Hi Friends and Neighbors, I want to tell you my story from the past couple of years. I have been struggling with a disease that is not well known, however, millions have it. This disease escalated after I had a massive heart attack 2 years ago. Come to find out that I’ve had it all my life. Its name is Dysautonomia/POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, along with Raynauds/Neuropathy disease.

You are probably wondering what is Dysautonomia/POTS. It refers to a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) function that generally involves failure of the sympathetic or parasympathetic components of the ANS. Dysautonomia can be a mild temporary condition or a serious long-term illness. The most common symptom is being unable to stand up without feeling dizzy or fainting. Doctors call this orthostatic hypotension.

Here are a few of what the ANS takes care of; blood pressure, breathing, digestion, heart rate (dizziness, fainting), kidney function (abnormal kidneys), pupil dilation, constriction in the eyes, body and skin temperature control.

Other Dysautonomia/POTS symptoms include: anxiety, excessive sweating or not being able to sweat, fatigue, feeling thirsty all the time, having trouble swallowing, headaches/migraines, insomnia, nausea and diarrhea, vision problems (blurred vision, vision loss, tunnel vision)

You might see me walking in the neighborhood and I look normal, however, it's what’s going on inside that’s the problem, and I do my best to mask that I might fall at any time. I was having problems driving to get groceries and doctor appointments for fear that I would blackout and hit someone or a tree. I’ve had some wonderful neighbors that have helped me get groceries or taken me to the grocery store/doctor appointments. I went from being an energetic outgoing woman to a woman that can barely walk a mile without getting out of breath.

After working from home for many months after my heart attack, I was getting worse. So I applied for Social Security Disability (SSD), and it is pending. It will be several months before I can receive it. I’ve been selling items at consignment shops, using my Savings, and IRA to keep me going, however, it has run dry.

I’m coming to my friends and neighbors for help and support. Whatever you can give would be much appreciated.

God Bless Your Health!

Thank you!!