Greetings All,
Am new here. Not newly dx'd but think I have an adrenergic form of POTS.
My story.
I was morbidly obese until 4 months ago. When I was obese I still exercised but if I overdid it I would feel light-headed for two days. On the day of exercising I would not feel light-headed during exercise but definitely after. So much so that I had to sit at times when I usually prefer to stand and talk to clients. I could minimize my symptoms by using a stationary bike vs. a treadmill which always made my symptoms worse. At the time that I was obese I also had hypertension and was on a beta blocker and a diuretic. I figured this was all due to my obesity.

So... I lost 80# intentionally in 6 months. I now have a decent weight. Unfortunately my symptoms worsened. Now I can work out and progressively increase resistance over time on the elliptical machine. I feel fine during the workout. But later that morning I feel light-headed, "foggy" minded and tired. I can partially counteract this by drinking 2 liters of water by 0900 AM. (Usual workout time is 0600 AM). On days I exercise, I usually need to drink 4 liters to help avoid fatigue and light-headedness.
What I discovered by accident: I developed a cold this week and took Actifed Sunday night. Monday I was at my clearest mentally and had a normal amount of energy. (Note, because of my cold, I did not exercise that day.) I'll have to test with myself whether it was the antihistamine or the phenylephrine in the Actifed that made me feel so much better. Am encouraged by my response though. Previous to this week, even on the days when I don't exercise, my light-headedness was gone but mind was not as sharp as it used to be and my energy level was not as high as it used to be. Will look for an MD to start formal testing for POTS.
Anyone know of an expert in the Kaiser Permanente system?

First things first? Do you have a BP cuff? Take it and your pulse when you feel good and bad and that might help you figure out a lot. Losing wieght may mean you need less BP meds now and your BP is too low.

BUT!!!
I am not a doctor--and suggest you see one to be sure--and check it yourself with a BP cuff to see how it runs at those times when you feel bad.

Hope this helps!
Sandy

Thanks for the advise. I am cured of high blood pressure since losing weight. Am now off meds.

But is it possible you now have low BP?

Have you checked it when you feel sick? Standing up and lying down and sitting should give you a clue if this is what is happening to you.

Again, hope this helps!

XOXOXOX
Sandy

Sandy

Yes, I have and there's no correlation with symptoms and BP.

Hi and welcome,

This site has been a life-saver for me -- in the support and care I have felt from fellow people with their various forms of dysautonomia.

My blood pressure has gone from chronically low to chronically high and if it stays that way for much longer I will be being medicated for it. I've found I am symptomatic whether it is low bp or high bp.