Chloe

My name is Chloe and my PoTS journey began in August 2018. I was only 16 and I had just spent the summer climbing mountains and gorges, when I was sent home with horrible abdominal pains. An ambulance was called for but the paramedic seemed more concerned about my very fast heart rate. A few tests were done but nothing much more happened.

In September 2018, I began my first year of college where I spent 5 months complaining of palpitations, headaches, and dizziness. I finally gave in and sought some advice from 111 when I presented a heart rate of 160 at rest. I made my way to the hospital upon request, where I was shocked to be rushed into resuscitation after an abnormal ECG. Saline fluids were given, and I was sent home.

I decided enough was enough and I went to see my GP. She was amazing and they did every test on the planet. From 72-hour heart monitor to 24 hour urine tests – nothing was found. I was lucky to come across an amazing friend who informed me about PoTS. One suggestion to the GP and we both pushed for a diagnosis. My diagnosis was given by a cardiologist who didn’t seem to accept the condition and I was sent away with beta blockers.

Using the PoTS UK website, I found a specialist and requested a referral. I had a tilt table test which confirmed PoTS and we found my condition could have begun after contracting swine flu in 2009, which left me regularly fainting.

I missed so many lessons

College was extremely difficult, and I found I was too fatigued and brain foggy to manage any work. I couldn’t get out of bed to get to college, and I missed so many lessons. I felt cheated, extremely unwell, and could not accept I have a lifelong condition. Like everyone else though, I had dreams. I was too stubborn to give in, and with the support of my teachers and wonderful boyfriend, I managed to get the grades I needed to do midwifery at university. I don’t start until late 2021, and I’ve no idea what to expect when it comes to my health, but it proves that dreams are possible with PoTS.

My condition worsened after contracting Covid-19 in October 2020. I’m lucky to receive lots of support from doctors to manage my conditions.

I am now 19 and I know that PoTS is not easy. It has left me with multiple chronic conditions and taking far too many medications a day. The mental side of it is difficult, and some days you can be left thinking, ‘why me?’.

Life doesn’t end when you have PoTS

I just want everyone to know that life doesn’t end when you have PoTS. My biggest tip is to listen to your doctors, listen to your body, and push when you feel like you’re not being listened to. Remember not to compare yourself to other people. PoTS effects everyone differently, and what one person can do, another cannot, but it doesn’t mean the end of possibilities.

Thank you for reading my story.