It took 4 years from when I first started having symptoms until I was diagnosed. It then took 3 more years until I first saw someone who specialized in autonomic dysfunction.
In those 7 years, my POTS only got worse. Some symptoms were managed because of medication, but a lot of new medical problems and symptoms appeared.
During those years, I was so preoccupied with trying to find answers. I remember doctors asking me," Are you sure you want to do this test? Even if it comes back positive, there's not much that can be done for that." But I wanted to know exactly what was wrong with my body.
I wish that instead of waiting for the perfect diagnosis, I would've taken action sooner. We sometimes wait for the perfect answers thinking that once we have all the right information, everything will fall into place.
I have some clues about why I potentially got sick. But even now, I don't know with certainty exactly what happened. Yet, I had to learn to live with the uncertainty in order to make changes.
I'm not against testing and trying to get to the root cause. In fact, I am still undergoing testing and seeing doctors. In this picture, I'm at the hospital doing a breath test.
And yet many of the lifestyle changes that are recommended can be started at any time. For example: learning how to pace and conserve energy, harnessing the power of the mind and body, strengthening the vagus nerve, as well as cleaning up our diet.
But getting started can be the biggest hurdle. So decide to take the first step.
Don't think too far into the future. Just listen to yourself. What next step is the little voice inside telling you to take?
Need help? Click here and start with a coaching session. I promise you'll walk away with actionable steps you can start implementing today.
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