I never see positivity posts for POTS, so I am making one.
People with POTS and orthostatic hyper/hypotension: I see you. You are here and you are doing wonderfully.
Sufferers who use mobility aids: I see you. You are not lesser for using one, it is genuinely difficult for you to stand, walk distances, and move around. You are completely valid for using one.
Sufferers who have blurred vision or even visual impairments due to their syndrome: I see you. You are so, so brave having to suffer with that and still getting by each and every day.
Sufferers who faint and struggle with weakness: I see you. You are strong, a fighter, even when your body is weak. I know it gets so exhausting being strong, and I hope rest finds you soon, and you get to do something fun soon with no episodes.
Sufferers whose hearts race and blood pressure gets high: I see you. It feels terrifying, it feels painful, and it feels annoying, but it is just a moment. A moment in which your blood pressure triggered your autonomic nervous system, and caused you to feel anxiety and fear. I know that knowing this fact doesn’t get rid of the panic, but it will ease your logical brain and make those moments easier.
Sufferers of abdominal pain due to this: I see you. Feeling nauseous and bloated sucks donkey balls, I know how you feel. May you feel better soon and be able to quickly find a medicine that helps you. Being misdiagnosed due to this symptom is hard and unfair, and you are so strong for making it to this point.
Sufferers of brain fog: I see you. It gets scary being confused and forgetful so often. Even lists and notes seem to not help sometimes, believe me I know. Still do them though, take any help you can. Bullet journals are great for this! May your memory and mind serve you as well as they can, be sure to not be harsh towards yourself. You are no lesser for experiencing these symptoms.
Sufferers of temperature deregulation: I see you. Hot or cold barely seem to matter and, frankly, it’s annoying as hell! Heating and cooling pads are your godsend, get your hands on those and things become much easier. I am sorry we have to struggle through this, may your body be kind to you through winter and summer. You are valid in these sensations! You are not attention-seeking, whiny, or anything similar for complaining about the temperature in the room or outside.
Sufferers of shakiness/tremors: I see you. It’s hard. It barely ever gets diagnosed either. I’ve had tremors since I was 5 and no doctor ever knew what was wrong, so I believe you when you say doctors don’t listen. It will get easier. It will calm down as you are medicated and make life changes, and will become more manageable. You are not alone in this.
Sufferers of body aches: I see you. It hurts, I know. I understand that not much makes it better for you. Do everything you can to minimize your pain, heating pads, medicine, medication, muscle relaxing meditation, etc. Whatever you can find, give it a try, even if your gut instinct is “That won’t help me specifically.” Obviously only take advice from reputable sources, but there are thankfully many of those! May your body be gentle with you today and many days to come, and may you receive proper treatment as soon as possible.
Sufferers of POTS and orthostatic hyper/hypotension: I see you. I am here with you, and I feel your pain. We’re in this together. You’ve got this. ♡
