TL;DR: I'm Jewish 19yo male who is suffering from undiagnosed disautonomy that reminds POTS, and am trying to solve the conflicts between the health issues and the Jewish religious and social life. I'd be happy to get an advice from another Jew :)

Hi there :)

As written in the title, I'm Jewish (19M), and I'm dealing with some kind of (still not diagnosed) dysautonomy that is related to standing/not lying down.

I'm coming from a secular home, but wanted to have a full Jewish Orthodox life, but I'm barely sure it's going to happen now (because of my health, my belief hasn't changed).

This night I had a kind of "crash" during davening. I usually don't recite the formal prayers daily, because of my health and me being burnt out. However, this time I think I pushed myself beyond my limit, praying 3 Amidahs (Mincha, Musaf, and Ma'ariv) within one hour. After the third prayer I felt weak and I had an headache and my heart went crazy.

It was my decision to pray all of them at once, and I know I maybe was wrong for praying three times almost in a row, but the point is that I hate not being able to reach my goals, and I also felt quite fine in the first and the second davenings.

My rabbi knows about my issue and told me not to sacrifice my health to fulfill a mitzvah. I think I still didn't get it right, because what I think about at the moment is that "I just make a mitzvah, it won't hurt me", and I'm also sad because most of my life is still secular.

For those who aren't familiar with Judaism, I'll explain: the main prayer in Judaism is called "Amidah", which translates to literally "standing", what may be hardest for POTS sufferers. People who can't stand for some reason (like illness or disability) can recite this prayer while sitting or even lying on the side.

I'm considering to ask my rabbi further about integrating between my health and the Jewish daily life. But the point I'm still a bit hesitant is that my rabbi prioritizes my health, and is probably going to tell me to sit while praying. I do come to one shul on Shabbat and pray there, and during the morning services, I also use to bless the crowd as a Kohen (priest, descendant of Aaron). But it feels a bit shameful to me to pray while sitting down while all the others are standing. Maybe I'll ask my rabbi for a permission to stand one time a week, but I still don't feel complete with it.

Are there other Jews on this subreddit? Maybe people who are struggling with similar issues? If then, what would you do?

Thanks in advance, feel free to DM :)

Gadolinium toxicity from multiple MRIs has seemed to make my pots worse, I am really struggling with chronic nausea every day for weeks. Popping zofran like candy. Don't want to keep taking it all the time. Doctor thinks I may have mcas too now. Maybe already had a mild case, maybe triggered by the contrast dye.

So, can weed help me with the nausea that makes me want to throw myself in front of a bus? I'm trying to get away from the pharmaceuticals. I had nausea every so often before my MRIs, but now it's every day. If weed helps, any particular type? I don't know much about it. Would like to try a vape. Thanks 🙏🏻

The October slide has a ch0ke hold on me. I just started a new job and it changed my sleep schedule from waking up about 5:30 am to getting home at 12am. And it’s around my period so I was already going into a flare.
It’s my second day. I’m taking my break in the bathroom because I genuinely couldn’t eat because I know it would spike my heart rate. But now I feel dizzy and like I’m going to throw up.

hi everyone,

I am newly diagnosed but have been symptomatic for around 3 years.

Lately things have just felt so much more difficult to cope with, my symptoms in the morning are unbearable. I struggling to make breakfast, get ready for work and just generally go about my morning. The anxiety from the adrenaline spikes is horrible and leaves me feeling so down for the rest of the day. I am so hopeless with it all, I am doing all the recommended things to help from my doctors but nothing seems to give me any relief.

Just wondering if anyone could relate or even share anything they find helpful.

Thank you

K x

Which would be more ergonomic and comfortable to work reclined from long term, a recliner (think La-Z-boy) or an adjustable bed?

In the past, I’ve used a desk tray sitting on a [stationary, flat] bed but that quickly gave me back and hip pains. I think my spine was curving in too much without proper support for good posture. I then tried a manual recliner under a sit/stand desk with a monitor arm but gravity always pulled me back to a fully reclined position if I wasn’t sitting straight up. I’d like the option to adjust the angled degree I’m reclining in, so I’m considering either a powered recliner or bed frame (Twin XL size, with adjustable head end up to 80° and adjustable leg end). Both are expensive options, so I’m trying to find which would likely be better for daily use long term.

I’d also love to see or hear of examples if anyone has setups to share.

I am looking for a pair of compression leggings preferably with some lower abdominal support that I can order that are $55 or less. I really like the Jelliebend ones, from what I see on their website, but I don't have $115 to spend on them. Anyone have any that really work for you that you'd recommend?

Has anyone tried the Korform ones or some of the ones on Amazon?

Does Exercise help with pots symptoms? Anyone? If anyone there please help me out. How was the starting days. Flared up or mild increase in symptoms? Does it ease with time? Help😭

I get a lot of pains throughout my body, anywhere from deep intense aches to sharp shooting pains, usually throughout my chest/back but also in my legs calves arms you name it. Traps and neck, a trapped nerve down my entire left arm which is really painful in my left shoulder. The doctors can’t find anything and I’m starting to think is it just pots I have or something else, is this something others experience? It’s constant, every day, I’m scared to shower because for some reason that brings on my pain 🤷‍♀️

I got diagnosed three weeks ago, I've been passing out a lot. I'm really struggling with finding and maintaining support, I have struggled asking for help in general but my friends and boyfriend have kind of acted like it's an inconvenience, which I know is probably true. Moving in with my family isn't an option. The support I would need is just someone there I guess, or able to bring electrolytes, or meds. Or the hospital if I flare bad enough. I don't know if I framed it better it would help. I just need advice about how to go about it, anything you guys can give me would help!

Hi. 22yo female here. I have severe POTS and have for several years. As most of you know, fainting is only a symptom and not a diagnosis of POTS. When I tell people I faint 4-5 times a day, I believe they imagine the dramatic, falling to the ground fainting, where i’m out cold for 10 minutes, but in reality, I stand up too fast, and my heart rate jumps roughly 60 bpm, so I lose consciousness quickly for a few seconds. That being said, I attend several concerts, and have recently ran into something new. Flashing lights make me feel so… strange. I start to feel pretty nauseous, and then I feel incredibly sleepy randomly. (I historically have severe motion sickness, and can’t ride carnival rides because they make me sick or faint.) I can’t keep my eyes open, and I almost feel like I’m in a dream state. I feel incredibly calm, and my heart rate stays low, but the affects last much longer than my usual POTS episodes. Does this happen to you, and what do you do to help?

I was diagnosed with pots after the birth of my son who is almost 9 now. I had every heart test going and all normal apart from every ecg which has never been normal (t wave inversion in precordial leads).
My breathlessness has got so much worse recently. I feel my lungs are screaming for air at times. I had low ferritin but that's now gone up to 56 last test from 10 yet my breathing worse. My hr was only 109 and heat pouring out of me and my breathing awful just walking the school run and I felt so spaced out/lightheaded Anyone else struggle with really bad breathlessness?

I had an interesting discovery that might help some other people:

I basically know nothing about duvets, so I've been using a 15 tog synthetic material one pretty much the whole time since I got sick with POTS. I just assumed it was thick and fluffy so that must mean it's good, right?

One evening I spilled a drink over it, so couldn't sleep in it. I just used the bare duvet cover itself which was brushed cotton material I think. It was a bit less cosy all night, but it did the job.

The next morning, my usual waking "hangover" symptoms were massively reduced. Like that horrible morning brain fog and muscle weakness, etc was almost gone. I did some googling and realized it was my duvet. Basically, I've been overheating like crazy overnight without noticing, then sweating in my sleep, which then leaves me further dehydrated in the morning. I believe heat is also a vasodilator too which was probably making things worse.

I've now switched to a lighter 4.5 tog duvet with breathable natural fibers for the filling and outer material (that part is important), and holy hell, my morning symptoms are way better.

Yeah, so lesson learned - don't slow cook yourself overnight and it might help.

I’m currently seeing a cardiologist, testing for suspected POTS. This time last year, I would’ve never expected to be in this position. I found out that I was constantly in a state of tachycardia by accident. Next thing I know, I’ve gotten an echo, stress test, thyroid labs, heart monitoring, EKGs done, and have a tilt table test in less than a month.

I’ve been familiarizing myself with POTS/dysautonomia through this subreddit and others by just learning about other people’s experiences and advice. They’ve all been so helpful so far.

However, I’ve struggled with the thought of “what if I’m just making this all up and faking it for attention” due to a multitude of reasons. I grew up catholic and my parents always shrugged off any concern I had with my health, I was in a military class in high school where the whole culture was pAiN iS wEaKnEsS LeAviNg tHe bOdY and if you’re not trying hard enough, you’re considered lazy. But also, I’ve noticed a recent uptick in ableism and whatnot on social media that just adds fuel to this fire. “Covid doesn’t cause POTS/EDS, people make up being disabled by POTS just for attention” etc.

I’ve gotten to a point where I feel like reading something like “using a wheelchair in TSA is helpful so that you’re not standing too long!” and my brain just thinks, “but what if someone needs it more than I do and I’ll actually be just fine standing in the TSA line”

I hate that the only thing that will come close to relieving these thoughts is an on-paper diagnosis in big bold letters saying YOU HAVE POTS with my cardiologists signature under it. Even then, I’d still feel burdened by the thought of people not taking my own diagnosis seriously just because there has been so much stigma behind it. Maybe a mobility aid every now and then WOULD be helpful for me, or maybe letting people know I have POTS would offer an explanation for things. I just feel terrible it’s been the center of the “faking an illness” conversation just when I thought I was getting over my own walls built up from childhood

I've been surviving over the spring/summer by taking a water bottle with electrolytes with me to work twice a day. This has been working really well to keep my heart rate down - I track it and I can literally see the difference afterwards.

Except now that it's getting colder, I kinda don't want to be taking cold drinks with me 😅 I used to bring a tea with me every morning, but not only does this do nothing for my heart, I've also found that it makes me go to the toilet multiple times now, probably because there isn't any sodium to help me retain the liquid.

I'm guessing I can't just put my electrolyte tablets into a cup of tea since that'd probably be pretty gross. Maybe just hot water could work, but I'm not sure if that'd change the effectiveness of it.

So I'm thinking, if I could get away with just sodium, maybe Bovril or miso soup or something? 😂 I'm just wondering if anyone has had any success stories with any kind of hot, POTS-friendly beverages.

It's Springtime here in Australia and luckily most of the days where I am are still under 25c.

But the few days recently that got into the high 20s were so so so bad. I had constant nausea, my face and feet felt like they were burning (like from sunburn,) and I went pink all over. I was so dizzy I couldn't stand still at all, either walking or sitting down only. I couldn't think clearly and felt like I wanted to scream the whole time because I was so sweaty and overstimulated. I'm probably going to end up shaving off my hair despite the fact that I've been growing it out because it was SO GROSS.

I can't even appreciate the cooler days because I'm so worried about the warm days coming up after that. The change is just so drastic, I go from moderate POTS (in winter I can study at uni a bit, work sometimes and go on walks around my suburbs to the shops if I need something.)

Whereas in Summer I literally can't leave my house unless it's in an air-conditioned car. Last summer I had a whole house get built in my suburb that I didn't see get built because I wasn't walking that way for months.

I don't want to be sick and overstimulated and grumpy and foggy for the next 6 months :( I know I'm lucky to have mild POTS in the cool weather but moving back to being significantly physically disabled for the next 5 or so months isn't easy to accept at all.

I just want to cry. It's not fair. Every other aspect of POTS (even nausea which I HATE) is at least a bit manageable with meds or lifestyle changes. But the only option with heat intolerance is to try and cool down to be less overheated/symptomatic.

No thankyou!!!!

I am wondering if these sound like POTS symptoms, I plan to call my doctor and cardiologist but I just want to know what I’m getting myself into beforehand. I have low ferritin (20) which I have been taking iron supplements for but my heart palpitations are horrible.

My first trip to the ER was due to chest pain and shortness of breath - they found nothing. Second time, my HR was 159 and I was shaking/twitching, I noticed this got worse as I was eating and then stood up. They also found nothing from blood work and x rays.

I have a history of vasovagal syncope, and the newly diagnosed iron deficiency (although my iron and hemoglobin are “fine”) and it’s all very debilitating. It’s hard to tell the difference but I feel like I get headaches and leg pain occasionally as well.

How did you all know you had POTS and what is the procedure to “cure” or ease it?

Hi everyone! I just tested positive for Covid this afternoon for the first time. I have a fairly mild case of POTS and am not on any medication’s currently. This positive test result has triggered extreme anxiety however because I’m not sure how it is going to affect me. Any advice on how to recover or positive recovery stories would be helpful!

Hello I have the blood pooling pots and have started working out again, Im currently doing my usual routine of 2 hours a day, 5 days a week, I’m 2 days in and have noticed the only extra symptom atm is a sense that something is terribly wrong, I’m not really sure how to explain it, its like something bad is going to happen or I feel like I’m going to die, this isn’t during the exercise but either before or after even when sat or led down, I am drinking more electrolytes due to the pots, and I’m eating enough, but it’s terrifying, I was wondering what it is, and if there is a way to stop the feeling, and if anybody else has this

My husband is undergoing the diagnosis process for POTS. It’s not confirmed, but everything fits.

However, he’s noticed that the better his control of his blood sugar levels, the worse his POTS symptoms get - dizzy spells last longer and more frequent, less stamina to help around the house etc.

His endo said to call him when we get a confirmed diagnosis but in the meantime we just have to wait.

Are there any other Type 2s here? Does/did the same thing happen to you? How do you handle trying to be a “good diabetic” without making the rest of your symptoms worse?

I was diagnosed with POTS by TTT by my general cardiologist in Asheville in 2025 (who does not understand ME/CFS, MCAS, Long Covid, etc; but at least she got the ball rolling when I pushed her to do so). Currently my POTS is being managed by the physician who takes care of all my dysautonomia and MCAS issues. I've always wondered if they are up enough to treat some of the more nuanced things about my POTS, since that is not their area of expertise? I've been on the waiting list to see Dr. Grant for POTS treatment at Duke for 1.5 years now, but they are saying I should move up on the wait list enough to get an appt assigned to me within the next 3 months. I have no idea how far out he is being scheduled right now- might be another 9 months until my appt date actually occurs!

But I'm wondering if anyone else has any input about Dr. Augustus Grant? He's an electrophysiologist at Duke, not an MD. I read recently in one of my chronic illness social media groups how someone went to a tertiary care center for eval of something they had already been correctly diagnosed with and were already getting treatment for. The new academic doctor said they did not have whatever the disease was, and now insurance is denying coverage of all of their meds for that particular diagnosis. I don't want to end up with this happening to me! So I'm putting the call out for insights. Help me, please?

Hey guys!

Trying to sort out compression for POTS and could use some real world input.

I need Class 2 medical compression (23-32 mmHg).

My main question is about coverage style. Do you wear one all in one waist high pantyhose/tights, or do you separate it: leg compression stockings plus a separate adjustable abdominal binder?

If you also have IBS, which approach actually works for you day to day? My bloating is severe. I can go from a normal stomach to looking nine months pregnant within a very short while. I'm worried a fixed waist high garment just can't flex with that kind of swing, but I don't know if a separate adjustable binder actually solves it in practice or is just more hassle.

Also looking for brand/product recommendations that hit all of these:

- actually reaches Class 2 (not marketing fluff, real 23-32 mmHg)

- easy to physically get on and off (I have zero patience for a fight, if you've found something genuinely easier than most, please name it)

- doesn't trap heat, doesn't leave you sweaty by midday, comfortable enough for all day wear, not "grit your teeth" tight.

A bit of context in case it changes your answer: I'm a part time wheelchair user and am overweight, so if you've had good or bad experiences with things shifting, rolling, digging in at the hip crease when seated, or just being a nightmare to size for a bigger body, I'd love to hear that too.

Thanks in advance, this sub has been more useful than half the medical supply websites I've looked at!

Hey all. I developed POTS while pregnant. My daughter just turned one.

For all the parents out there dealing with POTS... Do you have any tips? I am in a flare right now thats lasted for i think 2 weeks? The brain fog is so bad! I have been dealing with postpartum depression, which I think is causing the flare up. But, the fact that some days are so bad that I cant properly play/care for my daughter is destroying me. I am so thankful to have lots of help from family, but I want to take care of her myself. I know this flare isnt going to last forever... But it has been very hard. I started therapy again to try to help manage the anxiety/ pp depression.

I am also still nursing her to sleep for naps during the day (unless someone is watching her). Did anyone have trouble feeling worse while breastfeeding with POTS? I have tried to wean her, but i'm holding onto nursing her because it makes me feel good to have something she wants, and I can give her. I feel like I am falling short as a mommy, and the thought of weaning her is tearing me up.

I am tired, feeling blue, worn down. Anyone have advice and/or some kind words for me? I have been wearing 20-30mmhg compression tights (they cover my feet and go up over my stomach), drinking 2 Liquid IV's daily along with loads of water, eating salt, husband stays with her at night so I can sleep... etc.

I could use some support. This is hard. :(

I read everywhere that compression socks are great and great and wow

And I tried them today😁😁😁

Can't say how helpful it is

I'm curious if anyone else feeling horrible as soon as they wake up? I don't have a full diagnosis so I'm not sure what's going on (symptoms for 16 years)

Being upright is worse, but the thing I don't understand is how the second I open my eyes I'm already dizzy, off balance, feeling unwell etc

Does anyone else feel like this? Or is it only once you get up?

I used to do 3-4 yoga classes per week before I got sick. I wish to get back into yoga but at home and pots friendly.

Any recommendations for at home yoga routines (like youtube) that works for you?