5 More “Secret” Symptoms of POTS

At this point, you’re an expert on the chronic illness symptoms you’ve experienced.  But that doesn't mean you know it all.  When a new symptom pops up you may feel like you’re left in the dark just to to relearn your body all over again.

POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, can cause a myriad of symptoms that leave you feeling terrible.  Fatigue, dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and chest pain are the most common symptoms you’ll experience.  Unfortunately, there’s more.  Some that are lesser known.

Last week we posted about the 4 “secret” symptoms of POTS.  If you missed that one, go back and give it a good read.  We dug deep and we have more “secret” symptoms to share with you.

Sensory Overload

Ever see that meme that says you had to turn the radio down in the car so you could see better?  A couple years ago it was floating around the internet but I didn’t find myself laughing for the same reason other people were.  I actually understood it!  Sensory overload is when your brain is getting information from more than one of your senses and your brain struggles to process all of it at once.  With POTS, sensory overload is common.  Learn more about the connection between dysautonomia and sensory overload in this blog

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Feeling Drunk

You have found that you’re experiencing some of the not so fun effects of being drunk, but you haven’t been drinking.  With many chronic illnesses, this can happen.  Dehydration can set in and you’re experiencing fatigue and brain fog.  Difficulty concentrating, too.  Plus, the feeling of presyncope which means feeling dizzy and lightheaded, or worse, actually losing consciousness.

Oral rehydration salts like NormaLyte can help the symptoms of dehydration quicker than drinking water alone.  Grab a free sample and give it a try to see for yourself.  It will be the game changer you're looking for.

Discolored Feet/Legs

I’m always seeing people on my POTS Support group who post photos of their legs or feet looking purple in color asking if it’s normal.  It’s your dysautonomia showing.  Well, in fairness, it’s “normal” for many POTS patients who experience this.  Blood pooling can cause your legs and feet to look crazy purple or bright red.  When you push a finger into the affected area, it will turn white and may dimple a bit if it’s swollen.  Blood pooling is a common symptom of POTS, but sometimes you may suddenly notice the change of color in your legs and become concerned.

Headaches

Everyone gets a headache from time to time and the source can be really tough to pinpoint.  We do know that one of the biggest causes of headache is dehydration.  Dehydration can be a trigger for migraines.  If you suffer from frequent headaches, it could be your POTS.  In fact, studies have shown that between 41%-96% of people with POTS experience migraine headaches. 

Often times, hydrating with an oral rehydration salt like NormaLyte will help a headache that is linked to low blood volume, something people with POTS suffer from.  NormaLyte has free samples and we'd encourage you to give it a try to see for yourself.

Sleep Troubles

You’re tossing and turning.  You’re hot one minute and ice cold the next plus it just feels like you’ll never get to sleep.  Insomnia is a beast you know well if you have POTS.  Not only is falling asleep difficult, staying asleep can feel like a bigger struggle than climbing Everest.  You’re not alone.  According to this study, around 30% of people with POTS have difficulty sleeping.