Gabby

Hi, my name is Gabby and at 26 years old I was diagnosed with PoTS which changed my life.

Prior to my diagnosis, I had suffered with fainting episodes from the age of 14 which were investigated up until my diagnosis, but nothing was found to suggest I had any underlying condition.

I have always been an active, healthy and outgoing person and never let anything stop me from achieving my goals. It wasn’t until I turned 22 that I began to develop dizziness and pre-syncope symptoms which caused me to feel unstable, however for years the doctors did not detect anything underlying and I was told that I was young and needed to just get on with life! For months I had to undergo several cardiac tests and hospital visits and was diagnosed years later with PoTS.

I had no idea what PoTS was and didn’t know how to manage it or realise the impact it would have on my life. I was not told by the clinicians on how to manage it and there is still little research surrounding the condition. This stopped me from pursuing my career in aviation altogether and provided limitations in my job roles, but my experience has provided me with the knowledge that I can share with other young people who may not be aware of the condition and what can be done to help.

I spent a lot of time researching the condition and speaking to people within the healthcare sector who could help shed light on what it means to have PoTS and how I can manage this for the rest of my life. Today I still suffer with the consequences of having PoTS and I am still trying to find ways to help me manage the symptoms so I can still live a normal and happy life. It is not easy explaining to people what PoTS is, as on the outside I look normal and healthy, which I am grateful for, however this can prevent people who don’t know much about it taking my condition seriously. Most days I feel extremely fatigued and experience dizziness, which always makes me feel anxious about fainting or having another flare up which can impact my day-to-day activities. I have had to learn to listen to my body and how to adjust my lifestyle habits so I can manage my condition, but this hasn’t been easy as I don’t feel I have been given full support due to my age and gender.

I always make the effort to try and be as positive as possible, even though I have had to make sacrifices such as giving up my career and not taking part in anything too strenuous. I have learnt that PoTS is as limiting as you make it and that there are ways to combat the symptoms by getting to know your body, doing research and adopting lifestyle habits that work for you. I am grateful to have been surrounded by supporting friends and family who have been on my journey with me and continue to provide me with support.

I am now training to be a Physiotherapist and studying at university which is something I never thought I would be able to achieve. I can’t wait to spread awareness and support others who maybe suffering with the same condition, but also provide the positive aspects on having PoTS and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!

I would like to share my story to spread awareness and inspire others to not give up on your dream and make the most of what you have. Having PoTS is not the be all and end all, but for me has been a journey which has taught me so much about the body and is something which I have accepted to be part of my life.

Thank you for reading this, Gabby.