Latest news with #PoTS
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. government plans to cut payments for long-COVID clinics, leaving patients in the lurch
A virtual clinic that treats patients for long COVID and other chronic conditions is warning that it may have to partially shut down if the province goes ahead with changes on Sept. 1 that would limit the number of patients who can take part in online group appointments. The B.C. Centre for Long COVID, ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia, run by internal medicine specialists doctors Ric Arseneau and R. Jane McKay, treats 5,000 patients for a variety of chronic diseases, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, which causes extreme fatigue, and PoTS, a heart rate condition. After each patient goes through an initial one-on-one consultation, followup appointments can take the form of a virtual group medical visit of up to 12 patients, where either Arseneau or McKay take at least one to two questions per patient, or a group medication visit of up to 50 patients, which allows for presentations on different medications and then takes questions from patients. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Following the larger group sessions, patients can request prescriptions by email, which are then reviewed by one of the two physicians, according to the clinic's website. But in a June 27 letter to patients, Arseneau stated that he may have to 'abandon our clinic model' starting Sept. 1, due to upcoming changes to B.C.'s medical services plan that would limit to 20 the number of patients per group medical visit that the clinic could charge for. The letter said the changes could shift the burden for these patients' care back on to the primary health-care system and raise overall costs for the system. It also said there are few other specialized facilities capable of treating these chronic conditions and the ones that do exist already have long waiting lists. 'The result is that we will need to abandon our group-based clinic model. MSP's unwillingness to discuss the fate of our already underserviced patients results in our moving forward with a plan we were hoping to avoid,' the letter said. 'We will need to return most of your care to your primary care provider (if you have one). We will no longer be able to prescribe and provide prescription renewals through group medication visits.' In a statement, the Health Ministry said the province is tightening the rules around group telehealth appointments to ensure patients are getting one-on-one attention from a physician. During COVID-19, the limits on the number of people that could be packed into each appointment had been raised due to the inability for doctors to see patients in-person. 'Following the pandemic, the Ministry of Health and Doctors of B.C. established a collaborative virtual care working group to evaluate and recommend permanent updates to virtual care delivery. The ministry has recently begun implementing some of the approved rule changes related to group medical visits,' the statement said. 'These changes were developed in consultation and agreement with the Doctors of B.C. to ensure that requirements of group medical visits are adhered to, including the requirement for a one-to-one interaction between the physician and the patient.' According to the Medical Services Plan's payment schedule, a doctor can currently charge $7.32 a person for a half-hour telehealth group medical visit, meaning the total cost to the province for a half-hour appointment with 50 patients would be $366. An hour-long appointment would cost $732. The clinic declined an interview request. A spokesperson said they still plan to appeal to the province. Several patients, however, are speaking out to express their concerns that the clinic could reduce its services or even close. 'It is going to leave these people without the care they need,' said Devon Hall, a Victoria resident who has been struggling with long COVID for 18 months. 'We're not able to access prescriptions through a group clinic model any more, which is going to put a burden back on primary health-care providers. I now have to wait two months to be able to get in with my nurse practitioner.' Lorraine Graves, a longtime science journalist based in Richmond, who has been struggling with long COVID since March 2020, said clinics like Arseneau's are some of the only supports people struggling with the disease have left as the world has largely moved on from the pandemic. As of June 2023, the federal government estimated that 2.1 million Canadians were still struggling with long-COVID symptoms and yet, said Graves, there is little in the way of specialized treatment. 'We need individualized care. We need access to larger group sessions. We need doctors who believe us. Most doctors don't believe in long COVID, and that's so disappointing,' said Graves, who also said there is no reason why patients can't successfully be treated or informed by doctors in larger group settings. 'I think 20 is a little small, because if the government thinks we can learn in classes of 300 in Psych 101, why can we not learn in a large class from the best there are, like Arseneau and his partner and all the other people spread across Canada?' Richmond resident Krista Greene said she had chronic health issues for 20 years that went undiagnosed until she met Arseneau. He promptly diagnosed her with both fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis, she said. She says he is one of the only doctors she has met who actually understands these conditions, which is why so many of his patients are concerned about the possible reduction of services at the clinic. 'Everybody is desperate and panicking because these conditions are so easy to mistreat and misdiagnose,' said Greene. 'Some patients are so ill they're bed-bound … And often when patients get bed-bound, they end up dying. But this guy knows what's happening, and he can help and see how bed-bound patients are still able to have a good quality of life.' She believes the group appointments have allowed him to expand the number of people he sees to 5,000, while also bringing in specialists for webinars to further inform patients about their options. Dr. Don Sin, director of the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, said he isn't a fan of group medical appointments as they don't allow patients to get individualized care for unique needs. He said long-COVID cases are also unique for each individual, with some having their lungs impacted while others develop brain fog or extreme fatigue. 'I think the traditional one-patient, one-physician model, and, preferably, face-to-face model is the way to go. I think you get the best information for diagnostic purposes, and from a patient perspective, you get individualized care,' said Sin. 'If you have a dental issue, would you like to go and sit in front of a group of people with dental cavities or would you like to see the dentist one-on-one?'
ITV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
'I didn't believe in love at first sight': Student's life transformed with medical assistance dog
By Simon McIntyre and Emma Patterson As we sit in 23-year old Jade's house her condition becomes clear. Her dog starts barking, her heart rate spikes and she's forced to lie down next to her fox red labrador Jules for fear of collapsing. She clips on a fingertip pulse monitor as we nervously watch her heart rate go back to an acceptable level. Jade has Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). A condition when your heart rate increases very quickly often making you feel dizzy or lightheaded. There's currently no cure for it. But Jules is Jade's warning system. The labrador is a medical detection dog. 'He's the warning system I didn't have before,' says Jade. 'Before Jules I was having back-to-back concussions. Since he came he's been 100% accurate and has never incorrectly alerted. I haven't been injured a single time since I've had him. 'Before Jules I would have had to crawl around the house to get around because when my mum was at work because I could have hit my head.' As part of a new season of Dogs With Jobs the team have been meeting dozens of amazing dogs doing extraordinary things across Northern Ireland. Jade's story is unique to this part of the world with her dog Jules being the only Medical Detection Dog in Northern Ireland. 'I didn't believe in love at first sight until I saw Jules. 'He's got so much personality. All the other treatment options failed and I didn't want to imagine a dog not working out as well. I couldn't be without him, even for five minutes.' It's given the third-year veterinary student some confidence back and the hope that her dream career is possible. 'It was so dangerous in practical exams with scalpels and everything. I was told I wouldn't be allowed to go back to university if I didn't have an alert dog. 'I thought the dream of being a vet was completely over. It kind of felt like everything was taken away. But now that Jules is there I feel like anything is possible now. 'I went years without going to shops or cafes or out with my friends but now we can do that together because I know he'll give me the heads up when something is going to go wrong. 'I got into veterinary to help other animals and I never thought an animal would end up helping me so much. So Jules really is a lifesaver for me, and for other animals I might be able to help in the future.' Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Managing PoTS: Tips for Living with the Chronic Illness Affecting Millions
Imagine standing up and your heart suddenly races as if you've sprinted a mile-except you haven't budged. For millions of Americans with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), this dizzying, exhausting reality is their daily norm. Though not fatal, PoTS profoundly disrupts everyday life, causing a spectrum of symptoms-dizziness, near‑fainting, brain fog, palpitations, fatigue, tremors, chest discomfort, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Recent data suggest PoTS is on the rise. "PoTS can be triggered by SARS‑CoV‑2 infection as part of long COVID," said Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo. A 2025 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that nearly 80 percent of long‑COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for PoTS. "Prior to the pandemic, at least 3 to 5 million people had PoTS, which has likely doubled after the pandemic," Blitshteyn told Newsweek. "We still don't know exactly how many Americans currently have PoTS, but it is estimated that millions more Americans are now suffering from this disease," added Dr. Brit Adler, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University. PoTS is described as an abnormality in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, the system controlling breathing, gut function, heart rate, blood pressure and many other bodily functions. It can also be linked to problems like "low blood volume, vascular dysfunction, or other mechanisms," Adler said, adding that those with hypermobility syndromes like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often had the condition as well. PoTS comes as a result of the autonomic nervous system's "adjustment to being upright not functioning properly," Professor Lesley Kavi, the chairperson of the U.K.-based charity organization PoTS UK, told Newsweek. As many basic tasks in the day require postural changes and standing, a person with PoTS is constantly being put under strain as they navigate simple tasks. Symptoms tend to lessen when a patient is horizontal, but it can sometimes take a long time for symptoms to ease off once flared. Things like heat, prolonged standing, dehydration, stress, intensive exercise, viruses, infections, and menstruation can all worsen PoTS symptoms. Kavi said that major surgery, injuries such as concussion, and exposure to a traumatic event can trigger an onset of PoTS, but she added that there isn't enough data and research yet to be able to determine precisely what mechanisms are going wrong within the body. Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at North Carolina's UNC Health, told Newsweek: "Many people may be born with a vulnerability, and then something in the environment - often an infection or injury - triggers the onset of symptoms. It's multifactorial, and the exact blend is different for everyone." Prevalence estimates range widely: the Cleveland Clinic cites 1–3 million U.S. cases, while Dysautonomia International reports 3–6 million. This variability stems largely from under-recognition-most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. Women account for approximately 80 percent of cases in the U.S., according to Dysautonomia International, likely due to hormonal influences and autoimmune predisposition. "This is partly because the X chromosome carries many immune-related genes, and women have two copies, which can lead to more robust, but also more error-prone, immune responses," Spiritos said, "[And] we see anecdotal patterns where estrogen can worsen PoTS symptoms, while testosterone may be protective." Lesley Kavi from PoTS UK said that avoiding symptom triggers can be a good place to start for managing the condition, although this is very individual. For some, this could include avoiding prolonged standing, dehydrating things like the heat, alcohol, and caffeine, she added. Increasing fluid intake is essential, Kavi said, adding an adult with PoTS should aim to drink between two to three liters of water a day, or more if they exercise or are in a hot environment. In order to ensure the water stays in your system, increasing sodium intake is also important, Kavi said. Patients are advised to increase their sodium intake to as much as 10,000-12,000 mg per day, but each patient will respond best to a different amount. Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Typically medical grade compression is required of between 20 to 30 mmHg. "Exercise can be something that helps the most for some people, but the problem with exercise is that it can make others feel really terrible afterwards, even for a day or two," Kavi added. Starting "low and slow" is always the way to go, Kavi said, adding that it was important to get expert input. The best forms of exercise to start with are horizontal, she added, pointing to exercise bikes, Pilates, rowing machines, and swimming. Although, it is always best to get professional support, Blitshteyn said. "While there are no cures, there is treatment to help you improve and function better in your life." It is also important to remember "you're not alone and PoTS is a real, physiologic disorder," Adler said. "Many people go years without a diagnosis and are often told that their symptoms are from anxiety and it is in their head." Spiritos said it's a good idea to educate yourself, as "understanding the condition is empowering," and recommended listening to the POTScast and Bendy Bodies podcasts. "Ultimately, community and knowledge are power, and with the right tools, you can get better," he added. Related Articles What to Eat When You're Living With Long COVIDHow This Simple Routine Could Improve Immune Function Over TimeWoman Struggles With Dangerous Heart Condition-Then Dog Changes EverythingMillennial Woman With Stoma Who Refuses To Stop Wearing a Bikini Applauded 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
11-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Managing PoTS: Tips for Living with the Chronic Illness Affecting Millions
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Imagine standing up and your heart suddenly races as if you've sprinted a mile—except you haven't budged. For millions of Americans with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), this dizzying, exhausting reality is their daily norm. Though not fatal, PoTS profoundly disrupts everyday life, causing a spectrum of symptoms—dizziness, near‑fainting, brain fog, palpitations, fatigue, tremors, chest discomfort, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Recent data suggest PoTS is on the rise. "PoTS can be triggered by SARS‑CoV‑2 infection as part of long COVID," said Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo. A 2025 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that nearly 80 percent of long‑COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for PoTS. "Prior to the pandemic, at least 3 to 5 million people had PoTS, which has likely doubled after the pandemic," Blitshteyn told Newsweek. "We still don't know exactly how many Americans currently have PoTS, but it is estimated that millions more Americans are now suffering from this disease," added Dr. Brit Adler, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University. File photo: a doctor checks a patient's heart rate and blood pressure in a clinic. File photo: a doctor checks a patient's heart rate and blood pressure in a clinic. Klaus Rose/dpa via AP What Is PoTS? PoTS is described as an abnormality in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, the system controlling breathing, gut function, heart rate, blood pressure and many other bodily functions. It can also be linked to problems like "low blood volume, vascular dysfunction, or other mechanisms," Adler said, adding that those with hypermobility syndromes like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often had the condition as well. PoTS comes as a result of the autonomic nervous system's "adjustment to being upright not functioning properly," Professor Lesley Kavi, the chairperson of the U.K.-based charity organization PoTS UK, told Newsweek. As many basic tasks in the day require postural changes and standing, a person with PoTS is constantly being put under strain as they navigate simple tasks. Symptoms tend to lessen when a patient is horizontal, but it can sometimes take a long time for symptoms to ease off once flared. Things like heat, prolonged standing, dehydration, stress, intensive exercise, viruses, infections, and menstruation can all worsen PoTS symptoms. Kavi said that major surgery, injuries such as concussion, and exposure to a traumatic event can trigger an onset of PoTS, but she added that there isn't enough data and research yet to be able to determine precisely what mechanisms are going wrong within the body. Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at North Carolina's UNC Health, told Newsweek: "Many people may be born with a vulnerability, and then something in the environment - often an infection or injury - triggers the onset of symptoms. It's multifactorial, and the exact blend is different for everyone." How Common Is PoTS? Prevalence estimates range widely: the Cleveland Clinic cites 1–3 million U.S. cases, while Dysautonomia International reports 3–6 million. This variability stems largely from under-recognition—most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. Women account for approximately 80 percent of cases in the U.S., according to Dysautonomia International, likely due to hormonal influences and autoimmune predisposition. "This is partly because the X chromosome carries many immune-related genes, and women have two copies, which can lead to more robust, but also more error-prone, immune responses," Spiritos said, "[And] we see anecdotal patterns where estrogen can worsen PoTS symptoms, while testosterone may be protective." What The Experts Recommend For PoTS Patients Lesley Kavi from PoTS UK said that avoiding symptom triggers can be a good place to start for managing the condition, although this is very individual. For some, this could include avoiding prolonged standing, dehydrating things like the heat, alcohol, and caffeine, she added. Increasing fluid intake is essential, Kavi said, adding an adult with PoTS should aim to drink between two to three liters of water a day, or more if they exercise or are in a hot environment. In order to ensure the water stays in your system, increasing sodium intake is also important, Kavi said. Patients are advised to increase their sodium intake to as much as 10,000-12,000 mg per day, but each patient will respond best to a different amount. Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Typically medical grade compression is required of between 20 to 30 mmHg. "Exercise can be something that helps the most for some people, but the problem with exercise is that it can make others feel really terrible afterwards, even for a day or two," Kavi added. Starting "low and slow" is always the way to go, Kavi said, adding that it was important to get expert input. The best forms of exercise to start with are horizontal, she added, pointing to exercise bikes, Pilates, rowing machines, and swimming. Although, it is always best to get professional support, Blitshteyn said. "While there are no cures, there is treatment to help you improve and function better in your life." It is also important to remember "you're not alone and PoTS is a real, physiologic disorder," Adler said. "Many people go years without a diagnosis and are often told that their symptoms are from anxiety and it is in their head." Spiritos said it's a good idea to educate yourself, as "understanding the condition is empowering," and recommended listening to the POTScast and Bendy Bodies podcasts. "Ultimately, community and knowledge are power, and with the right tools, you can get better," he added.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Bridgwater endurance rider completes Lands End bike trial
A 24 year old woman has completed a motorcycle endurance event, ten years after being seriously injured in a rollercoaster incident. Hannah Cant, from Bridgwater, was struck in the back of the head by a piece of metal when she queued for a rollercoaster ride in May 2015, leaving her unable to walk Ms Cant has completed her first ever 243-mile motorbike challenge in 17 hours. "It was "wet, muddy and foggy and very physically demanding," Ms Cant said. After her accident, Ms Cant was diagnosed with 'Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome' (PoTS), an abnormality of the automatic nervous system which has affected the regulation of blood vessels and her heart rate. She wanted to raise money for the PoTS charity, who have helped her to live with the condition and improve her quality of life. Ms Cant has now completed her first ever 'The Lands End Trial', a 24 hour endurance event for people on motorbikes, bikes with side cars and classic cars, that starts in Bridgwater, goes along the Exmoor Coast, and finishes at St Agnes in Cornwall. She set herself an original fundraising target of just over £1,000 but said she "smashed" that and raised more than £2,800 - almost three times the original amount. She added that finishing 'The Lands End Trial' was "amazing" but that riding through the night "wears down your concentration" and she was "shovelling down nuts" after completing each section to keep her protein levels up. Ms Cant rode her 1990s Yamaha TTR 250 off-road bike during the race and said standing up and sitting down was actually better as it meant she was constantly moving around. Her husband James completed the event with her on his own bike, and she said they are both so proud that she got to the end of the course and got her certificate within the required time.
