In this episode of Let’s Talk About The POTS Life, Cate shares her experience navigating POTS alongside Chiari malformation, CSF leaks, EDS, and multiple complex complications.

What began as headaches and athletic injuries evolved into years of surgeries, overlapping diagnoses, and periods of profound disability. Cate walks us through how her symptoms were missed early on, how deconditioning worsened her condition, and how finding the right care team changed the trajectory of her health.

Today, she lives independently, works full-time, and is training for her second marathon. Her story is a powerful reminder that progress with POTS isn’t linear, but with individualized care, movement, and the right support, meaningful improvement is possible.

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In this episode of 'Let's Talk About The POTS Life,' hosts welcome Dr. Poorvi Desai, a hematologist oncologist with a unique perspective on both practicing medicine and being a patient with chronic illnesses. Dr. Desai shares her journey through medical school while managing symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and other related conditions. She delves into her background, her accelerated medical training, and the personal and professional challenges she faced. Dr. Desai also discusses her diagnosis and treatment journey, including her experience with the complex syndrome MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), the emotional and physical toll of her conditions, and the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system. The episode emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, emotional support, and reducing stress to manage chronic conditions effectively.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Dr. Desai's Medical Journey

02:44 Living with POTS and EDS

04:46 Challenges in Medical Training

07:03 Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis

10:59 Physical Therapy and Coping Strategies

21:02 Impact of COVID-19 and Career Struggles

27:49 Struggling with Saying No and Emotional Stress

29:00 Facing Emotional Abuse and Therapy

29:27 Cultural Expectations and Self-Care

30:50 Learning Boundaries and Self-Advocacy

31:44 Positive Reinforcement in Physical Therapy

32:58 Navigating Medical Training and Hierarchies

34:15 Seeking Diagnosis and Community Support

35:35 Understanding and Diagnosing MALS

42:30 Surgical Interventions and Recovery

52:38 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

55:42 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

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In this episode of 'Let's Talk About the POTS Life,' Arielle shares her compelling journey with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Diagnosed at 12, Arielle recounts her initial symptoms, the challenges of finding the right medical support, and the invaluable role her parents played in her recovery. She discusses her experiences with various treatments, medications, and the importance of staying motivated. Arielle's story emphasizes the significance of a robust support system and sheds light on her growth, both physically and emotionally, as she navigates college life and looks towards the future.

00:00 Introduction to the POTS Life Podcast

01:14 Arielle's Early Diagnosis Journey

03:29 Challenges and Support from Family

06:21 High School Struggles and Finding Dr. Abdullah

07:14 Navigating High School with POTS

11:01 Transition to College and Beyond

18:14 Recognizing Improvement in Health

18:58 Balancing Activities and Health

19:50 Medication Management

23:14 Transitioning to Physical Activities

25:11 Living with POTS: Challenges and Progress

29:44 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

32:42 Support Systems and Final Thoughts

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⁠Our Website⁠

Facebook: The POTS Life

Instagram: @thepotslife_

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