Part 1 of my Story:
When I knew something was really wrong.
🛒 I was in high school working retail. I was your average anxious junior trying to balance school and 25 hours of work a week. I remember I was walking to the back of the store. Just walking. And for once my mind was clear. Nothing was pressing my anxiety.
🔔But all of a sudden I felt as though my body was panicking. I was hot and sweating. Somehow shivering and sweating at once. My vision wouldn’t really focus. But my mind was not anxious. In fact the brain fog hit so strong I didn’t have clear thoughts at all. I dragged my body to the backroom and sat down.
♥️ That’s when I felt my watch buzz. And I looked down and saw this. Never in my life had I felt that horrible. Even when I’d had 30+ minute panic attacks. I knew deep down I was not anxious when this happened. And that something else was going on.
📞The next day I decided to leave my pediatrician and see my first adult primary provider. I set up the next available appointment and prayed she could help me feel better. I realized all the exhaustion and insomnia I’d been putting off as laziness may not be my fault.
✔️Follow along if you’d like to hear what come next. Spoiler alert: five years later and I’m still seeing doctors!
💡Drop any questions you have below!!
#pots #posturalorthostatictachycardiasyndrome #chronicillness #chronicillness #anxiety
In the realm of chronic illnesses, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) has gained considerable attention, especially among younger individuals. Symptoms often include a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting when moving from lying down to standing up. Many victims, like myself, initially misinterpret these symptoms, attributing them to anxiety or fatigue. It's crucial to understand the importance of seeking help early, as many face an emotional and physical battle that can take years of consultations and misdiagnoses. It's also essential to leverage support networks and advocacy resources for chronic illness that can provide insights and community support. Organizations dedicated to POTS and related conditions offer educational materials and can guide patients in understanding their medical options. With ongoing research, awareness is increasing, helping many recognize the signs that may indicate something more serious than typical anxiety. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, remember, it's important to advocate for yourself with your healthcare providers. Don't hesitate to seek second opinions or explore specialized clinics that focus on autonomic disorders. Your health journey is important, and understanding your body is key to reclaiming your life. If you have questions or share similar experiences, I encourage you to drop them below. Let's navigate this journey together!
