4 years after COVID-19 was declared a world pandemic, Yahoo Canada spoke with a number of individuals nonetheless residing with lengthy COVID. Learn their tales HERE.This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t an alternative to skilled medical recommendation, prognosis or remedy. Contact a professional medical skilled earlier than participating in any bodily exercise, or making any modifications to your weight loss program, remedy or life-style.Julia Ranney was recognized with POTS, a debilitating situation, after her COVID-19 an infection earlier in 2023 result in lengthy COVID. (Photograph courtesy of author)When most individuals hear the phrase “POTS,” they may take into consideration what they’ll cook dinner for dinner. However I affiliate the phrase with trauma, anxiousness and a medical situation I battle day by day.It began once I contracted COVID-19 in early 2023. Whereas nearly all of COVID sufferers resolve their signs in a matter of weeks, mine obtained worse over time. I knew one thing was improper when someday I nearly blacked out within the bathe. I felt dizzy, nauseous and my toes turned a deep purple in color.After a slew of medical doctors, cardiologists and rheumatologists, I used to be informed I had POTS.It has been practically 4 years since March 11, 2020, when the World Well being Group declared a world pandemic. In keeping with Well being Canada, lengthy COVID also referred to as post-COVID-19, impacts everybody otherwise and there have been studies of over 100 signs. Many, like myself, have been recognized with new diseases as a consequence.However what’s POTS, and the way does it have an effect on my life? This is every thing it’s essential to know.POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is a situation that causes a wide range of signs when transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up, together with dizziness, fatigue and fast coronary heart fee. (Photograph through Getty Photos)What’s POTS?POTS, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, is a situation that causes a wide range of signs when transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up, equivalent to dizziness, fatigue and fast coronary heart fee.Usually, your physique’s autonomic nervous system balances your blood stress and coronary heart fee to maintain your blood flowing correctly all through your physique, it doesn’t matter what place you are in.However if in case you have POTS, your physique doesn’t routinely stability your blood vessels and coronary heart fee. Because of this, blood stress and coronary heart fee can dramatically change.Story continues”I knew one thing was actually improper when someday I nearly blacked out within the bathe. I felt dizzy, nauseous and my toes turned deep purple.”Julia RanneySince blood will not be being correctly pumped to your mind, it could possibly additionally pool in your legs, inflicting your toes and legs to vary color.You may get POTS after getting an an infection, situation or illness like COVID, diabetes, Lupus or Lyme. It might additionally develop after contracting the rest that assaults your autonomic nervous system.A fast improve in coronary heart fee when transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up is a key indicator of POTS. (Photograph through Getty Photos).My prognosis amid lengthy COVIDOther than practically blacking out whereas showering, my first main signs of POTS have been excessive fatigue and lightheadedness. I used to be primarily couch-ridden, and each time I attempted to face up, I would get a head rush and the room would spin.Fundamental duties like cooking or making my mattress grew to become a problem, and my psychological well being grew to become severely affected. My physician informed me my signs have been simply anxiousness, however I knew it was one thing extra.As a determined try to hunt assist, I joined Cornerstone Physiotherapy’s on-line Lengthy COVID clinic, which additionally focuses on POTS within the Larger Toronto Space.”When transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up, my coronary heart fee would improve by at the very least 50 beats per minute. For context, the common particular person’s coronary heart fee ought to improve by solely 10-15 beats.”Julia RanneyMy specialist suspected I had POTS resulting from my predominant signs. To ensure, he had me check my coronary heart fee whereas mendacity down after which standing up with my Apple Watch.When transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up, my coronary heart fee would improve by at the very least 50 beats per minute. For context, the common particular person’s coronary heart fee ought to improve by solely 10-15 beats. To qualify for POTS, your coronary heart fee has to extend by at the very least 30 beats per minute when transitioning from mendacity all the way down to standing up.I used to be despatched to a rheumatologist to verify my autoimmune system, after which a heart specialist to look at my coronary heart. From these appointments, it was clear that I had COVID-induced POTS.A current worldwide survey indicated that roughly 67 per cent of COVID long-haulers have some type of nervous system dysfunction post-infection, and 30 per cent qualify for POTS.Roughly 67 per cent of COVID long-haulers have some type of nervous system dysfunction post-infection, and 30 per cent qualify for POTS. (Photograph through Getty Photos)How does POTS have an effect on my life?Every case of POTS is totally different, however for me, on a regular basis life now requires group and planning.As a result of my fatigue and signs, alongside my remedy plan, I am solely allowed to burn a specific amount of energy per day, and I can not stand for lengthy durations of time.Contemplating this, I can not make tea, do my hair and make-up or eat breakfast all whereas standing up within the morning. I both have to sit down all the way down to do these duties, or take breaks in between. If I’ve a social occasion to go to, I’ve to relaxation the day earlier than, the hours earlier than the occasion and the complete day after.At present second, I’ve to lie down for at the very least quarter-hour each hour, eat at the very least 5,000mg of salt per day to maintain my blood stress up, drink nearly three litres of fluids per day to extend blood quantity and put on compression pants to forestall blood pooling.”I am greater than my situation. I am greater than my well being. And I will not let POTS take over my life.”Julia RanneyHeat may also set off my dizziness, so I’ve spent many of the summer time inside. That is extraordinarily irritating when all of my family and friends are out having fun with the solar and taking part in enjoyable actions with out me.However regardless of my heartbreak, I am making an attempt to stay hopeful. Many individuals with POTS can see signs come and go over time. I’ve a terrific medical group behind me, and changes in weight loss program, bodily exercise and drugs can enhance my high quality of life.Most significantly, my help system, together with household, mates and colleagues, helps elevate me up on down days and jogs my memory that I am greater than my situation. I am greater than my well being. And I will not let POTS take over my life.Tell us what you suppose by commenting under and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Observe us on Twitter and Instagram.