Rhianna

My name is Rhianna and I’m 22 years old. I started having POTS symptoms after a viral illness in 2018 while I was at university. Immediately following this I experienced a range of symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, low blood sugar and rapid weight loss due to having no appetite.  

My GP diagnosed me with a type of vertigo commonly found in adults between age 50 and 70, despite me informing him that none of my symptoms lined up. I managed the symptoms I was experiencing for the most part in the following few years, unaware that they were due to PoTS. 

Unfortunately, I caught COVID while I was working in a hospital as an Occupational Therapist. This massively worsened my symptoms to the point where I have not been able to work since January of this year and have been predominantly house bound since April. I was diagnosed with PoTS in May. It is now combined with long covid and has not improved with the recommended lifestyle changes. 

Unfortunately, I have had a terrible experience with my Cardiologist, which I’ve found to be common in people with PoTS. Particularly with medical professionals dismissing symptoms and the severity of my condition.  

My identity has completely changed

What I’ve had to adapt to the most is that much of my identity has completely changed. I can no longer complete any of my interests and hobbies that made up part of who I was, let alone normal activities such as making myself lunch. 

I’m hoping to start medication soon to see if it helps. I have chosen this photo as it most accurately represents the reality of my day-to-day life, lying down due to severe fatigue, breathlessness and dizziness when I stand. 

I hope sharing my story can raise awareness so that there are better treatment options and research for people with PoTS.