The POTScast Patrick Ussher, author of Understanding ME/CFS and Strategies for Healing
Oct 7, 2025
Patrick Ussher, author, advocate and patient with POTS and ME/CFS, explains research and treatment pathways from a personal perspective. He discusses misdiagnosis of psychogenic polydipsia and how oral rehydration solved severe thirst. He outlines a unifying biological model for ME/CFS, the Mitodacure curative initiative, and his experiences with therapies like HELP apheresis, HBOT, diets and breathing techniques.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Use Oral Rehydration Solutions For Severe Thirst
- Try oral rehydration solutions (ORS) instead of plain water when thirst is extreme, because ORS boosts blood volume more effectively than plain salt or water.
- Patrick reports 600 ml of ORS quickly relieved his life‑threatening thirst and improved baseline functioning.
Unifying Model Explains PEM Through Cellular Sodium Overload
- The Wirth and Scheibenbogen unifying model links autonomic dysfunction, low blood volume, microclots, autoimmunity and cellular sodium buildup into interconnected vicious cycles causing PEM.
- Intracellular sodium rise triggers calcium overload, mitochondrial damage, and can kill muscle fibers during PEM.
Back Trials For A Potential Curative Drug Mitodacure
- Support research for targeted therapies like Mitodacure that aim to prevent intracellular sodium rise and allow mitochondria to recover.
- Professor Klaus Wirth seeks funding for phase 1/2 trials; ~€20M needed to reach end of phase 2.
