Seeking Insights on POTS Results
Height: 5 feet 1 inch Gender: Female Lifestyle: Non-smoker, Non-drinker Weight: 134 pounds Age: 31 I have the results from my Table Tilt Test (TTT) but unfortunately, I'm having trouble uploading the image to Reddit. Could anyone in the medical field take a moment to review my findings? Currently, I am enrolled in nursing school, and I strongly suspect that my results may indicate Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), even though my current physician concluded it was negative. I would greatly appreciate the perspective of another doctor who could analyze my test results. If you're willing to look at the data, I’m more than happy to share the results with you directly! I've been contemplating a change in physicians. My current doctor has recently made decisions that have raised some concerns for me. For instance, he diagnosed my uncle with colon cancer but adopted a watchful waiting approach, while our family feels that immediate treatment is necessary. Although I have generally respected his expertise and have had a long-term relationship with him—over ten years—these recent discrepancies have made me question my confidence in his judgment. It just appears to me that he often favors a wait-and-see method, even in situations where timely intervention seems warranted. Although I’m not a medical professional, I wonder if this is standard practice.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 2:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have some valid concerns regarding your health and your current healthcare provider. Let's address your situation regarding the potential of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and the uncertainties with your physician.
Main Points:
- Understanding POTS and its symptoms.
- The importance of a second opinion and patient confidence in care.
- Steps you can take to monitor your symptoms and gather more information.
Explanation: POTS is a condition that affects blood flow and can cause an increased heart rate when you stand up, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. The Table Tilt Test is often used to diagnose this condition, assessing how your body responds to changes in position. It's understandable to feel concerned if your symptoms align with POTS but your physician concluded otherwise.
Your hesitations about your physician are also important. Trusting your doctor is crucial, especially when you are navigating health concerns that may feel like they need more immediate attention. While a watchful waiting approach can be appropriate in some situations, it's always valid to seek clarification or a second opinion if you feel uncertain about care decisions.
Next Steps:
-
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur and any triggers you notice (like standing up abruptly).
-
Seek a Second Opinion: Consider consulting another healthcare professional who specializes in autonomic disorders or a cardiologist, particularly one familiar with POTS. This can help validate your concerns and provide additional clarity based on your test results.
-
Ask Specific Questions: When meeting with a new health professional, prepare questions about your tilt test results and whether there could be underlying causes for your symptoms. Be clear about your past experiences with your current physician and your need for reassurance.
-
Explore Resources: Look into reliable resources on POTS, such as the Dysautonomia International website, for more information on the condition and patient experiences, which can help in your discussions with healthcare professionals.
Your concerns are legitimate, and prioritizing your health and comfort with your care provider is essential. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance as you navigate these decisions!
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Understanding Kidney Pain: Should You Be Concerned?
As a 15-year-old assigned female at birth (AFAB), I've been dealing with acid reflux, although I've been neglecting to take any supplements. I also have scoliosis, which I doubt is linked to my current issue. Recently, I have been experiencing pain in my kidney area, specifically in my back, where my kidneys are situated. My mother suggested that this discomfort might indeed stem from my kidneys. For several months now, I haven't pinpointed the cause. I typically consume about 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily, and occasionally I drink cola, though I've reduced that due to my reflux. I sometimes have peach juice or plain tea, but those drinks have become quite infrequent. Despite my fluid intake, it seems my pain level remains consistent regardless of what I drink. The pain primarily affects my right kidney, but during more intense episodes, I also feel discomfort in my left kidney. I've tried lying down and applying gentle pressure to the area, which provides a bit of relief. Aside from occasional bladder discomfort today, I haven't experienced any additional pain that relates to my kidneys, aside from the persistent back pain from scoliosis and the usual stomach and chest pains from my reflux. Is it necessary for me to consult a doctor about this concern? 🥺 I am hesitant to go unless it's truly serious because I was hospitalized last summer due to undiagnosed tics and twitches—likely anxiety-related—and I spent the entire winter seeing doctors for this issue and my scoliosis. I’m also worried about missing school due to more medical appointments, especially since my doctor has a packed schedule, and I'm uncertain if she would prioritize my concern if it doesn't seem urgent. When I was hospitalized last summer, tests including urine and blood analysis showed no significant issues, so I'm unsure whether this warrants another visit now.
Persistent Shin Discomfort
For the past year, I have been grappling with ongoing discomfort in my shins. Despite consulting multiple physiotherapists and doctors, I have yet to find a solution to my problem. My routine has included extensive strength training targeting my hips, glutes, calves, and lower leg muscles. I've also taken steps to improve my running form and have experimented with various recovery techniques, such as foam rolling and using massage devices. No matter what I try, the pain persists, specifically on the inner side of my lower legs. Initially, I suspected that I was suffering from shin splints. However, given my varied attempts at treatment and the lack of improvement, I am starting to believe that the issue might be something different. Even mundane activities, like walking around at home, have become increasingly uncomfortable, not to mention my inability to ride a stationary bike without experiencing pain. If anyone has any insights or recommendations that could assist me in alleviating this issue, I would be extremely grateful. Thank you for your help! I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 70 kilograms.
Seeking Guidance on Ice Treatment Post-Surgery
I’m a 34-year-old male, weighing 158 pounds and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall. I lead a non-smoking lifestyle, consume three alcoholic drinks weekly, and do not have any known allergies. I'm currently recovering from right hand and wrist surgery, which took place five weeks ago. I need some advice regarding the use of ice for my treatment, as my wrist remains quite swollen. While I understand the advantages of icing, I find the experience quite intolerable. I attempt to immerse my hand and wrist in ice water completely, but the pain is so intense that I can barely last more than 15 seconds. Is this a challenge of mental resilience where I need to push through the discomfort for the sake of a proper 10-minute soak? In the past, I worked with racehorses, and we would apply ice to their legs for 30-minute sessions, significantly accelerating their recovery. I recognize the effectiveness of this method, yet the pain from the cold is unbearable. Should I endure this discomfort for longer periods?