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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In this episode of 'Let's Talk about the POTS Life,' the hosts welcome Ashley Schuetz, a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Ashley shares her journey from cosmetology to the medical field and her extensive experience working in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The discussion dives into the intersections of mental health and chronic illness, particularly POTS, emphasizing the importance of validating symptoms, the struggles of navigating multiple diagnoses, and the crucial role of community and support. The conversation also highlights the increase in diagnoses of ADHD, OCD, and anxiety, especially post-COVID, and provides advice for parents on advocating for their children's health. Tune in for valuable insights on managing chronic illnesses and mental health holistically.

00:00 Introduction to the POTS Life Podcast

00:23 Meet Our Guest: Ashley Schuetz, CRNP

00:59 Ashley's Journey into Nursing

02:55 Mental Health and COVID-19

04:45 Challenges in Diagnosing Chronic Illnesses

06:53 Supporting Children with Chronic Illnesses

08:09 The Importance of Validation and Advocacy

10:54 Navigating the Medical System

16:39 The Role of Community and Support

19:30 Post-COVID Mental Health Trends

21:41 Understanding OCD and ADHD Symptoms

22:21 The Importance of Treating Symptoms, Not Diagnoses

22:44 The Impact of Mental Health on Daily Life

23:36 The Role of Therapy and Medication

25:24 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

26:30 The Necessity of Mental Health Professionals

28:07 The Benefits of Comprehensive Care

31:08 Specialized Care for Students

33:47 Raising Awareness About POTS

35:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Ashley Schuetz, CRNP | Fine Tune Psychiatry

Psychiatric Care for Children, Teens & Adults | Fine Tune Psychiatry

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In this episode of 'Let's Talk About the POTS Life,' the hosts delve into the frequently asked questions surrounding the Tilt Table Test, a crucial diagnostic procedure for POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). They explain what the test involves, who typically orders it, and its importance in diagnosing POTS. The discussion also covers personal experiences with the test, how to prepare for it, and tips for managing the aftereffects. Listeners are advised on how to navigate the healthcare system to get a proper diagnosis and the importance of finding the right medical team for ongoing support.

00:00 Introduction to the POTS Life Podcast

00:34 Understanding the Tilt Table Test

01:01 Preparing for the Tilt Table Test

05:23 Experiencing the Tilt Table Test

10:57 Post-Test Reactions and Advice

15:09 Alternative Diagnosis Methods

18:44 Living with POTS: Next Steps

21:56 Conclusion and Support

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Welcome to a special holiday edition of 'Let's Talk About the POTS Life.' In this episode, we share essential tips and tricks to navigate the holiday season while managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). We discuss the importance of maintaining routines, prioritizing exercise, staying hydrated, and eating consistent small meals. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of self-care and flexibility during this festive yet chaotic time. Join us for practical advice to keep your POTS symptoms at bay and learn about our supportive POTS Life Program to start the new year strong.

00:00 Welcome to the POTS Life Holiday Edition

00:35 Managing Holiday Stress with POTS

01:08 Maintaining Routines and Exercise

02:21 Importance of Hydration and Nutrition

05:07 Grace and Flexibility During the Holidays

05:41 Join the POTS Life Program in the New Year

06:45 Conclusion and Holiday Wishes

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In this episode of 'Let's Talk About the POTS Life,' Lindsey, a graduate of the POTS Life program, shares her journey from a sudden onset of symptoms to diagnosis and eventual recovery. Diagnosed post-Thanksgiving 2023, Lindsey recounts her struggles with various symptoms, misdiagnoses, and numerous doctor visits before finding the POTS Life program.

Lindsey discusses her initial skepticism, the challenges, and the support she found within the community. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, even when feeling unwell, and shares the progress she made through the program. Offering hope and encouragement, Lindsey's story highlights the potential for improvement and a changed perspective on life after managing POTS.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Meet Lindsey: A POTS Life Graduate01:41 Lindsey's Journey to Diagnosis04:09 Life Before and After POTS Diagnosis08:26 The POTS Life Program Experience12:52 Overcoming Setbacks and Finding Support18:56 Advice for Newcomers and Final Thoughts23:20 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of 'Let's Talk about the POTS Life,' the hosts discuss the importance of balancing rest and activity for those living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

The episode highlights why excessive rest can be detrimental and provides practical tips for gradually increasing activity levels. They share real-life examples of patients who have improved their conditions by incorporating small, structured movements and making lifestyle adjustments. Emphasizing the need for personalized approaches, the hosts offer advice on how to rest effectively, manage fatigue, and integrate gradual physical activity to improve overall well-being.00:00 Introduction to the POTS Life Podcast00:24 The Importance of Rest01:58 Understanding Fatigue in POTS03:16 Personal Stories and Progress04:41 Tips for Managing POTS07:14 The Role of Sleep and Napping14:40 Small Steps to Improvement19:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement20:00 Closing Remarks

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