During the month of October we are holding a 31 day yoga challenge as part of our Awareness Month.

POTS or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition I have been recently diagnosed with. By chance in December 2021 I was having a pre surgery check up for another chronic illness I have, and they found I had tachycardia ( my heart was beating too fast), we put it down to nerves as I don't much like having my blood taken.

After finding that my tachycardia was continuing after other tests to rule possible causes out, and realizing through my fot bit of had tachycardia ongoing all the time for a much longer period, as well as some other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and pain that had been put down to my M.E I had had since a teen, I was lucky enough that my then GP was knowledgeable about POTS and refered me to cardiology.

It took a year for me to been seen by cardiology due to pressures on the NHS and other serious cases needing to take priority understandably. But in that time managing ME, severe migraines, endometriosis and ongoing tachycardia all the time was taking it's toll.

I ended up seeking private cardiology support as well as seeing my nhs cardiologist again in July and August 2023 about my symptoms and it was confirmed I had POTS. I also was told I had a poor value ejection/ mild heart failure which is not common with or a symptom of POTs and this is being looked into.

My husband, sons and family have been in redibly supportive of me and looking after me, but not everyone has this, I am blessed x

After learning more about POTS and the symptoms, they cross over with my other conditions alot, so it's possible I've had it a good while but the trigger is still unknown.

POTS is a disorder of the nervous system. It causes issues with the blood flow around the body and can cause dizziness and blackouts when people change positions from laying to sitting and standing.otjer symptoms can include palpitations, fatigue, headaches and migraines, brain fog, a sense of anxiety, shakiness, visual problems, digestion issues, sweating, chest pain, bladder problems, poor sleep, purplish skin from blood pooling and more. Everyone is effected differently and it can be mild for some and debilitating for others.

For me it's still effecting my mobility to the point I'm needing help with that from others or equipment, I cannot stand for very long or walk very far without feeling incredibly unwell, and having continuing relentless fatigue that isn't helped by rest or sleep. But I'm finding news ways of finding my new normal.

POTS is often misdiagnosed, or people spend years being told they have anxiety or depression before they reach a diagnosis and the right treatment. Many health care professional are yet to know about and understand POTS and this needs to change to improve people's quality or life and health and care treatment.

Please Spencer our October yoga fundraiser or share this page to help raise more awareness and funds for support of those living with, and yet to be diagnosed with POTS x