While many illnesses or disabilities are present and able to be seen at all times, POTS syndrome is quite different. While POTS syndrome isn’t visible on your average day, some of the symptoms can include severe or long-lasting fatigue, and lightheadedness, often caused by prolonged sitting or standing. These symptoms can result in fainting, caused by a drop in blood pressure. While these symptoms aren’t physically visible a majority of the time, they still affect sophomore LeAnna Thomas everyday.

“I found out that I had POTS for certain in January of 2023. After many, many fainting episodes and hitting my head, blood tests, and talking to my doctor, we finally went to the cardiologist. After one blood pressure test, they were able to tell me that I had POTS,” said Thomas. “My blood pressure drop and heart rate increase was extreme enough that I didn’t have to go to Mayo to do the tilted table test.”

While many people would expect Thomas to be upset when she found out the news, she actually felt relieved.

“I was relieved because it meant that finally, everyone who told me that I was faking it would be wrong,” explained Thomas. “I wasn’t faking or being dramatic. I was validated.”

Although POTS obviously takes a toll on physical health, it can also take a toll on mental health.

“Maintaining safe mental health is difficult sometimes, and it’s hard to remind myself that I’m validated to say that I don’t feel well,” revealed Thomas. “I struggle accepting help sometimes.”

Along with affecting Thomas’s mental health, it has also caused social changes in her life.

“I, at one point, had to find a new routine for myself, and new people to talk to while my friends did physical activities that I couldn’t,” said Thomas. “I feel that sometimes I am treated differently now that I have POTS. Sometimes, I feel fragile and like a burden, but other times, thankful I have people who recognize me as a person, but still care about my health.”

Social life isn’t the only thing affected in day-to-day life, as fainting episodes during the school day can lead to missing class and make keeping up with work more difficult.

“Missing classes is always stressful to me. I always try to stay in when I can, even if I hit my head to avoid that,” admitted Thomas. “I am still expected to get my work done and done correctly, but I am given extensions and grace. I would say it’s manageable if I’m persistent.”

When at home, Thomas has to be just as careful as at school, and her family is there to help assist her when needed.

“I’m able to get myself up from an episode at home, it just takes longer,” Thomas mentioned. “I have people to help me when I’m dizzy and my siblings are kind enough to get me water when I’m dehydrated.” 

While there isn’t a cure for POTS, Thomas tries to stay as positive as possible and try to focus on enjoying being a teenager.

“You can supposedly grow out of it, and changing lifestyle can help, but it’s never the same. From here, I can only listen to those things, and hope it goes away,” mentioned Thomas. “I like to tell myself that I’m experiencing this so others don’t have to. Even if that’s not how it works, it makes me feel better about it.”