Treating The Underlying Causes of POTS
The Driscoll Approach™
The Driscoll Approach™ is a total transformation in the evaluation and treatment of POTS.
Here at POTS Care, we are often asked by our patients, “how do I explain my illness to my family and friends?” It is human nature to want to be validated, to want to be understood, and to want to explain to the people in your life that you are struggling with an “invisible illness” that very few people understand. We suggest that, if they must tell people something, they can say that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a type of dysautonomia, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS automatically controls heart rate, blood pressure, gastrointestinal motility, and other automatic functions of the body. A dysfunction with ANS can create symptoms of extreme fatigue, weakness, tachycardia (fast heart rate), and difficulty breathing, which can all be unpredictable.
That’s quite a mouthful and yet does not even scratch the surface of what our patients go through. The amount of suffering caused by the symptoms of POTS is mind-boggling and, very often, compounded when patients are told by their family members, friends, even physicians who are treating them that “it’s all in your head”. This does not happen because people are insensitive or uncaring but because they simply do not understand. At POTS Care all of our physicians and staff members receive specialized training in utilizing The Driscoll Approach™. We understand that POTS is not hypochondria and it is not anxiety. It is real. The symptoms are real.
At POTS Care, it’s personal. Our Clinical Director, Diana Driscoll, Optometrist, was disabled by POTS for 10 years. Both of her children were also affected resulting in her son missing three years of school. Dr. Driscoll has lived through what our patients endure; going to multiple doctors and clinics and spending thousands of dollars only to end up right back where they started with no help, no answers, and still suffering. Because traditional treatment for POTS had failed her and her children, Dr. Driscoll began studying POTS and running clinical trials because she was convinced there were medical causes for their illness. The results of clinical trials performed by Genetic Disease Investigators, LLC have culminated in The Driscoll Approach™, a total transformation in the evaluation and treatment of POTS offered at POTS Care. We still remain at least 15 years ahead of the research in the evaluation and treatment of POTS.
“The results of clinical trials performed by Genetic Disease Investigators, LLC have culminated in The Driscoll Approach™, a total transformation in the evaluation and treatment of POTS offered at POTS Care.”
The fundamental difference between POTS Care and other clinics is that we are the only clinic dedicated to treating the underlying medical causes of POTS, not just the symptoms. You can recover from POTS but you will not get to recovery by simply treating the symptoms. Dr. Driscoll’s personal experience allows insight into symptoms that can be difficult for other doctors to understand. We stay in the science and dig deep to determine the underlying medical cause of POTS that has been missed in the past. Applying the framework of The Driscoll Approach™, means we understand that each case is unique. There are no cookie cutter treatments here. Treatment is individualized utilizing the safest, lowest-risk methods possible.
Our patients inspire us every day to keep fighting for all of those suffering with “invisible” illnesses. They inspire us with their courage and tenacity but most of all because they continue to have hope in the face of everything they have been through. Recovery from POTS is attainable. You can recover.
Love,
The POTS Care Team
We Are The Only Clinic Approaching POTS In This Way
POTS Recovery
At POTS Care, it’s personal!
“Patients with POTS usually suffer with so much — and with little or no validation from their doctors. Even the label of “POTS” does not provide legitimacy for the illness. I remember when I had POTS that I was sick in any position! My fast heart rate was not my worst symptom — I was completely non-functional, as was my son.
Instead, I view POTS as a symptom of something else, and we need to figure out what that something else is in order to allow recovery.
Identifying the underlying problems also gives patients the validity they need when dealing with doctors and even friends and family. We must dramatically change how this condition is treated. This mission is a personal one for me!”
– Diana Driscoll, Optometrist
Meet Our Patients
Kerry’s Story
“They say that words can be impactful, change one’s view of things, and help you to see in a way that maybe you haven’t before. Therefore it is so important that I get this right even knowing words will never suffice. However, I am writing down my experience to not only tell you that Dr. Driscoll has literally saved my life, but that you can feel better too and you have to be your own advocate to do so sometimes. DO NOT stop believing you can get well. I promise, you can.
I saw Dr. Driscoll and her amazing team at POTS Care only a month ago after suffering terribly for 4 1/2 very long years. I believed I had POTS (I had done enough research to know it was at least a possibility), yet I had also gone the way most of us do initially – to the doctors we know and hope to trust. Unfortunately, with this condition, most of the doctors simply don’t understand that one person could actually suffer from so much and daily. Additionally, you are shuffled from one specialist to another and they often are not communicating between each other about their findings. They check their box and send you yet again… on your way.
I spent thousands and thousands of dollars to try to get well. I was put through a blood patch procedure in my spine because my doctor “thought” I had a CSF leak. No real evidence of one, he just “thought” so. I had seen every doctor in my town and doctors at UCLA and Cedars Sinai. Cardiologists, neurologists, ophthalmologists, ENT, nephrologists, GP’s, rheumatologists, and more. Not one of them was able to help me at all. I was prescribed many beta blockers and other drugs that in the end made me much worse. Hence? I even developed a fear of taking medication.
That was 4 1/2 years ago and as I mentioned, I do in fact have that condition in conjunction with Inflammatory POTS. My life was literally taken away from me as I knew it and it could have been helped and saved that day. I was terribly ill chasing about 100 symptoms daily.
I had read about Dr. Driscoll for years and there was something special about her. Something pulled me to her. A connection, understanding, warmth. I couldn’t nail it at the time but they ALL turned out to be true once I met her.
As I mentioned earlier, I had hoped my doctors would help so I waited 2 1/2 years to reach out to her. I IMPLORE you not to do that. These are days you will never get back. One day I took the leap because I couldn’t live my life the way it was anymore and knew I no longer had anything to lose. I am so blessed and grateful that I did!
Dr. Driscoll and her team work so carefully together for YOU on YOUR case and do not shuffle any tiny piece aside. They put every symptom you have ever had, examine clearly your MRI’s, CT’s, blood work, eye exams, and put it all together in a way any one of your doctors can’t and probably will never do. Not because they don’t want to or don’t care – It is because they don’t understand the entirety of the disease and how it can be helped.
I would be remiss if I did not mention Sarah. She is a huge part of my success, extraordinary at what she does, and is always there for me during this time of recovery. Together they are literally changing people’s lives and hopefully one day, having done so enough times that the knowledge of IIH and POTS has made its way to every doctor’s office in the country, possibly the world. We as the patients who are suffering so much deserve that.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Dr. Driscoll and the team at POTS Care! You will forever be in my debt.”
Anna Mae’s Story
Hi to everyone, I wanted to let you know that I’m happy with the help I got from you… I’m keeping on improving, it is a slow recovery, but I really appreciate all you did for me.
I’m taking my medicines every day, consistently, and I know that is important. Diamox, for one, helped so much with my high pressure. I really like the audios too. They are very informative and helpful.
Thank you so much for your help and for being available if questions arise. I’m so glad we chose POTS Care for my care!
Maria’s Story
“POTS Care is a team I learned is worthy of my trust. The most important thing for me was the genuine loving and compassionate attitude flowing from everyone.
Dr. Driscoll has gone through some of the worst things as a patient herself, and thereby blesses her patients with warmth foreign to some doctors I’ve worked with. God is constantly creating beauty out of ashes by the way He uses Dr. Driscoll to reach out to her patients.
Dr. Driscoll and her team remained smiling and caring even when I thought I threw them a curve ball. They rode the waves with us! She is very knowledgeable, having been a part of all the research.
I am so thankful Dr. Driscoll understands POTS and its underlying cause in each individual case. May all the honor be to God!”
Annalyse’s Story
“My young daughter of only 11 started having symptoms and issues correlated to POTS and high pressure. Her cousin has had POTS for years and basically just has to deal with it, and so I thought we would have to just suffer.
I was determined to help improve her life and came across Dr. Driscoll and her team. Even though 2 months seemed like a long time, in those months she has improved so much. Whereas with her previous medical care, her symptoms only got worse.
She can attend school and actually knows what is going on in her body. There is a reason, and we found a treatment that is working!
We are so thankful for POTS Care. It was worth every penny!”
Clare’s Story
“Thank you SO MUCH for your help over these last months and for equipping me with the tools and strategies to move forward into a better future! I feel much more confident in my opportunities and abilities in all areas of life moving forward.
After going to so many doctors who either didn’t believe me, gave me the wrong diagnosis, or started a treatment regimen that made things worse, I finally know what’s really happening in my body.
And, I know how to manage it and how to deal with it when it gets in the way of me being able to live my life.
I can’t adequately express how grateful I am for you all and the work that you do.”
Sherlyn’s Story
“We want to thank POTS Care for the wonderful care my daughter, Sherlyn, received! We felt heard and understood by Dr. Driscoll and the team. They knew exactly what we were going through!
The whole team had such a personal touch. The audios we received for recovery have been very, very helpful for my daughter as well as my understanding of her condition. It made me realize Sherlyn’s struggles are not uncommon and there is hope for recovery!
We had seen so many other doctors and there was no improvement, but we are now finally starting to see some after seeing the POTS Care team. It was scary at first, but we feel empowered with all of the tools that have been given to help us.
We thank you all and also give thanks to God to help enable you to help other people with POTS!”
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Options for Care
CONSULT
$275
30-minute phone consultation with Dr. Diana Driscoll, Optometrist and Clinical Director
Are you lost in your case? Do you need direction, advice, or encouragement? Although not a medical examination, Dr. Driscoll is a recovered patient, a researcher, and a practitioner and can offer high-level support. She can share her thoughts concerning Inflammatory POTS, IIH, family dynamics, school issues, validation, and recovery. Dr. Driscoll will also send you selected resources following your consultation that may help you.
THE POTS CARE PACKAGE™
$775
Three month program to begin recovery including:
- An app on your cell phone to guide you through Inflammatory POTS (what does the latest research tell us and how can this guide your recovery)
- 30-minute consultation with Dr. Diana Driscoll
- Biweekly audios by Dr. Diana Driscoll to educate, inform, and support
- Over $500 in supplements that may offer you some immediate relief, even if your doctors have not yet identified your inflammation.
- Heart rate variability monitor to help guide your recovery
- A recovery journal/workbook
- Guidance on exercise, sleep, and dietary planning
- This package covers the commonalities in POTS patients including a tendency to develop abnormal intracranial pressure, parasympathetic nervous system problems, digestive issues, nutrient malabsorption, cognitive decline, immune disorders, and inflammatory states.
- If you would like to approach POTS with as few medications as possible, or if you are not familiar with Inflammatory POTS, this POTS Care Package™ may be a great place to start.
