10/26/2026
It's POTS awareness day!
As an invisible illness I think the most awareness we can bring is what goes on behind the scenes.
POTS looks like...
- looking like you're standing enjoying a concert but really you feel like you're about to pass out
- many doctors appointments and trial and error of different treatments (I have at least 2 appts every week)
- people thinking you're lazy for not doing more active activities with them especially outside in the summer
- having a conversation with someone but only thinking about how much you need to go and sit down because you've been standing for too long
- not wanting to whip out your tools (ice pack, mobility aid, etc.) because you don't want people to pity or worry for you or think you're overreacting
- not being able do do your favorite hike anymore
- working out enough to recondition your nerves but not too hard so that you crash and get worse. A very fine line.
- many many decisions each day of what's too much, considering how something may affect your body TODAY because it changes by the day, etc.
- not being able to go out dancing with your friends anymore
- can't go up and down the stairs multiple times in a row or at all some days
- taking the elevator at the gym
- trying to get 3k mg of salt a day
Anyways, we've made lots of strides this year with my POTS symptoms and I'm grateful for it. It's not allll bad. Being forced into a slow pace definitely has its advantages and I've learned to enjoy the little moments more.
I'm very open to talking about my chronic illnesses so if you or someone you know has questions let me know!
