POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Fainting, brain fog, tingling, shaking, weak, pain, light and sound sensitivity, tightness of chest, heat intolerance, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and MISUNDERSTOOD LONLINESS.

The day that changed my every day...

After my early morning soccer game, I ran to the car with anticipation to pick-up my best friend from the train station. My stomach began to ache. With tears I told my mom I was getting the flu. Right as my friend arrived, I threw-up. The next hours were a panic of disorientation. While in the car I began to feel a panic as my eye sight began to blur to darkness, my hands trembled, and I couldn't feel my mom trying to comfort me. Apparently my mouth began to droop. I tried to talk but I couldn't remember how to pronounce the words. After hours of testing at the ER, doctors stated I had a severe migraine. Migraine because they couldn't say it was a seizer. Days later, I could remember the panic of trying to say my brothers' names and my best friend's name who had traveled across the country to see me. The doctors and I hoped that maybe, just maybe this would never happen again. Unfortunately...

Sleepovers with friends were a thing of the past. I craved salt, but doctors recommended a healthy diet. I began to lose energy and I just wanted to lay-down. My brothers teased me as I looked deathly pale. My migraines increased in frequency. One day my mom walked into my room. I was standing in the middle of my room mumbling. My eyes wild with fright as I didn't know who I was or who this person was trying to comfort me. My mom finally got me into the car to speed to the ER.

After seeking the advice of thirty-three doctors and specialists, I was diagnosed with POTS and visual snow. I can't describe the lonely journey of medical appointments only to end with disappointment and hopelessness. Some said I was spiraling from depression, but I was depressed due to medical specialists not listening and forming their own conclusion.

Finally, I received an answer from Mayo. Finally, I knew what I could control to help me. Unfortunately; there isn't a cure but there are steps I can take. Advocate for yourself. You know yourself better than any healthcare professional. You are worth the fight!