P.O.T.S

So you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic illness, POTS

POTS stands for “Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome” POTS is a debilitating form of chronic orthostatic intolerance that primarily affects women and causes substantial impairment in quality of life and function. POTS usually flares up when the person gets up from a sitting or lying position and symptoms can alleviate when sitting or lying down.

I was diagnosed with POTS this year in January after my first pregnancy caused it. I live with some of the worse symptoms, fainting, near fainting, tinnitus, orthostatic headaches, low blood pressure (low for me though it’s in “normal” range), unable to stand for long periods of times.

I can no longer do the things I use to love like hiking and have cried so many times wishing for my old life back.

I try to live as close to my old life as I can and here are some tips and tricks that work to keep my POTS under control.

1. Electrolyte mixes: These have been a game changer! I drink one or two a day, they keep you hydrated while providing essentials your body needs.

2. Increase salt intake: I increased my salt intake, add salt to everything.

3. Compression socks: Compression socks to help with the pooling of blood in the legs.

4. Heel and toe raises: I do these while standing if having to stand for long periods of time. Helps to get the blood back up.

5. Portable stool: I take a collapsible stool with me everywhere, if you can’t get ahead of the curve, sit and let it run its course.

6. Use the electric shopping carts: I know I know, you’ll get weird looks, some people might harass you about it, but don’t feel bad for using them, you have every right to use them even if others can’t psychically see your disability, same with handicap parking.

POTS can look different for everyone and sometimes it takes a little while to find what exactly works for you.

Some days I feel like giving up and giving in, but we can do this, you can do this. Don’t stop fighting. While POTS might control some aspects of our lives, it does not define us, we are more than just our illness. Let’s kick booty!! You are not alone!

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