POTS is…..
having to readjust your life to the point where most of what you defined yourself by is no longer there for an indeterminate amount of time
Adjusting so well you forget what was, and rebuild slowly
Worrying about family members—because they are sick or because they take care of us
Grieving
Hope
Frustration
Loneliness
Anger
Perseverance
Needing so much sodium you dream the world was made of it
Fainting
Resilience
Existence at its most basic
Learning what’s important in life and fighting
Not having energy but still going because you are not just strong…you are POTS strong
Wondering if you’ll ever be okay again
Celebrating signs of recovery
Honoring what is without shame, judgement, or guilt
Trusting yourself, even when people you love don’t understand or agree
Believing in the value of your life
Smiling through losses of consciousness
Adjusting to needing new or more attendant care
Understanding that there are limits to what helpers can do
Praying through each scary moment, and knowing you are not alone
Emerging stronger
Defying gravity
Falling down and getting up again
Worth talking about
Not the end
Not who you are
not able to take what really matters
Finding great moments of kindness and connection
Believing anyway