I was just recently diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or P.O.T.S for short. It is called a syndrome because there is no cure for P.O.T.S. You most likely have not heard of P.O.T.S before because this is an extremely rare syndrome. P.O.T.S effects my ability to stand and allot of the time sit. Basically I'm just broken !
Over the last 8 1/2 months my life has been turned upside down. My story starts in June of 2012, this month marks the start of my difficult journey and the new me. As of June, I officially was diagnosed with P.O.T.S. After multiple trips to the emergency and doctors appointments I found a sense of relief, but I was also very afraid. I had not heard of P.O.T.S and I had no clue what it was, thanks to Internet I was reading for hours trying to absorb as much information as i could. I'm now trying to get through each day as well as i can, its an extreme struggle but with the support from my family, I'm trying my hardest.
Through this experience i have found out allot of things about myself and who my real friends are. When one day your life takes a drastic change, it hard to believe but not many people actually stay by your side. My life is all new and everyday is an unknown challenge.
The many doctors i have met over 8 1/2 months have been very help full and kind towards me. although there are not many options to help with the many symptoms, the doctors have encouraged me to drink 3-5 liters of water a day and 10-15 grams of salt. if you have P.O.T.S then you might not know but electrolyte filled energy drinks works way better than water. The increased salt intake was a huge challenge and at first i could not believe that i was supposes to have about a cup of salt a day.
Today my symptoms are worse than when i started showing symptoms and so far the few medications that the doctors have tried on me, have not worked and actually made my condition worse. I have read about girls who have found medications that work for them, so there is hope. lossing hope is easy to have but a up-hill battle to stay positive and believe that there is a chance of getting better in the future. Living in a small town, there really is not anyone like me but around the world there are poeople who are struggling to get through the day just like me. I look at myself and think how i do have it easy compared to all the sick kids living in a hospital. those kids are stronger than i could ever imagaine and i give my love and support to those families.
Hope lies in everyone, the challenge is finding it within yourself......
Thanks for reading,
