POTS, it's a common hidden illness but often goes undiagnosed. POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachardyia Syndrome, a type of dysautonomia.
Basically in "non-medical" terms it means that when we change position from laying to sitting to standing our heart rate increases abnormally (a lot in a short period of time). There still isn't a for sure reason as to why it occurs but in general it is from having a low blood volume, blood vessels in lower limbs becoming constricted leading to blood rushing/pooling in the legs/feet, causing our blood pressure to drop which results in us being dizzy.
Symptoms:
Light-Headedness (dizzy), shortness of breath, palpitations, nausea, weakness in legs, cognition problems, headaches, blotches on legs (from blood pooling), tiredness, a hard time seeing, light/noise sensitivity, stomach issues, joint/muscle pain, convulsions, temperature regulating issues, brain fog, adrenaline rush, "drunken walking," and fainting.
Treatments:
The best thing to do is try to weaken its effects on you. This can be figured out by each person because everyone's condition is different. For most it is through exercise (if you can handle it), drinking TONS of water, in general 2-3 Liters of water a day, increasing salt, intaking electrolytes, having multiple smaller meals throughout the day, limiting carbs/alcohol/caffeine, wearing compression socks, not sitting or standing for long periods of time, and for some people medication and IV infusion therapy (works wonders for me). One of the most important things to do is slowly change your position because this is the main cause.
Attack
The first time an "attack" happens can be super scary but you learn how to handle the situation. For everyone it's different. For me it consists of laying down to elevate my legs to send the blood back up to my heart and brain, otherwise I will pass out (it's happened lots of times). Let people know how you feel. For me I tell them it's a medical condition and that I am okay I just need a few minutes. During this time you have to make sure that you are drinking water or something with electrolytes and eating.
Living life with POTS affects every aspect of your life but you eventually figure out the best plan to help you so it doesn't control your life.
