POTS

POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, affects the body's ability to regulate blood flow properly. When a person with POTS stands up, blood can pool in the lower body instead of circulating efficiently, forcing the heart to work harder to compensate.

This can cause dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, brain fog, fatigue, a racing heart, vision changes, near-fainting episodes, and sometimes complete loss of consciousness. While symptoms vary from person to person, they can significantly affect daily life and independence.

For me, POTS is one of the most limiting conditions I live with. Because I am at risk of fainting, I often have to think about safety in situations that many people take for granted. Something as simple as standing in line, walking through a store, or spending too much time upright can become physically challenging.

Managing POTS is often a full-time job in itself. I have to pay close attention to hydration, salt intake, temperature, activity levels, and symptom triggers. Compression garments can help improve circulation, and even everyday tasks like showering sometimes require accommodations such as using a shower stool to avoid becoming dizzy or passing out.

I also frequently rely on a wheelchair when I know a lot of walking will be involved. Using mobility aids helps me conserve energy, reduce symptoms, and participate in activities that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe.

Living with POTS means constantly adapting to what my body is capable of on any given day. It can be frustrating, unpredictable, and invisible to others, but it has a major impact on nearly every part of my life.