Symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

These are symptoms of the autonomic nervous system disorder Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS.

The condition is poorly understood, but not considered rare. It impacts millions of people around the world and there is currently no cure. Estimates show at least a quarter of those afflicted are so disabled they cannot work or attend school, however the severity varies per patient and some improve with treatment or over time. This information is according to nonprofit, @DysautonomiaInternational.

(Summer Dashe is a former news anchor disabled by chronic illness. Her goal is to provide factual, reliable, and accurate information on her social media accounts. Using brutal honesty, a sprinkle of humility, and a dash of sick humor, she hopes her work helps educate, spread awareness, and empower.)

[MB-kcrt]

My daughter has POTS and so few people understand it! Thank you for being such an amazing advocate for POTS patients!!

[CharlesSugden]

I'm 50, found out that I have pots. It sucks at times and I don't wish this on anyone.

[rhonda]

I have POTS and I want to thank you for putting this out. I am going to share this with my family and friends. They really don't understand it at all. Sometimes I don't think that I understand it. I am in an area of Canada that the "specialist" said "what does it matter". So it is super tough. I am just trying to suffer through it. It really is so miserable. I have had it for 13 years now, I am so tired of it, everyday being sick...

[janetellis]

I was diagnosed with POTS 14 yrs ago. I had a gastric bleed and lost 2/3 of my blood volume at the age of 40. My life changed completely that day. Every symptoms Summer talks about I have to the extreme. After 5 years I was no longer able to work and it still took me 3 yrs to get disability. Went before a judge and within minutes he said I was disabled. I suffer from symptoms everyday. Insomnia, pain, sweating, fatigue, blood pooling are some of my worst. I also was diagnosed with inflammatory disorders at the same time. When given the transfusion from my bleed out the blood cause inflammation that has never been regulated. When someone looks normal but tells you there are serious problems I understand. I look normal on the outside but suffer daily on the inside.

[kimnelson]

Found this video after having a daughter that had 2 years before her POTS diagnosed. We lost her after her second baby to heart failure- not POTS related. But will never forget what she /we went through trying to get a diagnosis…. After having multiple antidepressants thrown at her.. it was a horrible few years. Finally got money together and got her to Mayo Clinic and paying cash- she was diagnosed. Now with Long Covid- this is becoming more prevalent. Each patient needs to be properly diagnosed !

[AllenCauthen]

I have all of these symptoms too. It only took the doctors 30 years to diagnose me. I was just labeled an anxiety patient and it was very disheartening.

[JulzHair]

Wow! I need to find out more about this. I went to the ER several months ago with many of these issues, post covid. They said I now have tachycardia with long covid. I told them I just felt woozy headed, weak, tired, nauseated and my ibs was out of control. I felt crazy! Thank God this popped up in my feed!

[gramps]

When it goes wrong we actually learn just how awesome our bodies are.

[Know_Thy_Salt]

Thank you, Summer! I’m 44 and have suffered from hyperhidrosis and heart palpitations my whole life. After being told it was “just anxiety” and then later having more and more of the same symptoms you mentioned here, I finally decided to find out what’s really been going on. POTS diagnosis provided those “well this makes so much sense” kind of answers, but it also brought a lot of grief. 😔

[michellemerryweather]

Why has it taken me so long to find this video? Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s been over 20 years since I was diagnosed with POTS and this has to be one of the best videos I’ve seen to describe all of the symptoms and how much they can and do change throughout the day. I don’t want to list myself on the severe sign of the condition, but I unfortunately faint on a regular basis due to my heart rate and blood pressure. I don’t know how many times I’ve ended up in A&E via ambulance due to a fainting episode. Unfortunately today was one of them when my heart rate hit a high of 182bpm & then dropped to 52bpm, causing another faint. I’ve learned to take every day at a time & not plan anything, as I can never anticipate when an episode it gonna happen. I am lucky to have a good support system around me to help me. Thank you again for this video. x

[yeosangcoded]

i also have POTS and i didnt even know about the beir spots! i have them and i was just wondering about it the other day. my jaw dropped when you mentioned them and i was like "THATS WHAT THEY ARE??"

[Lynn]

Thanks for sharing! This disease has disabled me severely! I have horrible adrenal malfunctioning and can barely function. No one talks about how horrible this can be.

[stacyblackburn]

Thank you for this video. I was officially diagnosed today, the moment she says “come on brain, words, words” that is my whole life explained In one sentence

[Cat]

I wish every primary care doctor watches this!

[barbaraliwood]

Your video made me emotional because described my life right now. I had an appointment with my primary doctor today and hesitated to mention POTS. Instead she prescribed me some iron (because I’m anemic) and a follow up in a month. Hope I can bring that up to her next time and she helps me with a diagnosis.

[elizathornberry]

OMG THE OILY EYE THING 😫 I’ve literally been thinking my face oil was somehow in my lashes randomly every other day 😂

[trudivable]

I love that you are putting all of this out there for people to see. It helps so much to feel heard. My 21 year old has just been diagnosed, (after 11 years of being told there is nothing we can do for you). We finally found a doctor that said yes there is something wrong and I can hopefully help you. She is on the severe side of this illness and passes out a lot and suffers 24/7 migraines, and has all of the symptoms that you talk about. I have a milder case and get a lot of the symptoms but I can still function.
Thank you for all that you do to promote awareness of this illness.

[brookepoulson]

I have POTS I had so many symptoms. I was grateful to finally be diagnosed.

[heidibillesbach]

Thank you for sharing. This helps not to feel so alone. It’s extremely hard. Thank you

[mibelloaleman]

This is the BEST video regarding Pots! EXCELLENT! You described everything I am experiencing. It has destroyed my life! Can you do a follow up video of what treatments are available? You're empathic which is rare now a days. Don't let the reptile brain turds effect you. You're wonderful! Thank you for this informative video! ⚘🦋🌷🦋🌞