Had my Tilt Table Test today

[Detours211]

Hi all,

I wanted to touch base with you and let you know about my test today.

I had no idea what to expect of this test - heard nightmare stories here and elsewhere - but I got through it just fine!

I did very well - did not even come close to passing out.  The nurse who was in with me said that she thought everything was close to normal.  The doctor however did say that he did notice somewhat of an increase in my Heart Rate from lying to standing positions, and is calling it "mild POTS."  I did not know that there were "degrees" of POTS but I will accept "mild" over "major" any day of the week!  This certainly helps to explain my lightheadedness and I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere after 5 weeks of questions.

At this point he wants me to drink lots and lots of water and add some salt to my diet.  We will follow up with each other in 1-2 weeks.  If the increased heart rate is not better by that point he will start me on a beta blocker.

Anyhow, even though this is not the best case scenario, it is certainly not the worse case scenario.  

I just wanted to share my news with all of you since you were so kind to answer my questions about the test earlier this week.

I will keep everyone informed on my progress.

Anybody have suggestions for good beta blockers?  I had a nightmare experience with metoprolol and will not go back on that.

Take care!

[Detours211]

Hi,
Yes, I had a cardio tilt.  I wasn't sure what a neuro tilt is?

[ParrotPal]

I take Toprol XL 25 mg in morn and 12.5 mg at night.  It seems to help.  If I miss one by too many hours, I know it for sure.  I first tried the generic (metoprolol) and didn't seem to have good effect.  I switched to brand name and it seemed to work better. It is several dollars more for a month's worth with my insurance.  The cardio gave me the RX after changing the quantity and timing three times in 4 weeks.  So the dosage may need to be tweeked, regardless of which one you take.  It makes me pretty tired after the morning pill.  For about 2 hours I am zombie like (physically only).  My internist said that I should get used to it after a few weeks.  No so as yet after a month.  (I started on a pediatric dose 12.5mg).  If you have migraines, Toprol is considered, per the neuro, as an excellent beta for prevention.  So for me, it works on two necessary issues.  The electrophysiologist told me that the POTS and the palps are two separate and unrelated issues and that treating the palps makes it more complicated to treat the POTS.  So, be patient.  

Also, I have never read anything about degrees of POTS, i.e. mild, moderate, severe.  It seems to me that sometimes it can "feel" more mild or more severe to me.  

Just curious, did you have a cardio tilt or a neuro tilt?  It sounds like cardio based on the duration.  

[mtgardner]

I understand the dilemma in having both high and low BP.  I have Pure Autonomic Failure not POTS but I came into it with high blood pressure and still have surges of high BP and at times have an elevated pressure despite falls in BP every day.  I am not supposed to have Beta Blockers while on allergy shots so am on a different classification of BP med. I weaned off three BP meds that I was on for high BP originally.  Then recently had to go on one due to higher pulse rate and somewhat elevated BP.  It is a catch 22 for sure.  Marie

[Detours211]

Hi Beema,

Regarding beta blockers, I started on atenolol today at a low dose 25 mg and other than  being very tired I haven't had any bad side effects just yet.  Although I've only been on it for 10 hours or so.  

I'm sort of in a catch 22 situation b/c even though I have mild POTS, I also have mild high blood pressure so the atenolol (beta blocker) works to lower my heart rate and blood pressure.  We'll see if it helps with the mild POTS and light headedness or not.

[beema36]

I hear so many on here talk about awful sideeffects of betablockers. Can u tell me what they r? Other than heartrate in 40s and nausea I don't see any but am maybe too dumb to know:)

[vbc2000]

Glad it went well :)  Good luck with the salt and water...I hope that's all you need.
Stephanie

[Mom2four85]

that's great to hear; glad you're starting to get some answers

I have a major problems with meds and been on several bb's but only Inderal works some for me with no horrendous side effects; it's short acting med so I have to take it more often than the others I tried when I take it

[mtgardner]

That is great news! I am glad you got through this with ease.  Some people do well until the last part of an hour so they usually do at least an hour long test to catch those individuals.  At any rate, I agree that "mild" sounds better then something else.

I am sending you a link to DInet's site entitled "What Helps".  There is some mention of the category of beta blockers.  This site has some great articles for POTS.  Another one I like there is an article on things to avoid.

http://www.dinet.org/what_helps.htm

Thanks for checking back with us and letting us know all went well!  Marie

[beema36]

I am glad your test went well and u had a good experience with it:)
I don't really have answer on betablockers. I am on metoprolol and do fine on it although my heartrate I feel is now too low as runs in 40s to low 60s but otherwise no problems. Maybe u.would do better on some of.the newer ones that they have. I can't think of.the names of.them off hand.
Again am glad your TTT is over and u did well.
Beema