After my cardiologist confirmed I had POTS, he immediately prescribed salt tablets for me. I began taking 4 grams per day to increase my blood volume and thirst.
I was also given a prescription for exercise. I was to begin using a recumbent bike without resistance at a low RPM to slowly increase tolerance to exertion and changes in body temperature.
The immediate difference I saw was an increase in energy! I was also able to stand longer and move around without tiring so quickly.
I have read of people who have to take up to 8 grams of salt a day. I'm glad I have never had to take that much. I found out early on that salt tablets are hard on the stomach. I learned quickly to take them in the middle of a meal and not before or after. The salt needs to be sandwiched by food to prevent irritation the the lining of the stomach. I found myself standing in front of the toilet ready to vomit a few too many times for my liking. Lots of fluid helps dilute the salt faster, too. Just taking the pill with a glass of water didn't cut it for me, either. Milk works, but not water.
If you happen to take salt tablets and have a hard time keeping them down, try taking them in the middle of a meal or with a big glass of milk to help your stomach out.
I currently take only 3 tablets a day now, as I don't eat a 4th meal and would rather not risk vomiting. I have been doing fine on 3 tablets and my doctor doesn't have a problem with it either, given my incredible progress.
So, how did salt tablets save me, exactly? Without a doubt, salt tablets helped me get up and get moving. Being able to move let me exercise. Exercising built muscle and sort of "Reset" my autonomic nervous system so I could tolerate changes again.
At the time of this writing, I am more than 2 years post-diagnosis and have been told by my doctor that he considers me fully rehabilitated from POTS! Praise God!
My recovery began with salt.
~Amanda
I was also given a prescription for exercise. I was to begin using a recumbent bike without resistance at a low RPM to slowly increase tolerance to exertion and changes in body temperature.
The immediate difference I saw was an increase in energy! I was also able to stand longer and move around without tiring so quickly.
I have read of people who have to take up to 8 grams of salt a day. I'm glad I have never had to take that much. I found out early on that salt tablets are hard on the stomach. I learned quickly to take them in the middle of a meal and not before or after. The salt needs to be sandwiched by food to prevent irritation the the lining of the stomach. I found myself standing in front of the toilet ready to vomit a few too many times for my liking. Lots of fluid helps dilute the salt faster, too. Just taking the pill with a glass of water didn't cut it for me, either. Milk works, but not water.
If you happen to take salt tablets and have a hard time keeping them down, try taking them in the middle of a meal or with a big glass of milk to help your stomach out.
I currently take only 3 tablets a day now, as I don't eat a 4th meal and would rather not risk vomiting. I have been doing fine on 3 tablets and my doctor doesn't have a problem with it either, given my incredible progress.
So, how did salt tablets save me, exactly? Without a doubt, salt tablets helped me get up and get moving. Being able to move let me exercise. Exercising built muscle and sort of "Reset" my autonomic nervous system so I could tolerate changes again.
At the time of this writing, I am more than 2 years post-diagnosis and have been told by my doctor that he considers me fully rehabilitated from POTS! Praise God!
My recovery began with salt.
~Amanda
No comments:
Post a Comment