Do You Have POTS? – Not The Kind You Think
Written by: Dr. Marcia Perretto, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Imagine standing up and feeling like the room is spinning around you, your heart racing as if you’ve just sprinted, yet all you did was rise from your chair.
This bewildering and often frightening experience is a daily reality for those living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
For many, POTS is an invisible challenge, misunderstood by those who can’t see the internal turmoil it causes.
It's not just a brief moment of dizziness; it's a relentless battle with your own body, where even simple movements can feel like monumental tasks.
In this article, you will explore the journey of managing POTS, and the answer to the question, “Will it ever go away?”. Let’s address those concerns…
The nature of POTS
POTS is more than just an occasional rapid heartbeat upon standing. It’s a complex disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
This dysregulation leads to various symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations, significantly impacting daily life. It’s a condition that often sneaks up on you, leaving you wondering why your body suddenly feels so out of sync.
Addressing your concerns
If you’re grappling with POTS, you might be asking yourself, “Will this ever go away?”
It's a question that echoes in my clinic daily. The answer, while not straightforward, hinges on several factors, including the underlying cause of your POTS and how your body responds to treatment.
The journey of managing POTS
Understanding the underlying causes
For some, POTS is linked to another condition or a specific life event, such as pregnancy or illness. In these cases, managing the underlying issue can lead to significant improvements.
The long COVID-19 and pots connection
You're not alone if you've noticed an increase in POTS-like symptoms following a bout with Covid-19. Many are reporting this, and it's not just a coincidence. Long Covid-19, characterized by persistent symptoms long after the acute infection has resolved, is showing a significant link to POTS. This connection is drawing attention to how viral infections can trigger autonomic dysfunctions.
How does long COVID-19 affect the central nervous system?
It's a question that echoes in the minds of many. Long Covid-19 can wreak havoc on the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, accelerated heart rate, and profound fatigue – all too familiar for those with POTS.
The virus can cause an inflammatory response that impacts the nervous system, leading to dysautonomia, a term you might have come across in your health journey.
What does this mean for you?
If you've been grappling with worsening symptoms post-Covid, or if POTS has been a part of your life even before, understanding this connection is crucial.
It's not just about managing the physical symptoms; it's about recognizing the broader impact on your overall health and well-being.
Lifestyle adjustments
Simple changes in your daily routine can be incredibly powerful. Staying hydrated, wearing compression garments, and gradually increasing physical activity can help manage POTS symptoms. Remember, it's about finding what works for your unique body.
Tailored physical therapy
Just like with hypermobility, a personalized approach to physical therapy can be a game-changer for POTS. It’s not about pushing your limits; it’s about gently guiding your body to adapt and manage better.
Medication management
In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively. This is always done in careful consultation with your healthcare provider, ensuring it's the right choice for you.
The road to improvement
Does POTS go away? For some, symptoms can improve significantly over time, especially with targeted treatment and lifestyle modifications. For others, it may be a longer journey, requiring ongoing management.
The key is understanding that POTS is not a one-size-fits-all condition; it's as unique as you are.
Remember, you can work towards managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
It's not about erasing POTS from your life; it's about empowering you to live your life fully, despite POTS.
For more information on POTS, Long Covid, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility, and how physical therapy can help you, follow Dr. Marcia Perretto, DPT.
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Dr. Marcia Perretto, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Marcia C. Perretto is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, with advanced training in movement sciences, Lymphedema, Health Coaching and Nutrition, Yoga Therapy, and Redcord®. She is the founder and CEO of ActifyPT, a highly specialized clinic that focuses on the treatment of those who present with joint hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and its comorbidities like Dysautonomia, Mast Cell Activation Disorder, and Autonomic dysfunction – Vagus Nerve dysregulation. Dr. Perretto is the co-author of the book Unlocking the Secrets to the Hypermobility Puzzle.
