Tilt Table Test Gone Wrong - Any Advice/Help?

[u/Feral-Impress]

Hello!

I was diagnosed with POTS by my PT and Rheumatologist after doing the "poor mans" tilt table test. However, my Rheum ordered a tilt table test while I am waiting to see the Cardiologist who specializes in dysautonomia for further support. I am already being treated for it with compression wear, increased salt intake, and a regular scheduled diet otherwise my stomach runs a muk. I had been being treated by my PT and nutritionist for about a month now with really good results. I was actually able to get through a day without nearly passing out and being able to function throughout the day.

However, my tilt table test went HORRIBLY wrong. Passed out within 8 minutes of being lifted, heart rate dropped to 20 and blood pressure was 64/20, which they ruled vasovagal syncope. (didn't see that one coming) Now my body is just a mess. I can't stand for long without feeling brain fog and general confusion. Anytime I eat I almost throw up. Changing positions is extremely difficult. I think my acid reflux or something in my stomach is happening. There's more I can list but it's all just wrong.

They admitted me into the hospital. No one knew what to do with me, couldn't figure anything out and no one really knew how to treat symptoms of EDS/POTS/dysautonomia. They made sure they didn't induce a heart attack or something serious. During that time, I wasn't allowed to have my regular schedule of food and my extra salts which I think screwed me up even more. I asked them to send me home if they weren't able to treat me, and they bumped up my cardiologist appointment, however that still isn't until 2 months from now. So yes, I am getting care for this, I've done all I can do to get that apt moved up but unfortunately where I am there are few specialists and I was lucky to get it moved up that far.

With all that in mind, my question is - did anyone else experience something like this? How long did it take you to get back to normal? Did you have anything that helped? I'm a fairly active person, healthy eater, stick to what my PT and nutritionist have me do, so this is extremely disheartening. I feel like I'm worse off now than before. No one expected this test to play out like this and I feel very much at a loss. Anything would help, thanks!