Felicity
My name is Felicity and I am 23. Being diagnosed with PoTS at 22 years old came with a mountain of emotions but also kickstarted my confidence in advocating for myself and my needs.
For a couple of years, I had vague symptoms of dizziness, brain fog, head rushes, palpitations, heat/exercise intolerance and a general sense of something being wrong. Previous visits to the doctor had resulted in dismissal, being told symptoms related to anxiety, lack of adequate fluid intake or simply standing up too fast; none of which sat right with me!
As a vet student I was finding long days of standing in clinics, performing surgery, helping around farms, and constantly moving difficult and disheartening. After going to the pharmacist for a routine blood pressure check, they noticed my heart rate was significantly higher than normal and I responded by shrugging and saying “that happens when I walk somewhere.” Straight away he asked me if I had heard of PoTS, that conversation changed everything! Finally, all the pieces were falling into place as to why I felt so awful all the time and that the symptoms I was putting down to personal failures were actually a medical condition. After testing the theory with my smart watch, by recording my heart rate after standing, I went to the doctor with evidence that I had PoTS. Thankfully the GP listened immediately and scheduled investigations (ECGs, referrals, tilt table etc.) and at 22 years old I was finally diagnosed. Finally, I could start changing my lifestyle and start medication to live life like everyone else.
I was initially trialled on fludrocortisone but this gleaned minimal beneficial effects and it ended up altering my electrolytes in a way that wouldn’t have been smart to continue with. For me, midodrine has been the saving grace and, despite having to take it three times a day, I love what it has done for my ability to do activities and feel good in my body.
When I was first diagnosed, in my final year of vet school, I thought my career might be in jeopardy because – “How am I going to do my job when I feel dizzy, nauseas and faint every day?” Thankfully, the University of Nottingham has a wonderful wellbeing and disability support team that helped me create a personalised support plan and helped me feel less alone. I was able to complete my final year (which is mighty hard work!) in spite of my condition. As that year went on, I became more and more confident in advocating for my needs – the need to have breaks, sit down, get air, drink more regularly etc. I have also shared my story online as well as resources and information – including a recent RCVS veterinary survey that showed 75% of respondents in the profession had a chronic condition/disability! That number is astonishing, and I am so glad more research and time is being put into awareness, accommodations and support for those affected.
I would absolutely love to raise awareness of PoTS across all communities – those struggling with symptoms; those supporting the affected; those who know nothing of it and those who work in the medical profession that can help patients, much like the wonderful teams that have helped me. Without their education on the syndrome, I would not have received the treatment that I am so grateful for.
Almost two years after diagnosis, I have graduated vet school and will be going on to work in a small animal practice doing the job I have dreamed of since being a child! I would not have been able to do it without the support of friends, family and the NHS. Thank you all!
To all the PoTSies – we have got this!