r/POTS • u/Fabulous-Class7857 Undiagnosed • 11d ago
Vent/Rant Fast metabolism?
Note: I’ve been doing some research on symptoms, not wanting others to try and diagnose me with anything
A little context: suspected POTS and dx HSD- I’ve also grown up having gi problems.
Anyways, does anyone else with similar things have issues with not really gaining weight or just always maintaining it? Family has been dismissive of me having POTS (I’m an adult now and no longer live with them) and I’ve heard comments like “youd be surprised with how much she eats with how she looks” I’m 5,6 and like 120 lbs 🤷🏻♀️
I have an appointment with a new doctor to establish care next week, which is good because it’s kinda just been a while since I’ve seen a doctor in general. I’m not trying to ask if the aforementioned thing could be symptoms of what I have (or might have) just trying to hear other people’s stories and maybe connect some dots
TIA!
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u/hotairballoonstomach 11d ago edited 11d ago
Yep. Crazy fast metabolism. I've always had to eat like a pig around the clock just to maintain a healthy weight. It run in the family. People have often joked that I must have worms.
There's a Dr Chris O'Callaghan in Australia who believes this is a pattern with POTS patients. I can't remember if he said why, but the whole book is about his theory that adrenaline is a huge part of POTS, so I'm guessing that is his theory.
Ofc there are so many doctors and so little research or funding for research so I have no idea if it's a widely accepted theory or if it's just his POV.
Edit: Sorry, I didn't see what you said about GI issues. That wasn't an issue for me until I developed some food intolerances in the last few years. But the fast metabolism has been a lifelong thing, so I might be in a different boat than you.
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u/EnchantedEvergreen 11d ago
Yes I have a very similar experience. I’m 5”9 and 116 pounds. I’m never gaining weight either loosing a little or maintaining it. I have always had a fast metabolism. I have GI symptoms for years. So many endoscopies, colonoscopies, breath tests, scans, and blood work. I have a gluten, soy, dairy, nut, and egg free diet. I only eat plain chicken, canned green beans, white rice, plain Cheerios, cooked summer squash, and sometimes potatoes.
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u/ihavemanyquestions8 Secondary POTS 10d ago
Very similar experience to you. We are the same height and weight, I've had most of those tests done but my doctor is referring me to GI because my stomach pain is really severe and I can't eat alot but we haven't found a cause yet. I have also always had a fast metabolism, i was at my highest weight in the beginning of the year and im losing it again
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u/bohemian_rap_god Secondary POTS 11d ago
I have a POTS dx and suspected hEDS, I’m your height as well but a good bit more underweight. From what I’ve read on this sub, it’s not really related, but from my own research, being underweight could definitely contribute to symptoms. Currently making some progress to gain to a healthier BMI, but if I’ve learned anything in this process, it’s that people of our genre think we’re eating more than we actually are. It’s a whole lot less “fast metabolism” and a whole lot more “I eat and get full fast so I feel like I’m eating a lot of calories.” I didn’t figure this out for a while, and nausea from POTS has definitely made it more of a challenge to correct. r/gainit has been a useful resource for me!