“It hasn’t been the easiest road, but your guidance each step of the way has made all the difference.

Your patience and willingness to help have given me the strength to get through the tougher days.

Thank you for all you do!

I know you are changing the lives of so many.”

“I just want to give a sincere and huge thank you to all of POTS Care… Dr. Driscoll and the entire team!!

You gave us hope. You gave us direction. You helped us when no one else would.

All I can say (and this doesn’t even do it justice at all) is Dr. Driscoll and POTS Care gave ALL of us our entire lives back!

We are forever grateful for the protocol and support and encouragement!

Graden was able to go back to school this past week after missing 5 months this last school year from being sick.

We didn’t know if this day would ever come again!

He is feeling healthy and living life as a normal 7-year-old like he deserves!”

“I came to POTS Care in May 2022, a few months after I had a dual back surgery, a fusion of my L4-L5 along with surgery to drain 3 CSF impacted nerves in my sacrum (Tarlov Cysts). The surgery took 3 surgeons and a robot to complete.

I went into surgery sick. My symptoms were odd and unexplainable, like so many others who come to POTS Care for help. This is my story with all the twists and turns that resulted in my perfect storm.

On Feb. 17, 2022, after surgery, I felt fine. I had no symptoms other than back pain. This was most likely due to pain management medication. I have never been one to take meds so, I stopped taking my pain pills two weeks after surgery, with the exception of a caffeine pill used for headaches and Tylenol, both were given to me as preventives, but I rarely used them. Needless to say, both are horrible for IIH.

Shortly after surgery, I told my surgeon again about the feeling of fullness in my head. He quickly sent me for an MRI of my spine and brain to rule out a spinal leak. That’s when I first heard about IIH. My surgeon told me to follow up with a neurologist at some point but to stay calm and focus on getting better.

I started walking that day and continued to walk as much as possible for the next few weeks. I could sing, and eat the food that I usually did. I felt ok. I was also sleeping on a pillow.

By the end of February, my symptoms exacerbated to dizziness, and nausea came on with the weather changes. It was horrible. It was hard to be in a car. I had several doctor appointments post-surgery and it was absolutely necessary to go to all of them.

At this point, I started looking up IIH. Google is not our friend! I panicked. I joined a few Facebook groups, asked questions, and became more scared. My anxiety was increasing, and I was always crying. I have never been an emotional person or an anxious person, not at all. So, this was odd behavior for me but reasonable considering how much I had gone through.

The first doctor’s visit was with an ophthalmologist. She saw little to no swelling of my optic nerves and was hesitant to provide me with Diamox but due to my symptoms, she went ahead and prescribed it. I took less than the lowest dose due to fear and a lack of emotional support.

No one around me could believe I was this sick, this fast. It was impossible. I was listening to people tell me to stop diagnosing myself. I read horrible things online and honestly, I let it get the better of me.

By the 3rd day, I stopped the med immediately. My symptoms developed with a vengeance. I could no longer breathe, although my oxygen level was 97. I could not take a deep breath in, as if my lungs were not expanding or I was having an allergic reaction. My head was full, both ears ringing, brain fog, and fatigue that was unbearable; my eyes were extremely dry and it was hard to move them.

I could no longer walk, or sing, and talking seemed difficult. My heart rate would race with any movement. If I lay in bed, I couldn’t lift my arms up to hold my cell phone, I would drop things all the time and I could no longer sleep. I tried so many things to help me sleep and I couldn’t get more than 4 hours a night.

I could not move my body due to surgery and my mind and limbs were no longer functioning. I had also developed a pain in between my shoulder blades that did not stop! It was horribly painful. I was in hell.

I slowly got back on Diamox but basically took crumbs. This was a ridiculous approach, but my brain wasn’t working! I couldn’t make cognitive decisions. I was losing everything.

My ophthalmologist told me she would provide the prescription for me as long as it worked for my symptoms but I would need to find a neurologist. I needed a plan for my health, and I didn’t know where to start.

All my conditions are rare, what can I say, I am a unicorn. I started my journey to find answers: I saw a cardiologist who suggested beta blockers- I refused. Another told me I had anxiety and prescribed Trazadone, which did nothing. I was 113 lbs. and getting worse.

I researched online, read medical journals, papers.. anything. All of this while I was in pain. Advocating for myself, against the odds, against opposing views and validation. I found POTS Care online and read a testimony, like the one I’m writing right now. I thought, could this be me? Could I have POTS?

Reading about POTS in various forums sounded like agony. It sounded like my life was over and several times I contemplated that notion, but I fought on. I researched Dr. Driscoll and saw her videos. I was so hopeful to hear that she recovered from POTS and also has IIH.

So I contacted Dr. Driscoll’s office. I remember speaking to one of the staff on the phone and I said, “If this is a hoax, I can’t afford to put my belief in this, I feel like I’m dying”. The whole team at POTS Care eased my worries, talked me through it and I made the first phone consultation.

The day Dr. Driscoll called me, I was stepping onto the elevator with my best friend and my aunt. I was crying. I had almost given up. I had just left an appointment with a new neuro-ophthalmologist who said that my optic nerves were fine, and that I didn’t have to take Diamox. He also said I was not overweight and didn’t fit the bill for IIH.

Which further caused confusion with my family. I recorded that conversation because I couldn’t remember anything at the time. I just recently listened back to that recording and It was very sad. I told Dr. Driscoll what had just happened and the first thing she said to me was, “Lily you’re not crazy, you’re sick. Let us help you.”

I could not drive, walk well, or build the muscle strength to heal from surgery. I was completely disabled and suffering. I had so much anxiety that I almost quit my treatment at POTS Care 2 days after starting but Dr. Driscoll pushed me forward.

In God’s name, I am so glad that I did push forward! The first couple of months were hard. My care package came in and I started my supplements. Then we did tests, and I started more treatment. My diet changed and by this time I was 110 lbs. but I kept on. By June, I was able to speak clearly and think.

I still had a lot of pain in my upper and lower back, but I could walk again. I was still short of breath, but it didn’t stop me from walking several times a day for short distances. I rarely walked alone.

By the 5th month, I was cooking my own meals. I would rest when I needed to. I was also sleeping 9 hours a night. Gradually I got better and better. I went to physical therapy at 6 months. I had to take it easy, mostly light stretches and massages.

I started to do light strength-building 8 months ago. I wanted to cry with happiness but crying caused some head symptoms at the time, so I learned to focus on smiling. After 1 year, my back pain stopped, allowing me to do so much more.

Today I can walk 13,000 steps a day, drive, and work from home. My breathing is better, and now I can meditate. I can swim, run a bit. I rode my bike around the block. I have a neurologist and an ophthalmologist who believe in me, and I have Dr. Driscoll.

I have a warrior team of doctors. I am blessed. It was not easy. There is a lot to learn about how to approach doctors when you have a rare illness. Dr. Driscoll is the most understanding doctor I have ever met. She doesn’t just talk the talk, she has walked the walk. I trust her completely.

This team will give you everything you need to overcome this dreadful illness. Take a chance! I just had a birthday party, I’m a happy 49-year-old. I danced for the first time in 2 years. I sang karaoke and I spent time with all my loved ones.

I’ve become a pretty good cook! I continue to eat healthy, low-inflammation meals and I am not so triggered by stormy weather. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension – I may never know how I got this illness, my recent CT scan revealed my left-transverse sinus and a partially empty Sella, both are IIH indicators.

I am recovering from Tarlov Cyst Disease, a spinal fusion, POTS, and managing my IIH. I don’t fit the IIH medical criteria without a lumbar puncture. I am not overweight, and I do not have papilledema, I don’t have migraines but I did have immense head pressure.

Yet, I received treatment and it has worked wonders! Dr. Driscoll has taught me how to manage my IIH and resolve my POTS. It’s not all about the meds and supplements that made this a successful experience for me, it’s the education that I value the most.

It’s the compassion that will always be at the core of my healing. After a year, I am on top of this illness. I am alive! I made it and so can you! Believe it! Everyone is different. Recovery is different for all of us.

Today, my worst symptom is dry sinuses due to humidity- Texas weather y’all! 😉 This is a residual symptom, and I am a work in progress. I am so much better than where I was. One day at a time. <3 Thank you, Dr. Driscoll.”

“I am so grateful for the encouragement, compassion, and care that I have received from Dr. Driscoll and the POTS Care team. Not only is treatment important and vital for recovery, but so are these things.

It has been such a blessing to have a team that validates what you are going through, listens, understands, and walks with you in the journey. It was something my family and I had longed and searched for.

The hope that they have given me for my full recovery has finally given us hope for my future and for better days ahead.

Thank you, Dr. Driscoll, Jana, and the POTS Care team for being a bright spot in my days and for being the encouragement I need for my recovery.”

“Dr. Driscoll and Jana are two of the most caring people we have met in our health journey.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with POTS in one of Pittsburgh’s best hospitals. They had no plan for me other than beta-blockers and Florinef.

In 2020, we learned about POTS Care. After talking with them, my husband was very impressed with how much they knew about the symptoms of POTS.

Four weeks later, we met Dr. Driscoll and the medical team via telemedicine and were given HOPE.

In just 3 months, I was able to attend my son’s wedding, which was amazing.

I am not 100% recovered yet, due to underlying genetic problems, however, I no longer need to be in a quiet, darkened room. I can walk, I can do light housework.

I have a new life thanks to POTS Care.

Thank you, Dr. Driscoll and Jana.”

“From the first call I made, I knew POTS Care was where my son needed to be treated.

We discussed my son’s situation and all of his symptoms and I finally felt validated!

I spoke with my husband and we decided to start a GoFundMe. We don’t normally ask for help, but we knew we had to get him in this clinic any way we could.

I started the page late one night and within four to six hours, we had not only met our goal, but we had exceeded it.

I stared at that page in disbelief and I cried.

We started his treatment on 5/31 … and that would change EVERYTHING!

He woke up and was able to turn his head and look at me. I know, small change, but it was huge for us!

He slept through the night without waking up feeling like he couldn’t breathe!

He didn’t feel like his head was going to “explode,” in his words.

We have finally found a direction to go in that gives my baby some relief.”

“We took a leap of faith when we felt like we had no more faith left.

We took that leap with everyone at POTS Care waiting to catch us and carry us into a future we never thought could happen.

We finally have hope again, and we cannot wait to see more changes and improvements in our son’s health!”

Ashlyn came to POTS Care in March of 2022 after she started having symptoms after receiving a vaccination.

Due to her worsening symptoms, she was taken out of school and was unable to drive a car or enjoy life as a normal 17-year-old girl.

A couple of months after starting treatment, Ashlyn was able to go to church again, climb flights of stairs, stand for long periods of time, and ride in a car without getting car sick– all of which she was unable to do prior to coming to POTS Care.

She was even able to go to her high school prom and is now driving again.

Ashlyn is back in school and is on track to graduate with her class in May 2023.

“So here is my favorite update so far. Going to Prom wouldn’t have happened without Dr. Driscoll and Kristin!

She made it to the very end of the night. Tired but very happy. We are so thankful and appreciative for you both!”

POTS Care has gone above and beyond our expectations.

Not only did we leave knowing what kind of POTS she has, but we left knowing the ROOT CAUSE!

We’ve learned so much about her body in two days. We’ve learned what type of POTS she has and what causes it.

We’ve learned how to treat and have already begun the process.

One thing I can say, is none of this was found by any of her specialists at home.

My mind is blown at what we know already in just two days.

Forever grateful this is happening. Forever grateful for POTS Care here in Texas!

She is already positively reacting to treatment.

Dr. Diana Driscoll, (the doctor we saw in Texas), is a leading expert in POTS care, research, and advocacy.

Hands down… SHE IS AMAZING!

While we know none of this is a cure, we are positive she can return to her baseline making things nearly normal for her.

Because we now have a plan, we now know what her underlying issues are and how to treat those.

I strongly urge anyone who resonates with any of Willow’s story to take the leap of faith, reach out, I will give you all the information you need!

I am here to help you advocate for your children (or even yourself).

It is worth the drive, the money, everything. It is totally worth it. In four days, my child feels better than she has probably in three months, just to see her being able to get out of bed and straighten her hair and doing her makeup and then feel like even going out after she has been here all day that is a plus, so I would do it all over again.

Madison came to POTS Care after suffering for 4 years with diagnoses of POTS, ADD, and congenital myopathy. It was only by reviewing her entire case from the beginning that we were able to locate what others had missed and began treatment immediately.

Madison leaves POTS Care feeling better than she has in months, and with a solid treatment plan.

Madison’s Story
11 months after coming to POTS Care, Madison continues to do well. Her mom writes, “Madison is doing great!! She is a different child! She has energy and can do things she couldn’t do before. She had some bloodwork done and her D-Dimer (measure of clotting) is no longer elevated. Her CO2 is staying well above 21. It is around 27 now with no baking soda and she’s not been taking the Diamox. She’s not had a headache or the shoulder pain since January. I’m so thankful that God led us to you all so we could get to the bottom of Madison’s issues. Please keep in touch with us!! Madison will be graduating in May!!”

Four weeks after coming to POTS Care:
In just 4 short weeks, Madison has improved immensely. She was able to attend an outdoor concert, in the heat, where she was on her feet for 5 and a half hours. Madison was also able to enjoy party activities after the concert, well into the evening. Before coming to POTS Care this would have been out of the question for Madison. We are thrilled to see her doing so well, and are excited to see even more improvements!

INTERVIEWER: Thank you for talking with us today, Angela. First, could you just tell us a little bit about Madison’s journey with POTS?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: She actually started off with just migraines and passing out, that was the initial thing that took us to the doctor. Over the last probably three or four years is when we have been dealing with it and over the last probably nine months she has just progressively gone downhill. She started having chest pains, heart attack type symptoms, and severe, severe fatigue so that is what kind of led us here.

INTERVIEWER: I know you have seen a bunch of doctors, were they able to get you any help at all?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: It seems like maybe they tried to help, the first doctor really did not do a whole lot, so we ended up with a cardiologist and he put us on some medications and told us to drink 7 liters of fluid a day and up to 10 gm of salt a day that is not possible for one person to do, so we just decided to search for something different that was more easy to do because that was not feasible.

INTERVIEWER: Do you feel like the care that you received at POTS Care was different than the care you have received at other doctors?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: Most definitely. Rather than just looking at the symptoms that she was having at that time or that we felt were POTS related, we were given a whole other spectrum of symptoms that we did not even know were related to POTS or to her, so that tremendously helped and the fact that someone just sat down and talked to us for an extended amount of time to kind of get to know her and me and that was awesome.

INTERVIEWER: Was POTS Care able to find anything that other doctors have missed before?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: Yes, most definitely. The inflammation thing, no one has ever checked for inflammation. Before then, we did not even really know that there was such a thing as inflammatory POTS. We were just always told that most POTS patients had orthostatic hypotension, headaches, they passed out and that was about it. So to know that there were different types and then of course with the clotting thing that was a huge thing that could affect her potentially down the road, so yes we are very glad that that has been discovered.

INTERVIEWER: Do you feel like we are basing things here on real science?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: Most definitely. Everything we have been put on to try, everything we have been told has a scientific background. They all have provided us with research studies, published research studies. So, yes I definitely think everything has been based on science.

INTERVIEWER: What would you say to people that are thinking about coming to POTS Care?

PATIENT’S MOTHER: It is worth the drive, the money, everything. It is totally worth it. In four days, my child feels better than she has probably in three months, just to see her being able to get out of bed and straighten her hair and doing her makeup and then feel like even going out after she has been here all day that is a plus, so I would do it all over again.

INTERVIEWER: Thank you again for talking with us today, Angela.

“In less than a month, I have gone from headaches every day and fifteen migraines a month to two headaches and zero migraines in a month. I have a newfound energy. My mind feels so calm. No more emotional tantrums and no more uncontrollable desires to not exist.”

A couple of weeks after coming to POTS Care, Jonathan wrote this amazing letter about his struggles with an invisible illness and his journey to find answers. Keep reading to find out what happens AFTER Jonathan left POTS Care. How is he doing today??

I noticed I was abnormal around 13. I was built differently than the other boys. I had a small frame and dark circles under my eyes that looked like eyeliner. I felt really misunderstood because I was prone to fits or bursts of emotion so strong it was physically devastating. I can remember screaming “Stop, stop you’re hurting me “ when someone would do something that made me anxious. This felt like they were hitting me with a hammer. When these fits would arise, I would often bash my head into walls or hard objects or try and suffocate myself. I knew at a young age that if I could just knock myself unconscious that the pain and rage would be gone when I came to.

Fatigue and radical emotional behavior characterized my teenage years. My outburst coupled with suicidal behavior landed me kicked out of several organizations and placed in the chairs of psych professionals. By 16 I had discovered that abusing high doses of amphetamines and alcohol could give me the armor I needed to survive emotional stimuli while having the energy to function.

By 19 my drug and alcohol use had escalated to the point that I couldn’t function at school or in the workforce. Even if I got the drugs I needed to survive the day emotionally, the urge to take care of myself just wasn’t there. My drinking, like my childhood, was painted with fits of rage and aggression. I often woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed.

I got sober and had a radical conversion to Christianity. Things got better for a time. I was still suicidal and I was still too tired to have a normal life. I accepted that and it was fine. I had found something worth living for. I dove in headfirst to pursuing avenues in which I could help other addicts and alcoholics. This passion and the rewards from it were enough to sustain me emotionally. I hobbled through.

Around 24 my hobbled crutch wasn’t enough anymore. I began experiencing stronger emotional fits than before and strange fainting spells. The dizziness and speckled vision I had from childhood turned from a mild nuisance to an ever-present discomfort. Joints were fully dislocating while I was sleeping. The entire right side of my body felt pain and inflammation day and night. I was losing weight rapidly and began to look very ill.

I powered through and figured it was just a phase. I had never heard of hyper-mobility disorders or POTS. On a rare occasion, a family member or friend guilted me into seeing a doctor but it was always the same. Run every normal test past a regiment of doctors and have them all come back normal and get sent home with a steroid shot and a prescription for disappointment.

This was the beginning of the end. At 26 a hopeless undiagnosable situation would change rapidly over 6 months. What seemed at the time a string of strange coincidences proved to be the firm and loving hand of a God who is there. I had a change in my shift after college. This had me working 3 times with a med school drop out nurse. He was brilliant and knowledgeable but a little scatterbrained. He was fascinated by obscure medical conditions. Hoofbeats meant zebras and never horses to this guy. He proposed to me that I may have a hypermobility disorder causing POTS. This guy in 20 minutes nailed what doctors had missed for 20 years because he was willing to consider the abnormal yet plausible.

I was still skeptical of this diagnosis and sat on it for a few months. I read up on hypermobility disorders and made my family aware of my suspicions. During one particularly bad spell of not being out of bed for 3 days, I came across Dr. Driscoll’s book on amazon. The synopsis promised a life without pain and with near-normal functionality. I cried, but not because I had found the cure. I cried because I was so desperate for what she offered and knowing that she was probably some snake oil scam artist I was about to have my heartbroken. I wiped my tears and began reading her book anyway. I was desperate and I couldn’t get out of bed to do something else anyway so it was better than counting my ceiling tiles again.

I was on every page. My life, my story, my illness. She suggested I try certain antihistamines during flare-ups. I did as the book suggested and in an hour I was able to get out of bed and my inflammation was low enough that my carpal tunnel had gone away. I was still skeptical but I had to pursue this farther. I decided to get my dad’s advice since he is an O.D. like Dr. Driscoll. The stars kept aligning. My dad said I had to pursue this and that he had Dr. Driscoll’s email. He reached out to Dr. Driscoll’s husband who put us in touch with Diana.

A month later I was at POTS Care. I was still skeptical that this would help but I was so desperate that I knew I had to try. I had the support of my family so I knew I wasn’t just delusional. My expectations were dramatically exceeded.

In less than a month, I have gone from headaches every day and fifteen migraines a month to two headaches and zero migraines in a month. I have a newfound energy. My mind feels so calm. No more emotional tantrums and no more uncontrollable desires to not exist. In my sickness, I had lost my ability to fully pursue my helping of addicts. Only 3 weeks out of POTS Care I was able to drive an hour away and speak at a center for addicted youth. The month before POTS Care I couldn’t go more than a block from my home much less do public speaking.

I feel like I’m learning to pilot a whole new mind and body. It’s fantastic. I’m so grateful to POTS Care, the zebra hunting nurse, and God, for giving me this opportunity. My greatest fear now is that I squander this opportunity and lose my gratitude for it. I was given this gift so that I could be healthy enough to help others and if I ever forget that I’ll be more lost than when I was sick.

“Everyone understood me at POTS Care.”

Morgan came to POTS Care in June of 2019 because she was ready to start her young adult life. Her POTS symptoms were worsening. She wanted to be able to work and finish college.

UPDATE: 8/28/19- In less than 3 months, Morgan’s symptoms have improved dramatically. She emailed us this great news, “I went to my first class yesterday and was able to make the drive down there, stay awake for the 2 hours we were in class, AND make the drive back no sweat! It was really exciting and I’m looking forward to this being a good semester now that I can stay awake in class better!”

Morgan’s mom, Lori, emailed us this kind message on 7/25/19- “Thank you so much for your support. By far, this has been the best experience we’ve had with medical professionals since this all started for Morgan.”

UPDATE: 7/12/19- “So far what I have noticed from my perspective, is that I have a lot more stamina than I had before my visit to POTS Care. I have more energy to do things such as clean my room, and go out to dinner with my parents all in one day, which is something that would have never been possible before. I’ve also noticed my general anxiety seems to have gotten better, because I have been able to convince myself to drive around more than I would have before. Before POTS Care, I hardly left the house, let alone drove anywhere, unless I absolutely had to, or wanted to badly enough that I could convince myself to go out (usually for something quick, such as food). Now I drive myself to physical therapy twice a week, and I’ve been driving around a little bit doing what I call “adulting” (running errands and doctors visits by myself). One other thing that I’ve noticed seems to be better already as well is my GI tract. I’ve had only one bout of heartburn in the last month, and it wasn’t a very bad case, which is a huge plus for me!”

When Morgan was at our clinic she stated, “I don’t feel like I’m insane anymore. I loved how there are scientific answers. Everyone is optimistic.”

Morgan’s mom, Lori- “Everyone is so thorough at POTS Care. I love how the team takes time to look at everything. You look at the entire body. So great to have instant feedback from doctors. No other place does that! I thought POTS Care was too good to be true…but it’s not! We are so thankful that we found you guys.”

“If I would have gone to see her earlier, I could have saved myself from 7 months of treatment with my other doctor that only seemed to make my symptoms worse. I am so thrilled to say that I have seen a huge improvement in my POTS symptoms.”

Rachel, age 22, came to POTS Care after suffering for a few years with symptoms sufficient enough that she had to quit attending college. Traditional treatment for POTS, including salt and exercise was NO help. Six months after coming to POTS Care Rachel sent this email.

Update (5/2021): Since visiting your office in 2017, I have made an amazing amount of progress. Today, I don’t experience any POTS symptoms at all. Actually, I haven’t encountered any issues related to POTS in several years. My health is incredible; I workout seven days a week, two of which are with a personal trainer. I am an avid weightlifter and actually just deadlifted a new personal record of 230 lbs yesterday (see attached photo). Before POTS Care, I could barely stand up without fainting, let alone walk to the bathroom on my own. I had to rely on a walker or family members to help me get around. I couldn’t even go outside because the heat exacerbated my POTS symptoms. My life consisted of going to doctors offices and getting tests and treatments done, only to see minimal results. Now, I can run for miles on end without stopping and weight lift heavy amounts, all without any problems whatsoever. I even do hot yoga classes! In the past, I used to dread going out in public. I was not independent, I was severely overweight, and I hardly had any stamina. Now, I look forward to my workouts and other physical activities. I’ve lost over 80 lbs since I started my fitness journey. None of this would have been possible without POTS Care.

In one of my previous updates, I stated that I wanted to continue college. I have actually been taking college classes online for about a year now. Come fall time, I’ll be about 3/4 of the way done with my degree. I also still work a full-time job that I love. I couldn’t be happier with where I am in life. I actually feel hopeful about the future because I know that I am no longer suffering from chronic illness. My mindset is completely different from how it used to be.

I am eternally thankful to Dr. Driscoll and the entire POTS Care team. I would not be where I am today without any of y’all!!! The care and treatment that I received was nothing short of remarkable. I am still in awe of Dr. Driscoll’s patience, understanding, and empathy. She truly is amazing.

Thank you all for everything you have done for me. I will never forget it.

Update (10/2018): Y’all are so amazing. Anyways, I have been working a full-time job (5 days a week, 8 hours a day) for about a month and a half thus far and I have to say, it’s been going amazingly well. This is coming from the girl who used to literally be stuck in bed all day, every day, and who had to take medical leaves from college due to POTS. I now have plenty of energy to get through the day, I’m enjoying being more active, and I no longer have that dreaded sense of exhaustion that used to follow me around daily. I don’t worry about fainting every time I stand up or feeling so nauseous that I have to lay down just to function.

It’s been almost a year since I’ve seen Dr. Driscoll and my life has continued to get better and better as the months have gone on. I’m able to keep up with (and enjoy) my workout routine. There has been NO fainting, hardly any more dizziness upon standing, and I’m getting stronger and stronger with each workout. I finally feel like my old self again. My heart doesn’t feel like it’s about to come out of my chest anymore. I am no longer suffering from extreme heat intolerance. Thank goodness for all of that. Thank you all again for everything you have done for me. The time spent at POTS Care and with Dr. Driscoll has given me a much better quality of life, better than I ever could have imagined.

Again, to those who are wondering whether or not they should visit Dr. Driscoll: do it. Do it now, because traditional POTS treatment just isn’t cutting it anymore for more and more patients. I’ve had doctors laugh at me whenever I told them that I saw Dr. Driscoll for POTS treatment because they didn’t understand the unconventional approach. They told me that the only way to treat POTS was to exercise, increase salt and water intake, do saline infusions, wear compression socks, etc. I invite anyone who is skeptical of the treatment at POTS Care to actually give it a try because it legitimately works. I’m living proof of the successful treatment that Dr. Driscoll has discovered. I’m not a paid spokesperson. I get nothing out of writing this update, other than the hope that I will help out someone who is suffering like I was. This isn’t some gimmicky fraud or treatment that only works for a little while and then fails. Dr. Driscoll is the real deal. The science is there. The proof is there. The research is there. Give it a try and stop wasting your life away as a slave to POTS. It’s time you win, and Dr. Driscoll can help you do just that.

Update (8/2018): I am so excited because I just got a new job! I literally could not have done it without your help. Honest to God. I am doing phenomenally better. I haven’t fainted since fall of last year. Absolutely amazing. I’ve also been working with a personal trainer two times a week at the gym. She’s amazing and has really helped me increase my stamina safely. I’ve also been able to begin jogging again, which was a major goal of mine. Yay for progress!! I haven’t finished college yet, BUT the plan is to work, save up money, and hopefully finish college via online classes.

(12/2017): I wanted to brag about my amazing doctor, Dr. Driscoll, and her team at POTS Care. They are legitimately the nicest, most compassionate, and caring team of medical professionals that I have ever met and have truly given me my life back. I went to see Dr. Driscoll last fall after suffering from POTS for about four or five years. I was turned away from doctor after doctor, all of whom claimed that the only thing that was wrong with me was anxiety. I was constantly told that my symptoms weren’t real and that my high heart rate was simply due to “white coat syndrome.” Once the doctors found out that I suffered from mental illness, that was all that they were focused on. None of the doctors took me seriously. As a young adult in college, that was really disappointing. I had been in therapy for several mental illnesses and Autism for many years, so I knew what my anxiety felt like. I knew that I was not experiencing anxiety, but the doctors didn’t care.

I saw a total of 6 doctors from various specialties (including a cardiologist who didn’t even test for POTS) before seeing my other POTS doctor, one of the leading dysautonomia doctors in the nation. He did an entire battery of autonomic tests in addition to the standard tilt table test, which was, of course, positive. I was diagnosed with POTS by him and had begun treatment. However, after about 7 months of doctor’s appointments almost every single week, which lasted 4-5 hours at a time, and very little progress with traditional POTS treatment (salt, fluids, exercise, compression socks, IV saline, and finally, medication), my family and I decided that I needed a new doctor. My original POTS doctor came to the conclusion that my POTS was idiopathic and that was that. It was extremely frustrating because he was only treating the POTS symptoms, not the underlying cause of my POTS and he pretty much just gave up on me. He never seemed to actually care about my well-being. I felt just like another patient when I was with him. I had to rely on my walker to get around for the majority of the time, I was continuously fainting, I had to take THREE medical leaves/withdraws from college, the brain fog was sooooo bad, and I was utterly exhausted all of the time.

When I went to POTS Care, I could instantly tell that it was an environment of love and understanding. Dr. Driscoll herself had POTS and so did her children, so she really understands how awful of a condition it is. She looked for causes of POTS that no other doctor had even tried to look for, and she found a lot of underlying medical problems that I had no idea were going on. She was the only doctor to look at my ENTIRE medical history and viewed at it as a whole, rather than just looking at the POTS symptoms. She actually spent hours and hours personally meeting with me, discussing my case, and answering all of the questions that my dad and I had for over the span of four days. By the third day, I fell asleep in a recliner because my POTS was so bad and I was utterly exhausted. (P.S. Recliners in a doctor’s office? Yes, please!!) By the last day, I fell asleep on the floor in Dr. Driscoll’s office while my parents were talking with her. But, Dr. Driscoll completely understood and didn’t make me feel bad about falling asleep on her. She even got a pillow for me. Now that is quality care.

Her whole office is catered towards POTS patients, from the recliners and blankets to calming music to complimentary water bottles and more. She knows how draining POTS is and strives to make her office an accessible place for everybody. As a patient, I really appreciated that. Her staff is absolutely amazing and I’m seriously impressed not only with their level of professionalism but with their genuine compassion for the patients. It’s obvious that the staff enjoys working with Dr. Driscoll and helping POTS patients. They took an interest in me and talked to me as a friend rather than as a random patient. I’ve never experienced that kind of generosity from a medical team before. Because I am local, I did not have to travel to see Dr. Driscoll. However, I do definitely think that it is worth traveling to see her. If I would have gone to see her earlier, I could have saved myself from 7 months of treatment with my other doctor that only seemed to make my symptoms worse.

I am so thrilled to say that I have seen a huge improvement in my POTS symptoms. The improvements started quickly after seeing Dr. Driscoll and have continuously gotten even better over the months. I haven’t fainted in about six months, I can finally think clearly, the numbness and tingling that I had constantly before is finally gone, my heart rate is a lot more stable overall, I can bend up and down without becoming super disoriented, I don’t feel constantly dehydrated despite drinking 2+ liters of water a day, I can take a walk without feeling dizzy, and so much more. Of course, I still have bad days and my POTS is not completely gone. Dr. Driscoll has always said that recovery is a process and that I need to take it easy. So no, I am not in school right now, but I am able to work 2-3 days a week for 4 hours at a time. That is a huge accomplishment for me considering I used to be stuck in bed all day! I am working back towards being able to return to college, but right now, I’m taking it easy and am building up my stamina. I finally feel at peace with my decision to just go with the flow and see where life takes me. I used to feel so pressured to finish college in the spring of 2018 when I was originally supposed to graduate, but I don’t feel that way anymore.

My illness had its grasp around me and I felt like I would never be able to beat it. But now, I have hope. I’ve seen the incredible amount of progress that I’ve made in just a few months and I’m so excited to see what the future holds. My illness no longer has control over me, all thanks to Dr. Driscoll. I haven’t had to use my walker in about six months. I have been able to discontinue my heart medication, which is something that I never thought I would be able to do. I am actually able to exercise without becoming completely winded. Now THAT is what I call improvement. If anyone is out there with POTS and has been told that their case is idiopathic or that there is nothing else to be done, definitely see Dr. Driscoll and her medical team. You won’t be disappointed.

“POTS Care Clinic is amazing, without them I don’t know where I would be right now. I’m just blessed to have come across some wonderful, sweet people, who really care about people’s wellbeing.”

I want to first start off with praising Dr. Driscoll and the POTS clinic team for helping me overcome some of these horrific symptoms, they’ve been there for me to answer any questions and concerns I’ve had through my healing process. I was diagnosed with POTS and I didn’t know what was happening to me, but all of a sudden, I couldn’t think, focus, short memory loss, migraines, intolerable shoulder pain, easily irritated, insomnia, mood changes, heat intolerance, difficulty staying alert, my breathing was so bad that I was literally gasping for air. Been to several doctors, and all my tests would show negative results, which was so frustrating and left me in tears; and believed I was better off not living because I was alive, but I wasn’t living. But Dr. Driscoll and Valerie kept telling me it will get better, to hang in there, but my symptoms were so bad that at that time I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to survive this. But regardless, I kept taking my medications. Four months later now and they were right, I am much better. My shoulders don’t hurt any more, my migraines are better, I don’t have insomnia anymore, my focus is better, and I don’t have short term memory loss anymore. I’m still in the process of healing with other symptoms, but everything is much better. One thing I regret doing is that I was doing so well with my migraines that I stopped medication thinking I was healed, but no, that wasn’t the case. I stopped it too soon, so that led me to know and believe that medication was helping me so I’m back on it and my migraines right away got better.

God gave Dr. Driscoll a gift to heal people that are suffering with these conditions. He gave her kindness, patience, and a great caring personality and the ability to communicate well; but my heart is saddened because I think of all those who are suffering and are going crazy wondering what is happening to them. I wish she could reach more people, but those who she has reached and helped, we are very thankful and grateful for everything she has done to help all of us. POTS Care Clinic is amazing, without them I don’t know where I would be right now. I’m just blessed to have come across some wonderful, sweet people, who really care about people’s wellbeing. The comfort part for me is that they will always be there for me in the future, and if I have any questions or need more advice and help, I can easily reach out to them. Thank you all, and God Bless you!

“Dr Driscoll’s personal experiences gave me hope during a time when things felt hopeless. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge I received and look forward to a better quality of life”.

I was really excited to find POTS Care and get to the bottom of what was causing my POTS, as opposed to just treating my symptoms. The team of drs and nurses I worked with were thorough, thoughtful, intelligent, and compassionate. It’s rare to find a dr that has experienced exactly the suffering you are living with. I felt truly heard every step of the way and appreciated the constant string of communication via calls, emails, and audios. I was educated about my different diagnoses and how to manage them throughout my life. By finding out the full picture of what was happening in my body, I was better able to understand what things might exacerbate or help my case. Dr Driscoll’s personal experiences gave me hope during a time when things felt hopeless. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge I received and look forward to a better quality of life.

“Thanks to the team at POTS Care, I understand my condition and have tools to help myself get better. I feel more educated and in control of my health now and have hope that I can live a normal life.”

Lizzy just wanted to enjoy the exciting experiences that come with being a senior in high school. Instead, she spent a year going to doctors without any answers. She was losing hope, spending time alone in her room and missing out on what should be the best year of her life. Then she found POTS Care and her hope has returned.

I spent the last year during the COVID crisis visiting multiple doctors trying to figure out what was wrong with me and there was no improvement in my health. Most of my senior year of high school was spent in my bed, nauseated and vomiting nearly every day. I could not eat much, had bowel troubles, couldn’t sleep, had no energy, and was anxious and depressed. I spent most days in my darkened room, unable to do my schoolwork or see friends or have a normal teenagers’ life. My mom read about Dr. Driscoll and learned about POTS Care and we were able to get into the program quickly. I immediately connected with Dr. Driscoll, who has been through the same things that I have and has recovered and can share what she’s learned from it. Dr. Driscoll and her team ordered tests that none of the other doctors I had previously seen had ordered and determined that I had Inflammatory POTS. It all started making sense. Talking with the POTS Care staff and doctors was so encouraging and they were able to guide us along the way to recovery as no other medical staff had to that point in our journey. For the first time, we felt like someone was listening, that they cared, and that they had answers. They wanted to treat the root cause of my problems, not just the symptoms. I’m not fully recovered yet, but I am improving day by day as I’ve been following the treatment plan for about 2-1/2 months. I have hope for the first time in a long time. I was able to go to my senior prom, finish my schoolwork, and I am graduating with my senior class! I never thought I could do it, but in the fall, I am planning to attend college at Iowa State University! Thanks to the team at POTS Care, I understand my condition and have tools to help myself get better. I feel more educated and in control of my health now and have hope that I can live a normal life.