The POTScast

Dr. Melanie Hoppers has a unique perspective on POTS - she learned of it when her daughter became ill and now dedicates her medical career to patients with POTS, ME/CFS, MCAS and long COVID. Join us for this fascinating healthcare system episode from the patient and physician perspective. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast138 If you liked this episode,...

Dr. Noah Greenspan returns to the show to update us on long COVID patients. He also discusses recovery strategies for COVID, prevention of long COVID, and oxygen therapies that seem helpful anecdotally. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast137 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us...

Hannah fell after getting a vaccination, and this caused significant brain trauma. As a result, she developed both POTS and SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion). Despite this injury and dealing with ongoing health issues, she remains optimistic and lives each day to its fullest. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast136 Please c...

Dr. Weinstock, a gastroenterologist who is a leading expert on MCAS, discusses mast cells in the context of the GI tract. Bloating, gas, SIBO, SIFO, and IBS are all discussed in this episode. In addition, he shares how he prescribes LDN for his patients. There is a ton of great information in this episode for patients and practitioners alike! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  htt...

Jesse's journey through POTS was a little different. She was diagnosed fairly quickly, but it took years for her to find a doctor who gave her proper treatment. Her life is so much better today - a supportive partner, hobbies for the good and bad days, and a really optimistic attitude. Her story is inspiring! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast134 Pleas...

Dr. Plotnikoff practices holistic medicine, and thinks deeply about the role of healthcare for patients. He shares his views on honoring patients, considering alternative explanations, and the foundations necessary for good health in this episode. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast133 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episod...

Katie developed POTS as a teen, and controlled it well enough to work as a respiratory therapist. A bout with COVID kicked her POTS to an entirely new level that she struggles to control. She has a unique perspective on how the healthcare system has changed with respect to POTS over time. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast132 Please click the "subscrib...

Sofie is a delightful, articulate teen who is conducting a research project on the emotional intelligence of women with POTS. As you might guess, her early results show that it is off the charts! Join Sofie for an explanation about how the two might be connected. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast131 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don'...

Join our own Jill Brook to think about 10 strategies to help you build your willpower for healthy eating and other healthy habits. Willpower can be learned with practice, so don't worry if it doesn't come naturally to you. Filled with humor and great information, this episode is a must listen! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast130 Please click the "sub...

Dr. Afrin, a world expert in all things mast cell, talks in depth about issues with the first MCAS "consensus" statement and the need for a second MCAS consensus statement so that patients can be treated even if their lab tests don't show an elevation of tryptase levels. This opens the diagnostic door to many additional patients so that they can get the treatment that they need. You can read the t...

Belle first realized that something was wrong at 16. Living in Greece didn't help, but upon return to Canada she started to find some answers. Her goal? Walk across her high school graduate stage. Find out how she was able to accomplish that while battling POTS. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast128 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't...

Dr. Fedorowski is one of the top POTS researchers in the world. This episode discusses plasma proteins that are different in POTS patients vs. controls. What might this mean? What is his new POTS symptom instrument? It's a great episode with a top POTS doc! Link to the article discussed in this episode: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-24729-x You can read the transcript for this episode...

Jonathan shares his experience as a nurse who has been doing home infusions for patients needing IVIG. He talks about the highs and lows of his job with humor. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast126 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you! If you li...

Dr. Alls suffered a traumatic brain injury, had her heart stop, and developed POTS as a teenager. She speaks eloquently about her life experiences and how they have shaped her into the person she is today. This is a must listen episode! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast125 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The PO...

Kate Morgan and her team just published a paper studying pregnancy in women with POTS. She found that having a baby is safe, as is taking certain medications during the pregnancy. If you have POTS and are considering getting pregnant, this is a must listen episode! Paper being discussed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9795856/ You can read the transcript for this episode here: https:...

Registration is currently open for a clinical trial on post-COVID POTS investigating a new medication that might deplete autoantibodies and decrease POTS symptoms. This is an exciting development for the entire POTS community, as this attention to POTS may lead to a more effective treatment for many people currently living with the disorder. If you are at least 18, had PCR confirmed COVID and then...

You can take this IRB approved survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrkhyR4cRW9DEB8O4Pvbs9kWuQIlCtZ3gs31J6E55tMoquxg/viewform   Requirements: You must be 18, have a chronic illness like POTS, and listen to The POTScast or another chronic illness podcast. Time commitment: Approximately 15 minutes   Kate Pederson and Dr. Melanie Finney are researchers at DePauw University and are int...

Dr. Dempsey shares her experience in both diagnosing and treating people with MCAS. She always looks for POTS and orthostatic symptoms during diagnosis, as these are often comorbid disorders. Antihistamines and other major medications commonly used to treat MCAS are also discussed. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast122 Please click the "subscribe" butt...

Despite POTS, Shelby is a vivacious mom of two small children who is still on her POTS journey. IV fluids help, as does compression and staying hydrated. Listen to this wonderful interview! Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you! If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our...

Jill Brook explores 10 tips to prevent the onset of autoimmune disease or decrease its symptoms through changes in your diet. These practical suggestions can be tried easily at home to see if a certain food type triggers your symptoms. A must listen! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast120 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an epi...

Many with severe POTS consider getting a service dog. What's involved? How is the dog trained? What benefits does a service dog provide? Answers to these questions and more in this episode! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast119 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other p...

Paula's youngest child developed POTS as a young teen, and shares the impact that the illness has had on LJ and the entire family. A truly honest and inspirational interview! Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also helps us reach other people just like you! If you liked this episode, we hope you will help to support our production cos...

What event triggered your POTS? Infection? Concussion? Pregnancy? Learn about these and more in this episode. The more scientists understand this physiology, hopefully the faster we will get effective treatments. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast117 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an episode of The POTScast. Subscribing also...

Alexis modified her own experience with dysautonomia in her book for middle schoolers, "Compass Points the Way." She articulates in this book what most adolescents can't - what it feels like to have POTS during a difficult developmental period. A must read for families wanting to better understand the struggles of growing up with POTS. You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://ti...

Dr. Dempsey is helping us to launch a new series within the POTScast focusing on all things mast cells. These cells are an important part of the immune system and are found throughout the body. Learn more about what happens with these cells malfunction! You can read the transcript for this episode here:  https://tinyurl.com/potscast115 Please click the "subscribe" button so that you don't miss an...