Any nurses or healthcare professionals working with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)

[Chorne95]

Any nurses/people working in medical field have POTS? (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). I’ve just been diagnosed after 4 months of cardiac investigations for tachycardia any time I stood or did activity.

I’ve been off sick for the last month, and despite beta blockers, on my first day back my heart rate was constantly above 100 reaching 130 whilst doing patient drug rounds.

I work in emergency medicine and stand for most of the shift. Feeling helpless and nervous about the future

[Fifimyangel]

Hi I'm getting exactly the same problems. Heart racing. I'm currently on sick and taking bisoprolol and waiting for holster test in feb.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Chorne95

Welcome to the forum.

I noticed that you are also recovering from Covid which can take time to fully recover from.

Did you have a phased return to work?

I suggest you discuss your issues with your Occupational Health Department who can advise both you and your manager about any reasonable adjustments that can be made to your working environment.

Here is a link to the various support groups for those living with POTS

dysautonomiainternational.o...

The UK group is in this link

potsuk.org/

Good luck.

[Blondie1985]

I don't have POTS. I was born with a heart condition and the multiple surgeries I had in childhood have left me with arrythmias. I work in a SEN school, so not healthcare but I'm obviously on my feet for most of the school day.

After the summer holidays (when I returned to work in Sept) I noticed my pulse was constantly high. Just walking around school would cause it to jump to 120-130bpm. It was at this rate or higher for most of the day and would only drop when I was at complete rest (sat for at least half an hour) or sleeping.

I am lucky because of my cardiac history I was already in the system and could arrange to have a 24hr holter monitor fitted at the end of Sept. As a result of that I've been diagnosed with significant and frequent runs of atrial tachycardia and atypical atrial flutter.

I've been signed off work for the last six weeks but I'm due to go back soon. I'm trying to negotiate with HR a move to a different class. One where the children need less physical help, are more able and older. I don't see how I will cope otherwise as I'm quite symptomatic. I've asked my line manager for a referral to occupational health but at the moment it's falling on death ears.

I'm awaiting a cardiac ablation so there is some hope my symptoms can be improved, but the wait is currently at 6 months. I don't want to remain off sick until then and I can't really afford to. I've had my medication increased but I haven't seen much improvement.