LC and compromised stress hormones
I’m now 6+ years into Long Covid with disabilitating symptoms never improving: high BP at rest but with ‘postural hypotension, not Pots’ , diagnosed with tilt table test. I cannot stand hardly stand, or walk, for more than a few minutes before I become breathless and feel like a giant magnet is drawing all my energy from my shoulders/ upper arms and have to sit or lie down immediately else I will pass out completely. This feeling can also be accompanied by diarrhoea and on one occasion vomiting. I’m in the Uk and medics tend to be very specialised: cardiologists have declared there is nothing wrong ( ecgs, echocardiogram etc ok), similarly respiratory consultant sees nothing wrong with lungs. But for much of the 6 years I was left on 4-5 simultaneous antihypertensives; I had done all the Pots- type tips ( compression garments, hydration, no caffeine etc etc), even swim 4-5 times a week the last 3 years…but no improvement. But now got to see a specialist in a ‘Renal and hypertension’ dept.who suspects the stress hormones are ‘out’ and getting more unusual tests and CT scans. With the exception of loosing weight I seem to match many of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency… the lack of weight loss actually has surprised me as I don’t eat much as LC meant loss of smell and about 3 years felt more obliged to eat when I was not hungry ( even so fast 16 hours daily). Anyone with LC had similar problems, diagnosed adrenal insuffiency, and have you had treatment? I have seen lots of y.ounger ( I’m 72) American dysautonomia sufferers refer to HyperPots, but many seem to benefit from the ‘tips’ above and get a PIP ( pill in pocket) or HR pill that have done nothing for me. Love to hear from others, incidentally the new consultant is throwing everything at my problems, but he doesn’t like my DIY research and wouldn’t explain the route he is exploring!
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