This is something that might not be picked up on a doc's visit--he needs to be tested when he's having an episode.

Hi Mabel,

I also find that sitting at the computer or in one place for too long triggers the symptoms. I'm currently in university and have 2 hour lectures which lead me prone to feeling faint / fainting or getting migraines. Thankfully I have my university lecturers support and additional learning support in place if required. If it is POTS, symptoms often get worse from sitting / standing too long and then changing position so it definitely sounds like something he could be suffering from.

I'm glad he is seeing a Cardiologist. That is who diagnosed my POTS from several different tests including a tilt table test and a 24 hour Blood Pressure / Heart Rate monitor and blood tests. It is a slow process unfortunately but if it is POTS, he will probably be put on medication.

One word of advise and something you can try that won't do any harm is to ensure he drinks at least 2 litres of water a day and increases his salt intake. That is often the first thing doctors say to try before medications to see if it reduces the symptoms.

I have an automatic driving license (have to drive auto due to the RSD as unable to move my left food). The DVLA were aware of my POTS and I have it set where I am unable to drive the car if feel ill. It is really frustrating as I have to rely on others to drive me places, I can't actually remember the last time I drove... it was probably months ago. If I faint, I have to stop driving for at least 6 months.

The exercise bike is a good idea, the thing if it is CRPS is 'Use it or lose it'. Start off with really gentle exercises, and then build up when able. There is a very fine line between doing too much and too little. Another thing that may be worthwhile is signing up to a gym. I go to one that is aware of CRPS / POTS and my other health issues and they have developed a programme to suit my needs. It isn't a lot of work, only very minimal and doesn't include weights etc but it is worthwhile.

I hope things improve soon, keep us posted and if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask me.

Hallo again

He had another episode this eve. he said he could barley move and was violently shaking all over, more like a seizure but also with the heart attack like symptoms. He also says he feels physically unwell for quite a while before the attack happens.

Panic attacks? PoTS? CRPS? Something else. My head is spinning with all this.

ali, I have suggested the water and extra salt thing. I hope he will give it a go but he seems to be being purposefully awkward with me at the moment. Resisting my attempts to help and get stuff done. I know he's in a bad way in the head with all this but it's getting quite frustrating and he's not the only one with mental health issues. And now i feel guilty for being angry at him too.

Stop the world, I wanna get off. :(

There was a point that I had vertigo, was falling and passing out. I knew they were CRPS related and I was so focused that my pain was my WORST symptom that I wasn't aggressive enough about dealing with what were actually dangerous issues. Even after falling down my stairs I didn't go to the ER.

He really needs to go to the hospital when these attacks happen until it is proven they're panic attacks and not life threatening.