DickinsonsMeadow Posted 11 hours ago Report Share Posted 11 hours ago I'm thinking of getting a second opinion. I don't want to be obnoxious--e.g. "I spent a little time on Google, so I know more than a medical professional"--but my cardiologist keeps making basic untrue statements about POTS. You know, stuff that scientific papers have as part of their "About POTS" abstracts. I'm considering getting a second opinion, but I'm not sure if I should or how to go about it. I'm not self-diagnosed, though the person who originally said I had it was a neurologist. I'm willing to accept my cardiologist's idea--it's the fault of meds I've taken for many years without a problem--if I hear it from someone I trust. It's just that those meds are critical to my mood stability and took many years to find. Frankly, I'm terrified of rocking the boat and want to be sure before I do anything drastic. Any thoughts? If I do get someone else, how can I know they will be more knowledgeable about POTS? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted 10 hours ago Report Share Posted 10 hours ago Can't speak to if most Cardiologists are POTS or Dysautonomia aware but back in 2019 i reached out to a completely different health care system (before i knew i had Dysautonomia) looking for a second opinion from a cardiologist and got lucky that he is aware of this and is very helpful with my core meds. so the roll of the dice panned out for me. I would start by calling healthcare providers and make inquiries in regards to your concerns and that you are looking for a second look. Over the years i have had good luck with some of the Docs i have seen and then some not so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sea otter Posted 10 hours ago Report Share Posted 10 hours ago If you are member of some POTS facebook groups maybe you can ask if someone can recommend cardiologist in your area that knows about POTS and is willing to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DickinsonsMeadow Posted 9 hours ago Author Report Share Posted 9 hours ago Thanks, @MikeO. I think that's a great idea. @Sea otter, I do like word-of-mouth suggestions, and I will keep your idea in mind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistol Posted 8 hours ago Report Share Posted 8 hours ago @DickinsonsMeadow No, not every cardiologist can properly treat POTS. I fired 4 ignorant cardiologists when I became I'll in 2009 and ended up being diagnosed by an autonomic specialist, who happened to be a cardiologist. I had to travel out of state to see him, and he had a one year waiting period. Most cardiologists SHOULD be able to diagnose POTS based on symptoms and testing - but not all of them are aware of the different subtypes. Each type of POTS has a different treatment based on meds, in addition to the typical measures of increasing salt and fluid intake, compression garments when warranted and moderate exercise ( to prevent deconditioning, which can worsen POTS). Often they prescribe go-to meds, like beta blockers, Midodrine or florinef - not aware that these meds can make some POTS types worse. When my specialist retired I sought out a cardiologist at my state university hospital, and he was willing to educate himself about dysautonomia since I already had a diagnosis of HPOTS. Today he sees, diagnosed and treats many POTS patients. My suggestion would be to call around at major hospitals in your area and ask for a cardiologist mentioning dysautonomia treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted 7 hours ago Report Share Posted 7 hours ago We maintain a list of physicians here: https://www.dinet.org/physicians/ certainly not exhaustive and there maybe no one listed here in your area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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