Last March I wasn't doing well. I had been flared for about 9 months: most of those confined to my apartment. My mind went to dark places, darker than I ever thought possible. I felt that I wasn't living, merely surviving. I became the victim in my own personal horror story. Every ache, every symptom, … Continue reading Learning to Re-Love Life
I sat at my desk as my head began to float. It felt as if I was submerged in water, my thoughts swimming to get to me. The computer screen radiated light, and the fluorescents beat down on me, causing a thin line of moisture to coat the back of my neck. A coworker came over … Continue reading Working With A Chronic Illness
"Do you tolerate heat well," the nurse asked as she lead me back into the testing room. Uh...no...I have POTS and Chronic Migraines. Both are triggered by heat. But, it wasn't like I had a choice in the matter. The Thermoregulatory Sweat Test (TST) is an autonomic test conducted at only a small number of … Continue reading Thermoregulatory Sweat Test
"Hi, my name is Andrea. I like dogs, chocolate, long walks on the beach. Oh, and I also have a chronic illness" Dating is tough enough when you're healthy. But dating with POTS, chronic migraines or any other debilitating illness is climbing-up-a-300-foot-wall-made-out-of-broken-glass tough. From setting up dates when you're single to navigating a relationship, it … Continue reading Dating With A Chronic Illness
It only takes an instant for your life to change. But, with POTS, it takes weeks, months, years to know that the change is real. My story starts off like many others. I was a happy, active, and normal girl. I tumbled across the floor, while family cheered my gymnastics team on. I went off … Continue reading Spotting the Invisible – My Story
POTS head 