Is there a connection between lyme and POTS? I have to get a tilt table test done tomorrow to test for this?
Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
Lyme can cause POTS-it is unfortunately pretty common
Posted by Amy C (Member # 19297) on :
I am pretty sure I have this and my son might too. I requested the tilt table test but my cardio dr wouldn't do it. He doesn't agree with the test. I have seen this as a cause of Lyme. Good luck!
Posted by LisaS (Member # 10581) on :
Why doesnt he agree with the test? Im so nervous to get it done!
Posted by Capa (Member # 18930) on :
I am also scheduled to have a tilt table test soon due to bradycardia. I am interested in experiences others had with this testing.
How do they determine whether or not you do faint? Do they go by patient testimony?
Posted by Amy C (Member # 19297) on :
I don't know? I didn't like him anyways. But he didn't do that test at his office. I asked to be referred to someone else. He said I was fine of course. That was right before I figured out it was Lyme.
Yeah I would be a little nervous. They do try to make you faint. But I am sure you will be fine. I know people who have had that test done.
Let us know how it goes.
Amy
ps-just curious why you are getting it done?
Posted by Amy C (Member # 19297) on :
By the way Lisa. We know each other from other sites including myspace. I am "Amy is ticked at lyme disease" on that site.
Posted by Al (Member # 9420) on :
Hi Lisa ! I,m glad you are able to have the Tilt table test, I think everyone with lyme should have this test.
PS. send a note when you can. AL
Posted by Capa (Member # 18930) on :
I am having the test done due to constant dizziness/lightheadedness coupled with a slow heart rate and dilating veins. I believe they are testing for dysautonomia.
I was just curious as to whether or not it is obvious if you faint during the test? Sometimes I pass out and am only "out" for a few seconds and then come to once again.
Posted by Shosty (Member # 12232) on :
What kind of specialist usually tests for POTS and/or dysautonomia?
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
Go to Wildcondor.com and scroll down to Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH). There is a bunch of links on the subject. Here's one of them:
My cardiologist diagnosed me with POTS without doing a tilt table. He said it was a clinical diagnosis based off the symptoms I have and the test was not necessary.
My heart rate increases and my blood pressure drops when I am vertical or stand.
Posted by 'Kete-tracker (Member # 17189) on :
"it was a clinical dx based off the symptoms I have & the test was not neccessary"
EEya kar-EE-ma! These docs have no issue dx'ing something like POTS clinically, but when it comes to Lyme, "Oh, the Lyme panel was negative... You don't have Lyme... You're labs are all fine. You're fine."
Hope they get to the bottom of it, so to speak. (Yes, there IS a known connection between Lyme & these postural heart-rate issues. I had it for awhile.)
Posted by Jenny in MI (Member # 17225) on :
Good luck, I was dx with pots by the mayo clinic bf lyme dx. I had two tilt table tests and it does make you feel pretty dizzy and awful. Your heart rate goes up and your bp goes down. they will lower the table if you get too sick, just tell them. Yes, pots is very common mis dx and the fludrocortizone, midodrine, etc, they gave me did not help. The thing that cured my symptoms was minocycline and I am also on atelonol for rapid heart rate.
Posted by Jenny in MI (Member # 17225) on :
PS- my lme western blot at mayo clinic was negative. the way I was dx with lyme was from the cd-57 test and ONE igM band 41..... the current blood tests for lyme are not all-inclusive. Hopefully science will catch up soon.
Posted by LisaS (Member # 10581) on :
Hi everyone, Al Ill send you an email! Hi Amy from myspace and hi and thanks to everyone who responded.
Well I survived the test. And as much as I faint or near faint, they could not get me to today. They put as much medicine in the iv as they could and did it for an hour and a half. My heart was punding out of my chest but I still did not faint.
So frustrating. Just another thing for my doctors to blame on anxiety.
On to my next test, which is another EMG (muscle/nerve) test, this time on my legs.
Capa, they have you attached to leads on your chest and a Doctor and nurse sit and watch your blood pressure and heart rate. They tell you to tell them if you get lightheaded or have any weird symptoms. Good luck with your test! Let us know how it goes.
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and hi and thanks to everyone who responded.