POTS from a Man’s Perspective

I was diagnosed with dysautonomia/POTS in November 2014 after appointments at four hospitals and with 12 physicians.  Looking back, many of my strange medical issues over the years can be explained by this diagnosis.  Although this syndrome is more common in young females, I want my story to be heard so that people know that POTS does not discriminate based on age or gender. 

I used to be an active, energetic, healthy work-a-holic.  I was plugging away at life like most adults, working 65 hours a week at a job that I loved.  I enjoyed working around the house with my wife, splitting and stacking firewood, and going for walks and to craft shows, concerts etc.  Unfortunately, I am no longer capable of experiencing most of these things.

This invisible medical issue has been a complete life changer.  My symptoms used to be weaker and come and go.  As of January 2014, my issues have increased and happen daily. A tight chest, pale skin, blurred/spotty/wiggling vision, heat intolerance, join/muscle pain and fatigue and lower back pain are common.  I also suffer from intermittent hearing loss, face numbness, headaches, trembling hands, impaired thinking, excessive sweating, dizziness, fainting, and neuropathic pain. I am unable to take any of the medications that can alleviate symptoms because of adverse effects.  I am fortunate to not need a wheelchair yet, but I definitely can’t work and play the way that I used to. 

Life can change rapidly, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you have no control over your health. I feel like I have lost so much because of this illness - employment, friends, and fun now elude me.  I am down to one faithful friend and a few sympathetic family members.  I am incredibly fortunate that my wife has been so supportive as I have battled POTS.  She has been my whole world.  I can longer work, and really miss that desperately.  I’m waiting for a cure, so that I can go back to the life that I want to live.  I rely heavily on my faith to comfort me as I wait for an effective treatment or cure for my POTS.