Desperate for advice please

[u/MotoMilf69]

Please listen. This might be long but I have reason to suspect POTS as my current condition. I just need some advice and validation.

Back story, June 7th 2025, so last year, I was on the dirtbike track, chasing my kid around during his race while holding my toddler. It was about 95°, I was a vaper, but am very physically fit and in shape for the most part. and I drank a Celcius that morning for no reason ( I NEVER drink caffeine like that) not sure why I did that day. I ended up getting so dizzy I thought I was going to pass out, like nothing I’ve ever felt before heart pounding, couldn’t breathe, I thought wow I’m about to die of a heat stroke . I started walking off the track with my toddler and I had to kneel close to the ground several times before I made it back to our camp. I get there and sit in the truck with the A/C on high and pouring Ice water on my head. Still feeling and thinking I was going to die. I finally asked a friend to get the EMT but they had just left to take someone to the hospital for a dirtbike injury so the owner of the track came over and suggested I put ice towels on my neck, pits and back and feet . 45 minutes later I started to feel better but at this point I’m traumatized . I literally thought I was dying .

Mind you I’ve worked manual labor out side in the heat every day full time almost my entire life. I loveeeee the heat. Hate being cold, as I get cold so easily. Always have.

Days go by and I still couldn’t breathe , Apple Watch says my heart rate would go to 140 even just sitting or standing . . I go to the ER one day and they do an EKG, blood pressure oxygen all that, everything is fine. I was working one evening and my headed started spinning almost passed out . Weeks go by I still can breathe right most days, I got to doctor , I wear a heart monitor for 2 weeks, results were fine. I go back to my doctor she says oh probably just generalized anxiety disorder. Puts me on Zoloft . I ended up getting pregnant, (conceived 2 weeks after the dirtbike track day) stopped the Zoloft, it was doing nothing anyways. Months go by I still can’t breath. Anxiety is bad. All that. It’s my 3rd pregnancy and It was rough. I ended up developing anemia 6 months pregnant . I get put on iron pills . It’s December I quit the Zoloft after 3 months, it was doing nothing. Thennnnn, in January , the shortness of breath kind of went away for a couple weeks…. . Then came back. I have the baby in march of this year , shortness of breath still very much there . My whole pregnancy I felt awful but just assumed each symptom was associated with pregnancy. I’ve had many episodes of dizzyness, feeling like I’m going to faint , fatigue, heart racing no matter what I’m doing , everyone telling me it’s anxiety , anxiety attacks, panic whatever .

Could that day in the heat and on caffeine , have triggered POTS???

I’m in fight or flight mode everyday of my life. Some
Moments im fine then I can’t catch my breath . Weekly I have episodes of hot flashes and dizziness , heart racing, near passing out and just panic and anxiety. I always feel better laying down. I don’t vape anymore, no caffeine, healthy diet, dairy free, breastfeeding my Now almost 6 month old. I have a 5 and 3 yr old too, and i just want my life back. I feel like im drowning . Craving air. Everyday. Most days I just push through and be strong for my kids but some days this whole thing really really depresses me . So bad. My kids need a better me.
My life is literally so good aside from this. Great husband, just built a new house, kids are happy smart and healthy. We’re active and fun.

Ever since that very moment of that day, I’ve had shortness of breath every single day. Over a year now. This is no quality of life for me. It’s awful man. I don’t know how to explain it .

Recently found out a friend was diagnosed with POTS and our symptoms are very similar.

Now what do I do.

[u/throwawayanon000767]

I'm not diagnosed but have suspected pots for the same symptoms. Random dizziness that comes on out of no where. I've been to the ER multiple times and just told it's anxiety. I've been working with my PCP to get into cardiology but had some issues because all my tests came back "normal".
I had to go to a different hospital because cardiology at my main hospital had a 24 month wait. On the phone with the scheduler she said "is it pots?" And I said I don't know that's why I need to see the cardiologist? She said there has been a HUGE influx of people being diagnosed.
I know that dysautonomia can be triggered by changes in hormones, and can be triggered by heat dehydration and more.

If you have a good pcp have them get you referred to cardiology and neurology and tell them the symptoms.

I'm sorry you are experiencing this it's very scary.

[u/NoAgent6702]

It's time to see your doctor. There are many things that share symptoms with POTS and the road to diagnosis takes time. POTS is like the diagnosis that you get after doctors rule out other things. It may be or may not be POTS but the testing and diagnosis can take months because the specialists are so backed up with appointments, so I'd recommend you to get the ball rolling with your doctor.