Not Coping

@creative_writer yeah, the sugar content is no good, but I just saw in another post you have discovered gatorade does sugar-free?!

Dinner for me tonight is a mexican-style quinoa bean soupy thing.. I don't know what it's called, but basically has quinoa, black beans, corn, tomato puree and a bunch of spices, and it's yummy and spicy (and also confusing because it's so hot so I don't know why my partner chose to make this tonight of all nights... but I am trying to not complain and just eat and be grateful my belly is happy haha)

Have you eaten yet?

@outlander, I probably have a number of conditions, but they might also be related, it’s probably worth speaking to the GP. I feel like POTS, migraines and joint hypermobility issues are misunderstood. It is hard trying to get the support you need, but you have to be persistent. It’s just the system we work in.

@PizzaMondo, might try a sugar free electrolyte drink. Your dinner sounds delicious but hot food can be hard if you’re not used to it. My parents made a curry dish today and I ate it with salad and leb bread

ask to see a pain management clinic or neurologist, physio, exercise physiologist and cardiologist @creative_writer neuro and pain can help with migraines, cardiologist can help with POTS and physio and physiologist can help with both POTS and hypermobility. my physio picked up the hypermobility issue with me and gave me exercises to help the joints and muscle.

@outlander, I’ll discuss potential options during the next appointment. Meanwhile I’ll do what I can with electrolytes, self care, hydration, compression leggings (I recently started wearing them) I found some breathable natural fabric ones but still not quite used to it, I’m used to looser clothing. I do need guidance for exercise for sure. My joint hypermobility was picked up fairly early on as a child. I’ve had issues for a while, just never knew what to do. It increases risk of injury and swelling here and there. I’ve even wondered whether I have undiagnosed ehlers danlos, it wouldn’t surprise me. But I think they usually address it with exercise. Migraines have been a long term thing since my teen years, I have seen neuros before, but not for a while

Do you have a GP you visit at the moment @creative_writer ? I would definitely encourage you to speak with them, or to ask perhaps at the clinic who has an understanding or experience with POTS too. I definitely hear you when you say that these areas are misunderstood, I have heard this from a few people during peer support and I know that it makes your personal pain and health more difficult to navigate... I hope you find some answers in time.

Your dinner sounds delicious, especially the salad part as it would have been refreshing!

Have you ever tried electrolyte products such as Voost, Berocca or Hydralyte? Packed with electrolytes - I know most of the Voost flavours do not have sugar... they should be available at your local chemist, maybe even Woolies/Coles.

@PizzaMondo, I have an appointment booked in almost 2 weeks, good GPs have a wait. I feel like having MH concerns may cause some GPs to brush off symptoms are stress. It’s amazing how long you have to wait till you are able to access support you need.

I haven’t tried those electrolyte because of the high sugar content that many contain. I find overly sweet drinks sickening. I could look for non sugar options.

I feel like salad can also balance out the spices. I’m prone to GERD. Salad is very refreshing on a hot day too

@creative_writer I hear ya on the waiting time to see a good GP.. same with mine.. Though I am glad you were able to find a booking! I have heard time and time again that MH concerns are often dismissed, I have had this experience too, so I can empathise it's a journey (and also a miracle!) when you find that one GP that actually listens to what you have to say and can provide accurate info and support.

That is fair, some of the flavours offered are as sickening/sweet (citrus rather than strawberry for example). But have a look and see what's out there that will match your needs - I know it exists - you'll just have to double check the sugar content on the back!

You're right, it can! Does your symptoms of GERD impact what you can and can't eat? Or you are more aware of what works with your body?

@PizzaMondo, I get MH can affect physical health but often you need to address physical issues too. I know my anxiety and bipolar disorder don’t help with pain, but the pain is still there. I’ve been in dead ends before too with GPs and it can be quite frustrating. I once saw a GP who said go to emergency for migraines if I wanted stronger pain relief instead of discussing other potential options for pain relief. I had to see another GP who actually gave me other options that didn’t involve going to the ED.

GERD can affect what I eat. I don’t have a good appetite and can get quite nauseous and bloated very easily. If I am eating something with spices I often need to make sure I balance it out

@creative_writer It's so fascinating to me sometimes the kind of 'advice' we may receive from professionals... but this GP you're waiting for in 2 weeks - do you feel comfortable and heard by them? I wouldn't want to be told to go to the ED either - that's like a last resort and if it was severe... I would think!

I can understand not having a good appetite. I live with coeliac disease and if I am not eating from the comfort of my home, it can be very difficult to avoid cross-contamination in restaurants/cafes and I'd rather not be nursing my sick belly if I can prevent it.. do you have safe foods at home that are good to eat anytime? I do, lots of tuna, corn-crackers and muesli bars 😛

I'm heading off now, bed time for me - I hope you can have a restful sleep and see you on the forums next time 🙂 Lovely chatting with you today @creative_writer - stay hydrated!

totally understand @creative_writer

my last cardiologist constantly blamed my mental health so my POTS went undiagnosied for over 2 years because they wouldnt listen. my gp finally got annoyed herself and said nope going to a new cardiologist because something isnt right and its not mental health so im glad that she listened. if you have a good gp who knows your diagnosis then i hope you get a good outcome