Olga, a proud mom of two with POTS, openly shares her journey to diagnosis, the challenges of balancing parenthood and chronic illness. She discusses the small victories that have helped her regain some strength and control over her life with an unpredictable condition. Her conversation with Ella touches on navigating healthcare, talking to children about chronic illnesses (including role playing emergency scenarios), and fostering and accepting support while living with a chronic condition.

Topics:

• Adjustments in lifestyle, medications, and the use of mobility aids.
• Navigating healthcare challenges, advocating for oneself, and finding a supportive medical team.
• Impact of POTS on her family, including her children’s reactions.
• Managing symptoms, including the use of compression socks and medication.
• Shifts in mindset around rest, control, and giving oneself grace.
• Advice for newly diagnosed individuals and caregivers.

Find Us on Instagram: Olga @olga.potsiefit Ella @ellaeastin Dysunderstood @dysunderstood

TikTok: @dysunderstood

CALLING ALL PARENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS! We want to hear your story! Contact us: hello@dysunderstood.com

Thank you to Nurse Mates for supporting our community, providing compression and comfort footwear. Get 20% off ANY purchase using code EE2024.

Some relevant definitions:

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)- A clinical diagnosis where patients present with excessive increase in heart rate upon assuming upright posture or physical activity like dizziness and palpitations. (Adult diagnostic criteria requires 30 bpm heart rate change when going from supine to upright position)

Long COVID (LC)- A clinically diagnosed condition characterized by persistent symptoms and long-term health issues following a COVID-19 infection; also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).

Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)- A clinical condition where abnormal symptoms are brought on by quiet, upright posture, often alleviated by lying down. Symptoms include abnormal heart rate increase and/or blood pressure decreases, leading to dizziness and possibly fainting.

Beta-Blockers- a class of drugs that prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action and are used to control heart rhythm, and in some cases, reduce high blood pressure.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.