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Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

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POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is a serious complication of chronic tick-borne diseases, and often renders patients bedridden for many months. POTS is generally found in more women than men suggesting a hormonal component to the etiology as well. Typical symptoms of POTS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Tremors
  • Syncope (fainting)
  • Dizziness
  • Poor ability to concentrate
  • Exercise Intolerance
  • Lightheaded
  • Heat intolerant
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold Extremities
  • Low blood volume
  • Drop in blood pressure on standing
  • Elevated plasma norepinephrine
  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

These symptoms indicate dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system between the brain and the heart. Somehow and not yet fully understood, the heart and brain get out of synchronization causing the above symptoms. Chronic infection, toxin accumulation, inflamogens, etc…are likely the cause of this constellation of symptoms, and correcting the underlying adrenal issues is important. You can certainly heal from POTS symptoms, however, it may take some time to heal the autonomic nervous system. Please consult with Dr. Marra if you are concerned about this.

A close up view of a finger with Scleroderma

Bartonella and Scleroderma

Written on . Posted in Bartonella, Coinfections, Conditions Caused by Tick-borne Illness. No Comments on Bartonella and Scleroderma

Scleroderma and Bartonella… Is there a connection?

Dr. Marra has been treating patients with tick borne illness since 1999 in both Westport Connecticut and Seattle Washington. She has had two patients with severe Raynaud’s Syndrome, a Scleroderma diagnosis, and a positive Bartonella henselae serology test, one from each coast.

Dr. Marra does not think that this is a coincidence as Bartonella is known to reside in the vascular system along the inside of the vessel endothelium. She strongly suspects that Raynaud’s Syndrome and Scleroderma could have an infectious etiology that has been overlooked by the medical community because Bartonella is just now considered an emerging zoonotic infection. There is sparse scientific literature on Bartonella infection implications, and she would like to see more research done in this area.

To date, there is no literature indicating an infectious etiology for either Raynaud’s Syndrome or for Scleroderma. There is also very few treatment options offered to patients with these diagnoses. Typically they are left to suffer with these diseases, and Scleroderma can be extremely painful.

Dr. Marra suggests to any patients that have Raynaud’s Syndrome or Scleroderma to be tested for Bartonella henselae through Igenex laboratory. It’s important that the test be done accurately so that tests document the presence of an infection. If an infection is present, prompt use of antimicrobial herbs or antibiotics is extremely important. It is also beneficial that herbs or antibiotics are taken just prior to a very hot shower so that the medicine can reach the peripheral tissue.

In both patients who were found to have a Bartonella infection, subsequent antibiotic therapy was initiated with substantial symptom relief. Better blood flow occurred and the pain and swelling in the fingers receded. Of course this is simply anecdotal evidence, but in the face of having no scientific articles to turn to, this may be a valuable clinical observation for patients with either Raynaud’s Syndrome or Scleroderma.