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I Have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Teenager Diagnosed With Pots...

By: backstreets17
Written on March 7th, 2012
I have been having symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, really bad brain fog, bloating, and overall body pain for over 6 months now. I am a junior in high school and have missed over 40 days of school this year... it's been a complete nightmare. I have 3 AP classes right now and I've kept up the best I can with school even when I miss class even with the brain fog, but it's getting to be a huge pain. Because of missing school, my depression has gotten worse and the anxiety i feel makes all my symptoms stand out even more. I was diagnosed with POTS about 3 weeks ago, and we're having trouble getting into the doctors i need to see soon enough. I was wondering if there's anyone my age that is going through this too, or someone that went through this in high school, and how you're handling it. This has completely turned my life upside down, as I had huge goals for the future (like going to a good college) and now i'm seeing they may not be doable. Sometimes i feel really alone with this because no one i talk to really understands, so I hope I can get some feedback from this! Thank you!
By: backstreets17
Age: 16-17 , Female
561 people have read this story

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6 responses
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    backstreets17
    backstreets17

    Thank you SO MUCH, everyone! Your insight has really helped. It's nice to see that even though things are really hard right now, life goes on. I'm already starting to feel a little better! Best wishes to all of you!!

    May 1, 2012
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    ChloeCost
    ChloeCost

    I can relate completely. I started getting sick at the very beginning of my sophomore year of high school. February of that school year I was diagnosed with POTS, but I wasn't given medication until May. So basically, I was sick and unmedicated my whole sophomore year, and it was awful. I too missed about 40 days throughout the whole year, even though second semester I dropped a few classes and only went for half a day. Ever since I started taking beta-blockers my symptoms have decreased significantly, but by no means am I completely symptom free. I also deal with anxiety due to POTS and am now on medication for that. Anyways, I graduated from high school on time in 2010 and am now a sophomore in university. I wish I could let you in on some secret that helped me get through high school, but there is none. Just do the best you can. If you need someone to talk to let me know!

    Apr 30, 2012
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    torilogan
    torilogan

    I'm going through the exact same thing you are ! I'm in my sophomore year of highschool and have been going through POTS since the first week of freshman year if you ever need anyone to talk to I'm here for you!

    Apr 25, 2012
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    rstarwe
    rstarwe

    hi, i just turned 20 and have had pots since just before i turned 18. prior to pots, i was an active varsity athlete, top ten percent of my class, and basically a high functioning kid. I started feeling symptoms half way through my sr year of high school, and in a nutshell, it kinda spiraled from there. now i am taking college classes, but at a commuter school as opposed to going away (like i wanted to). honestly, school is very tough with pots, but depending on your symptoms, teachers can work with you. i recommending thoroughly explaining your situation to your teachers, guidance counselor, and the school nurse. my college professors know that i have to leave class early often, and take tests in a separate room in case i have to lay down or get up or anything. unfortunately, i still deal with pots daily, but id love to try to offer any advice that i can and help you however possible! i remember how rough the last few months of high school were for me when i got sick, so if u have any questions i can try to help!

    Mar 15, 2012
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    backstreets17
    backstreets17

    Yes exactly! That makes me feel so much better. I've been told that exercising really does help, so I'm trying to walk/do yoga every day to keep it under control. Sometimes I tend to overdo it though, so it's kind of one big experiment. Thanks so much for the comment - it helps to know there's someone else going through the same thing! Keep your head up! :)

    Mar 10, 2012
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    ThreeTree
    ThreeTree

    I am going through the exact same problems. None of my classmates understand why I've suddenly turned from smarty to sleepy. And of course the cycle of symptoms, missing school, and stress just keeps building up. Since I was only diagnosed a week ago, I can't give you much advice on who to see or what to do, but last semester I signed up for a health physiology class that builds personal workout routines for each student. It's excruciating at first, but now I can sense a little more energy in me. Making sure I do even just a few minutes of activity a day has had a positive tangible affect. I don't know if your school offers any program like that, but if it doesn't, perhaps signing up at a local gym would help? You are not alone though, I understand.

    Mar 9, 2012
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