 3, and also dizzy spells. Mine are due to low blood pressure and anemia. This is also quite common in EDS. It's such a complex condition with so many other associated symptoms and conditions that it's really hard to pin down a diagnosis.

It’s dependent on the individual GP. I have it, and mine knew nothing. It doesn’t hurt to talk to them about it but be prepared for them to be unfamiliar or dismissive.

Thanks. I'll give it a try. Bloods always come back normal, which is somewhat frustrating as iron tablets would be an easy fix!

Totally worth speaking to your GP but depending on your GP you may know more than them so be prepared to explain it.

It's very common with EDS so if you think you have it you probably do. Have you looked on POTS UK as it has a lot of info about things you can do about it?

www.potsuk.org/

I have postural hypotension and may or may not have POTS - lifestyle changes, lots of water and 2 teaspoons of salt in the morning have made huge differences to my quality of life.

Unfortunately my GP was rubbish and I went privately for diagnosis - 30 years and diagnosed in one visit to someone who knew what to look for!

Hi I have pots and a small degree of hypermobility . I was diagnosed by a cardiologist, O had a racing heart rate sitting to standing and a low bp with a narrow gap between bottom and top number systolic and diastolic blood pressure. my fatigue after slight exercise was awful, I was advised to to do things to boost my blood volume like lotsof salt . 3 litres of water a day, compression stockings and cardio like on a bike or rowing, build up very slowly , too much exercise can be harmful and put u put for days. sometimes you need medication if your heart rate is too fast

AnnaMangani Thanks for that. I have had a quick look around the POTS UK site but will do a more thorough search today. Do you take the salt in water?

indie That sounds really tough. I'm glad things are helping you.

Hi Some people take salt tablets . Im doing really well actually do hour cardio every
day now, I make sure I take loads of water. I just make sure I have lots of salt on food. I am lucky mines mild. When i exercise i make sure i keep my heart rate at a certain level. I take medication which helps

I've managed to get an appointment with a GP - it's a miracle! - so will be able to discuss all this with him. Thanks for advice.