POTs and fibromyalgia : Hello, Hope... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

59,987 members67,154 posts

POTs and fibromyalgia

Audreyrocks profile image
6 Replies

Hello,

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun.

At my rheumatologist appointment for Fibro , they performed a 'Lean Test ' and discovered there is dysfunction in my central nervous system, I have low bood pressure.

Does this mean I have POTs?

Their solution is to more water and add more salt to diet.

Just wondered if anyone else has this along with fibro?

Thank you 😊

Written by
Audreyrocks profile image
Audreyrocks
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
Loobielu profile image
Loobielu

Interesting 🤔. I have low blood pressure and I had dangerously low sodium after a operation so Ive always suspected my sodium must be on the low side x

R-OD profile image
R-OD

hi I have been diagnosed with POTS and Fibromyalgia, my daughter has POTS and probably fibromyalgia, I have been advised to drink more water as dehydration makes it worse and to be careful when getting up from sitting. My daughter was told to add more salt!

DoubleMalibu profile image
DoubleMalibu

I’d ring your Drs and ask if you have POTS, it’s a wonder they didn’t confirm it at your Rheumatology app.

Did they not send you a letter from the consultant confirming everything discussed? Especially if they recommended something that helps? Seems strange they didn’t clarify the diagnosis with you.

Always relieves our mind to have a definite confirmation doesn’t it.

Someone in my family had read about POTS recently, and said it had a lot of similar symptoms to things I suffer with, but I haven’t got around to getting it checked out. Too many other things being checked out🤣

Fibrooh profile image
Fibrooh

I too have POTS which was diagnosed by a cardiologist.

MEorFMorLUPUS profile image
MEorFMorLUPUS

I am not a doctor - just going through the process of getting a POTS diagnosis myself - so I hope this might help. POTS is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome so more to do with your heart rate than blood pressure. Generally, with POTS, your heart rate goes up excessively when you stand up. It's not usually a rheumatologist that would deal with this but cardiology or neurology as it's to do with the control of the autonomic nervous system, the part of your nervous system that controls things like heart rate and blood pressure. It's a bit of a niche area - there are only a few specialists in the UK. I think if you have low blood pressure on standing this is a different type of orthostatic intolerance (difficulty being upright). Maybe they will refer you on for further tests. Sounds like your rheumatologist was quite thorough - compared to mine anyway.

kushami36 profile image
kushami36

Low blood pressure during the NASA Lean Test would usually indicate orthostatic hypotension, although if you also have tachycardia, then that might mean a different diagnosis.

If adding more salt and fluids doesn’t help, ask for a referral to an autonomic specialist.

You can also try compression socks or leggings/tights/bike shorts. It’s bettervto have something that covers the abdomen, but if that is uncomfortable then knee-high socks are a good second choice.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Aspergers and Fibromyalgia

Hi, I have both Aspergers (AS) and fibromyalgia, being diagnosed late in life with both and...
Bounceee profile image

Stress and Fibromyalgia

Hi all, I posted a wee while ago about the difference a holiday or even a weekend away makes to my...

Fibromyalgia and medical procedures

Can I share some information I was given, I had both an endoscopy and sigmoidoscopy around 9 years...
leamat profile image

Fibromyalgia

Just been prescribed Pregabalin and taken 2x25mg doses and it has given me the worst muscle pain i...
Fluffymare profile image

fibromyalgia

i was told i have fibro 2 yrs ago it has taken my life i was unable work within a year at 2.5 yrs...
usaredneck profile image

Moderation team

See all
Hazel_Angelstar profile image
Hazel_AngelstarAdministrator
Lynda_FMA_UK profile image
Lynda_FMA_UKModerator
Sarah_fmauk profile image
Sarah_fmaukModerator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.