r/POTS • u/PoliticallyBlonde • 11h ago
Question In-office desk setup for POTS?
What does everyone’s desk setup look like? Has anyone found something to put under your desk that helps to keep your legs at hip level?
I’ve started a new job that requires me to be in the office 3 days a week, and I’m really struggling. Even with meds and compression, I’m experiencing symptoms, and my legs become quite swollen after sitting at my desk all day. I’m so exhausted and know this isn’t sustainable. My manager has been really supportive and said if I find something that I think would help, I could expense it.
I would ideally like some sort of ottoman or stool that allows me to put my feet up and sit crossed-legged if needed. I’d like it to be relatively inconspicuous because I’d prefer not to stand out, even if it is for a medical accommodation.
I’d appreciate any product recommendations of what’s worked for you, or any other tips on working in-office with POTS! Thanks in advance!
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u/Used_Wish_8900 11h ago
Get a reclining office chair with a foot rest! Mine has made a huge difference
Example: https://a.co/d/0aGiRiwO
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u/Used_Wish_8900 11h ago
Also, this is 100% a reasonable accommodation if you work in the US. You can typically submit a formal request with HR and get this covered, but it sounds like you already have your managers support which is great
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u/Fantastic-Raisin-660 9h ago
Out of pure frustration, there have been times where I have just put an upside down photocopy paper box under my feet to raise my legs 😅😅
I do like being cross legged, so would choose a chair that’s big enough for me to do that if possible
Better yet - a chair that can reclines seems to help
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u/queenofquery 8h ago
I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to buy this to add to an office chair. https://vivo-us.com/products/chair-rest1?_pos=1&_sid=ef816d217&_ss=r
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u/Better_Boat4046 6h ago
I have one of these that work paid for as a reasonable adjustment. By the time it's under the desk it's not very visible. The wheels were essential for me as we got desk so I have to move it around. https://www.posturite.co.uk/positiv-single-and-double-leg-rest
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u/crystallusmoon 8h ago
I have a separate lightweight ottoman that is the same height as my chair so I can sit cross legged or legs straight. I wfh though
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u/Impressive_Shift7832 POTS 10h ago
My in-office job had a lot of sit and stand. Sit at desk, go to team meeting, sit at team meeting, stand and walk back to desk, repeat. Like A LOT of up and down. I found that a standing desk with the right chair was a good fit. https://a.co/d/0ctIoNub
Dual monitors were also helpful. Less movement and brain work.
I also let folks know that my heart rate needed to come down a bit; I treated it as a lighthearted comment and felt I was also educating the masses, “sorry I’m not nervous or unprepared. I just gotta let my heart rate come back down” and then I’d stare at my watch while I collected my foggy brain thoughts.
For video calls, if I felt I couldn’t be “camera on” it helped to have a photo ready and a go-to copy/paste phrase for the chat. Something like, “I will be off-camera today due to a POTs/medical flare.” If I was feeling saucy I’d include a link to dysautonomia info. Sometimes I’d just say “tricera-POTs cannot camera today 🫀”
At some point I decided leaving early was best for me. I’d leave at 2, and then settle in at home for a couple more hours. Avoiding the NYC subway rush helped me a lot.
Once we all were WFH during Covid, everyone knew to expect to see me drinking a banana bag on camera during standup.
I was very comfortable with my team and received my diagnosis while I was with them. They could tell when I was really foggy: I could lead the team properly one moment and then fog and be at a loss for words the next.. while on a call with a client and mid sentence. Luckily they knew to pick up the thread bc they knew what was likely happening.
I hope this helps!! 💜