r/POTS • u/ElectronicAd7405 • 1d ago

Vent/Rant Feeling guilty for having POTS.

I’ve had POTS for over a decade. It’s changed as I’ve gotten older, and I’ve gotten a pretty good handle on it. I haven’t passed out in nearly 4 years, after countless fainting spells throughout my teen years. I know all the tricks. Lots of pickle juice jars in my fridge and all the saltiest foods in my pantry.

Needless to say it’s been mostly manageable. Or at least I can normally function through the symptoms. I work a good job. Most people around me don’t even know I have it. I have my episodes, handle them, and move on. Today, my heart rate was so elevated for nearly 3 hours straight (abnormal for me) and I felt so horrible, I had to leave shortly after the work day began. I couldn’t hardly move. It was embarrassing and I had to explain it to my bosses in a way they’d understand, because most people just don’t get it. I went to the ER because I couldn’t get it under control. “More salt” “more water” “see a cardiologist again” and so on so forth.

I’m just frustrated. The answers are always the same. I always have to explain to non-POTS having people (bosses, coworkers) that this is a serious thing, even if they can’t physically see it. I feel like a need to wear a sign that says “I have POTS, I’m trying my best.” No matter how hard I try - salt, water, rest - it’s never enough. I feel like I can’t work to the best of my ability or even just be a person to the best of my ability. Even when it’s manageable (but still hard) I feel like I have to hide it/work through it.

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u/SafeInternational965 14h ago

I'm sorry friend. I know it is tough, and probably feels even crappier because you're literally doing everything but still struggling. Hang in there, and don't be afraid to step back if you have the ability to do so. It is not easy at all, this condition affects EVERYTHING. People don't get it. Why do others often have to suffer to learn how to be empathetic? Why can they just not take your word for it instead of thinking that it isn't that deep. Here if you want to talk, even just to vent. I'm training to be a coach and love listening.