#im trying to extend reach

[lokislittlesigyn]

Hello!

I'm reaching a point of desperation. Asking for some help/advice regarding orthostatic intolerance .. If you know about this or know about people who'd be willing to discuss it, I would be extremely grateful for any help I can get. It's starting to feel hopeless. Shares are appreciated. ;;

I want to make sure I'm understanding something. I'm autistic, so sometimes words don't quite translate to me: a sentence written a specific way may be difficult for me to interpret.

With that in mind, TL;DR: What is the diagnostic criteria for POTS? Is it that you have to have a 30bpm increase from a resting heart rate (or over 120bpm) AT ANY POINT upon standing in a 10 minute period, or SUSTAINED FOR A FULL 10 MINUTES?

Why I'm asking (VERY long under the spoiler):

I've been experiencing worsened symptoms upon standing for the past several years, ever since I got COVID. I've always had some weirdness in my body - of various kinds - but it's never been this severe. (For instance, I've been "cold-natured" and had cold hands and feet and my hands/legs would turn purple when I was young, and I'd get winded when exercising, maybe "uncomfortable feelings" (which I think now is blood pooling?) in my legs, but I wouldn't struggle to the point I am now.) I'm experiencing:

Dizziness and lightheadedness, sometimes feeling like my head is spinning, upon standing. I usually have to stop and wait for my head to feel less dizzy before I can walk, a solid few seconds, then I'm okay Enough to get going.

A severe increase in heart rate upon standing, especially if I was lying down (30-60 bpm from what I've monitored), but it happens if I was only sitting down/squatting too.

Blackened vision bordering on loss of vision, sometimes loss of hearing, upon standing

MUCH more fatigue with general tasks despite the fact I've been consistently exercising, doing HIIT workouts to keep my body conditioned, daily, for the past 4 years!!!

Extreme shortness of breath and dizziness, sometimes to the point of wondering if I'll faint in the shower. (today I took my heart rate while in the shower and it was over 150bpm. I was just standing there. Shaving.) I haven't fainted yet.

Significantly worse symptoms in the morning vs the evening or at night. At night I actually have energy!

Sluggishness, lethargy in the mornings, often leading into the afternoon

Issues with prolonged standing - I have to wear 20-30mmhg compression socks to be able to stand or have long days out, like when I'm selling things for my job or going out for an active day with friends.

Everything gets worse when I'm menstruating. :))))))

This has had a significant impact on my life. And from what I can gather, it sounds like POTS. I've been pursuing a diagnosis for two years. Doctor after doctor has addressed other concerns: we've done blood tests, heart monitors, ECGs, ultrasounds - my heart is physically healthy. I went to a cardiologist who specializes in POTS, and he looked me in the eye and said "I think you have POTS." MULTIPLE TIMES.

And I do already do what I can with this. I exercise (again! Literally four years of decent exercise! 45 minutes a day! And I recently started walking an hour a day so I get nearly 2 hours of focused activity!!!), I ONLY drink water and plenty of it, and I eat salt on my food. I already do everything.

I'm worried this is affecting my outcomes. Specifically, I'm worried since I've been essentially doing the "treatment" for this type of thing, that my result are better than they would be otherwise.

The tests:

I've actually done the gold standard tilt table test, and apparently I didn't have the numbers necessary to diagnose me with POTS. I was diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance (the heartrate issues) and vasovagal syncope (which is the issue with vision/hearing upon standing, I guess). But given my symptoms, I feel very strongly my body is exhibiting signs of POTS. That's .. a big reason I'm making this post.

My "official" tilt table test results (taken last year) were, to make it brief:

Baseline: 59 bpm

Tilted 30 degrees: 60 bpm

Tilted 45 degrees: 76 bpm, then 64 bpm

Tilted 70 degrees: 78 bpm. It hovered around the high seventies/low eighties for a bit, then at the thirteen minute mark, went to 94.

My heart rate didn't go below 80 for the rest of the test, which was about 20 more minutes. The lowest it got was 82 but it would waver between 85-87 and 94 mostly; the highest it got was 101, when my blood pressure dropped significantly and I had to ask to be laid down so I wouldn't fall down off the table.

The people running the test said they got enough information even though I ended the test early, and every doctor insists the tilt table is the "gold standard" test - the absolute best - for detecting POTS, even though it doesn't EVER take you to 90 degrees? It slowly tilts you up, which allows your body to adjust? And I had to hold myself up, the straps holding me down were just for positioning I guess??? What do you mean this is a better test for something that impacts me when I'm going from lying down to a full 90 degree upright position within seconds?????

I've done two "poor man's tilt table" tests, or standing tests, at home. Below are the numbers. The first time I did it (2023), I didn't know you should take it at intervals for 10 mins, so I only did 5.

BP: 124/69 hr: 72 - laying down (This was after 5 minutes of lying still, not speaking, and actively trying to relax)

BP: 124/80 hr: 139 - first stand up (I stood up "normally," I didn't rush to stand or jump up)

BP: 123/89 hr: 131 - 5 minutes after (I stood still, and made sure to not lock my knees too much)

The second time (2024), the person helping me with the test didn't understand we needed a full 10 minute reading, so we only got up to 8 minutes. Still, these were the results:

Resting: 66 bpm

Standing: 131 bpm

2 mins: 96 bpm

4 mins: 95 bpm

6 mins: 97 bpm

8 mins: 95 bpm

Doctors look at my symptoms and remind me well, we treat POTS ad Orthostatic Intolerance the same. They don't think it matters if I technically have a specific diagnosis or not.

I know this. I have been told this so many times. I want the validation of a diagnosis I fit the criteria for. I want to be able to explain to people what's going on with me. I want, since I'm at the ripe old age of twenty five and can barely shower in the mornings, the bare minimum of having a name for what I have to deal with every single day.

But I'm really worried. I'm worried I've ruined my chances of this being caught by exercising/"treating" it too much, or I'm misunderstanding the diagnostic criteria, or I'm just stupid in general, being overdramatic and should give up because I've been told I have orthostatic intolerance, what does it matter if it's POTS specifically?

But this looks so much like POTS. This sounds so much like POTS. And I am getting the numbers necessary, or else ones a WHOLE lot like them, at home. And that's what's bothering me?

If I wasn't taking standing tests and finding such high bpm increases, which again, seemingly fit the diagnostic criteria, I wouldn't be bothered. But I am.

This past week I went to nurses that work in a specific doctor's office, the doctor who apparently "diagnoses everybody with POTS." I was hopeful they'd listen. They did a standing test in the office.

My heart rate started around 70 when resting. (there's multiple reasons it was higher than what my "actual" resting rate is, but I won't explain that; this post is too long already) I stood up and it went to around 125. And then within a few minutes, it went down to 80 or 90, I wasn't checking exact numbers.

They couldn't diagnose me based on those numbers.

i can't shake the feeling if i'd been able to relax fully, or had just gotten my body to unwind, i might have had a resting rate of 60 - closer to the baseline when i was allowed to rest before the tilt table - and could've gotten diagnosed.

i feel like a failure.

Advice, information, all is appreciated. If anyone understands the diagnostic criteria, or has a similar story, I'd really love to hear. Thank you.

[nessa-rpgs]

Artfight attacks !

(technically round 2 since I did a standalone post for the first one)

First is Gage Redgrave for VeryCool

Second is Enril the Paladin for Eiliakins

Third is Misuna for SquidneySketches

(none of them are on tumblr but hey)

[sesamenom]

someone has probably asked this before or you've said that before but what instrument do you play??

just casually, but violin and piano (mostly piano right now)! seitz is one of my favorites to play on violin (i also love vivaldi music but sixteenth note scales are. not very relaxing) right now i'm playing around with changing the chords and tempo on a modified version of Canon in D for piano to convert it to what I call Canon in Dragon :)

[izzy-b-hands]

I know it's probably just a part of restarting the lamotrigine, but. holy fuck does it have me short on spoons and patience and. Everything mentally today lmao

[robotpussy]

like i really do hate calling other people scammers because i know what its like to be thought of as trying to scam people even when you provide proof but there really are too fucking many of you scammers on here but then again the people who tend to get called scammers are not white people. every time white people need thousands in a short amount of time people are willing to open their purses because for some reason white people could never scam them!

[daemonoferror]

Hi! Tried to contact you. Dayum!😬😓 How'd you think kaneeka would eventually figure out/react to Reese's death caused by Tabitha (+MC)? Would she avenge his death for him or will there be a catfight between them?

I hope she loses her shit. Kaneeka is a very sensible person, fighting and murder are below her even at her worst (probably) but I hope she screams at Tabitha and tries to get her arrested or something. Keeping in mind that she's sorta under Sybil's control I'm not sure how much energy she'd really have to even yell at Tabby though.

How she treats MC will probably really depend where you stood with her previously- like you can literally be dating her at this point. At worst she treats you exactly like Tabby, at best I'm not sure? I can imagine MC playing a "I couldn't stop her" card and Kaneeka just redirecting any anger at you to Tabitha and completely blaming her. But she's also probably smarter than that? I'm curious if love interests can break up with MC if they do something completely unredeemable.

I'm not sure how she'd find out though if MC doesn't tell her. Doc Kelly walked all the way into the woods with us just to watch, defeated, as we set him on fire, and I really doubt she's willing to explain this to the police. I think Stella is closer to Reese than Kaneeka is, so I guess unless Stella knows what happens or gets worried she hasn't heard from him, idk how everyone will find out. I'm curious how people react to Doc Kelly's death too. In either case it's not like there's a body to be found. Maybe we just say they left or went missing?

[eigengrauone]

grinds teeth. i am alone and dismissed

[artemisbarnowl]

Trying to be very normal and casual about going back to melbourne tomorrow but actually im going insane

[righteousdelusions]

I almost cried when I said to my cousin: I lost all my fight spirit. I used it all up to get this degree I don't even want.

And he just said: yeah, I see that. Nonchalantly.

[sapphicjigsaw]

girl as someone going through some of that stuff as well no that stuff is not something everyone has and people are generally usimg 'the horrors' to mean like chores and things no one enjoys doing not. mental and or physical illnesses </3

I have learned recently I maybe have to do something about my debilitating mental illness and physical body deterioration. Unfortunately the horrors have decided I cannot do anything right now and should instead start shaking so hard I can’t read. And then pass out.

[arolesbianism]

I have such a love hate relationship with Ellie. On the one hand I have my petty grudge against her, but on the other hand shes so sillyyyyy being Jackie's lil lackey did her so many favors in my mind she's not only a lil shit but also a lil teachers pet I love her

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

more 18+ LOGAN HOWLETT thoughts bc clearly im a big fat fucking liar

fem!reader, 583 words

Early morning sex is one of Logan’s favourites. There’s no rush, no haste – nothing. The rest of the world quiet, as if it's only the two of you up. 

He’d often be cuddling into you from behind, arm like a dead, sleeping weight around your middle. His hand in a protective hold under one of your tits, keeping you there with your back to his burly chest. It’s rather comfortable.

And as his eyes begin to open, adjusting to the dawn sky through the gap of the curtain, he notices something between his legs causing him anguish. Thick, naked cock rock hard against the cheek of your ass, the little sleeping, unknowing motions of you only furthering that agony.

He nuzzles his face into you from behind, chin hooking on the nape of your neck as he presses soft, light kisses into your cheek – trying to ease you awake. And when you inhale, the sound prolonged and sleepy, he only tempts you further: running the scruff of his beard over your bare shoulder, lips pressing faintly into the side of your throat.

“Got something I want you to take care of, sugar,” he whispers, voice low and gruff beside your ear. His hand on your tit beginning it’s gentle kneading, again, like he was trying to coax you. Pushing it even further by saying your name in that deep, manly way he often does.

You nestle your head back into him, humming in a way as if to show your intrigue. Your half-asleep self silently asking him to elaborate. And when he takes the hint, his grasp around your breast loosens, instead moving down to your stomach – large fingers brushing over your warm, bare skin. 

The trail continues, his touch moving down to between your thighs, the thickness of his wrist acting like a wedge betwixt your legs. His middle finger instinctively extends downwards, the tip of it running between the lips of your pussy, the action like a gentle, momentary warm up.

And so, he leaves that spot just below your clit, reaching his hand behind you —to the front of him— and to his cock. Fingers wrapping around his base, fist faintly pumping over his dick as if to ready himself – simultaneously guiding his head towards you from behind.

He teases you briefly with the tip as he lines up, swirling and circling himself around your entrance before sinking into you. The remnants of last night’s dirty affairs acting like a natural lubricant.

He stills, using his cock like a plug as if to allow you a moment to adjust – accommodate him once again. But it was like muscle memory, the walls of your pussy stretching and wrapping around him, drawing more of him in. 

“Fuck,” he groans, the sound cutting his curse short. He wraps his arm back around your middle, hand finding itself tucked under your tit –like his prior sleeping position– using your body for stability as he begins to slowly rock into you. 

Your eyes close as you melt into him, posture softening against his chest, grip loosening around his thick wrist. He inadvertently mirrors you, the tenseness in his shoulders dissipating as he rests his head back on the pillow – relaxing into you the way you do him. 

Like it all required no effort. The unrushed, irregular wind of his hips into you from behind letting you both feel just enough, each of you still far too sleepy for it to be anything more than this.

I rewatched DOFP for him last night. massive mistake. cried myself to sleep

[trannykong]

My ex bf’s friend reached out to me the other day to tell me he was missing for four days only to almost immediately tell me he was okay after i hadn’t responded

[ashanbones]

fucking exhausted.

[savethepinecones]

in a strange twist of fate a death in the family might be the thing that gets me out of my depression spiral

[purinfelix]

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡ park sunghoon bf headcanons

a/n: maybe im just typical sunghoon bias but y'all cannot tell me he wouldn't be the most perfect bf ..... ANYWAYS i could probably do a pt2 of this just bc i have sooo many thoughts abt this man - or if u want hcs for any other members lmk too!

✦ such a responsible boy, like obviously he has all his own habits but he feels the need to keep them up especially around you

✦ for the first few months of your relationship he wouldn't kiss you first thing in the morning since he insisted his breath stank and would go to brush his teeth (though he grows too weak to your pleading, and gives in easily)

✦ it's this habit of taking care of himself that extends to you, he feels a sense of responsibility for your health and wellbeing

✦ "don't use your phone in the dark, it's not good for your eyes" - "make your bed first thing in the morning, it'll get messy otherwise" - "make sure to drink more water today, it's hot out,"

✦ they might sound like petty scolds or nagging to most but really they're just his way of making sure you're okay and showing that he cares about you, right down to the little things

✦ on that note, the type of boyfriend who is willing to go with you everywhere even if he's just trailing behind you - if it's to the supermarket or even around the block for your morning walk he's keen to come with

✦ a little clingy like that, though has enough self-awareness not to bother you, but he just wants to be around you lots !!

✦ i can definitely see him being an "acts of service" guy like he definitely does things for you without asking, and without even saying anything - like if he sees you struggling he'll help you silently, only turning to smile with satisfaction once he sees the grateful expression on your face

✦ admittedly at first he does do it a little bit so that he can show off in front of you - "they'll think i'm so tall and strong if i help them reach this shelf" is probably his thought process

✦ in that way he's really observant and attentive! like you might not think that he listens to all your rants or when you mention little things but he really takes it all in, also just the best listener ever

✦ tiny little things about your habits, foods you like or dislike or even your preferences when it comes to like what side of the bed to sleep on he learns and they become like second nature to him

✦ but if you ever point out how close he pays attention to you or any of the things he does for you he'll brush it off coolly with some excuse - "i'm only giving you the bigger piece because i'm not that hungry okay?" - even though you know far better

✦ this is because, despite how cool he might seem on the surface, he's not the most forward type, and things like pda or straightforward confessions make him flustered !!!

✦ like the few times he's grabbed your hand in public when you're walking together he physically cannot look at you while he does because he knows how red his face will get - but you can still notice the tips of his pale ears blushing pink

✦ whenever you're alone though he will go to absolutely any lengths to get you back for it and has a special talent of knowing just where to kiss you or what to whisper in your ear to get to you

✦ sometimes he tries reciting old cheesy romantic lines but he gets too shy or embarrassed to finish them

✦ like if you watch a romcom with him he'll be all sulky talking about how unrealistic it is and how corny the dialogue is, but give it a couple days and you'll notice him trying to act smooth like the main man

✦ also the kind of boyfriend who finds joy in teasing you lightly

✦ always saying things like "what would you do without me?" or "aren't you so lucky to have such a good boyfriend?" jokingly whenever he helps you out

✦ but if you were to ever try to get him back by saying something like "oh but you're so in love with me aren't you?" he'll just respond back slyly with "and what if i am?" or something and watch with a smirk as you take in his suddenly shameless words

✦ he's said it himself but he's really protective and possessive type (thinking about his reaction to the viral perilla leaf debate)

✦ though he's careful never to blame you for anything - because he isn't insecure about your relationship or how you feel, he's more worried about others having their eye on you

✦ really patient - definitely the kind of boyfriend who lets you do whatever you want like squish his face or bite his arm without even acknowledging it

✦ though he also definitely tests your patience once he gets comfortable enough and once he knows he can be weird around you - like he really is the loudest introvert if you give him the opportunity !!