Alexandra

In June 2021, I stood up to give my partner a hug and passed out in his arms. I considered that this was just a one-off; that maybe I was dehydrated or overtired.

When I started to experience other, more frequent and quite frankly worrying symptoms, I had to admit that there was something more to it. The palpitations, racing heartbeat, blood pooling and sweating weren’t normal for a then 22 year old.

I was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos just three months prior to these instances of passing out, so I knew there was a possibility of developing other health conditions. After the onset of chest pains, smacking my head on the kitchen floor a few times and having my life suddenly become smaller and smaller, I reached out to my GP.

As a young woman, I initially had to deal with being told that I was just anxious and stressed out. It was when I ended up in A&E that someone took me seriously and referred me to a cardiologist.

I had one phone call with the consultant at my local hospital who quickly put the pieces together and suggested I was exhibiting symptoms of PoTS. This diagnosis allowed me to put certain things in place that helped with my symptoms, such as increasing my salt intake, wearing compression stockings and using a stool for cooking and cleaning. 

About a year after my first instance of fainting, I was fortunate enough to see the Neurocardiology team at King’s College hospital. To be listened to, to be believed, and have someone explain what was actually happening to me was the most positive experience I’ve ever had with the NHS. Immediately I was reassured that it wasn’t ‘all in my head’, and given all the necessary referrals for different specialists to help with the issues that occur with PoTS.

Whilst I still struggle with my symptoms on an almost daily basis, beginning to understand my body and make accommodations has been incredibly helpful for me. I’m so profoundly grateful for Dr Gall and his team. I only hope that other sufferers are as lucky as I am.