Hi everyone,

I’ve gone back and forth on whether to share this, but as life continues to shift and the challenges pile up, I’ve realized it’s time to reach out.

3 three years ago I got COVID and contracted POTS syndrome and have been struggling ever since. Right now, there are no medications that are safe or effective for me. Every option I’ve tried has resulted in serious side effects or had to be stopped. The current focus is on slowing progression and preserving as much quality of life as possible.

In January, I had to step away from work as my POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) continued to worsen. It’s now become clear that I likely won’t be able to return to full-time employment — something that’s been incredibly difficult to come to terms with.

For those who aren’t familiar, POTS is a complex autonomic disorder that affects nearly every system in the body. Something as simple as standing can cause my heart rate to jump 30–90 bpm and lead to fainting or near-fainting episodes. It also affects my breathing, digestion, circulation, and causes severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and unintentional weight loss due to muscle wasting.

Another major challenge is that I can no longer regulate my body temperature. This causes great risk for my well-being as I can overheat very easily, causing me to pass out and seriously injuring myself.

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For the past few months, I’ve been undergoing IV hydration therapy three times a week, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been enough. A few weeks ago, I had a central line placed, and I’ll soon be starting daily IV therapy, seven days a week in hopes of better symptom management. This is the last treatment available to me at this time. Everything else has failed or cause serious side effects.

Losing the ability to work has also meant a significant loss of income, and despite our best efforts, we’re now falling behind financially and struggling to keep up with medical and living costs. With losing more then half of my income per week, I’m on the verge of bankruptcy at this point unless I’m able to pay off debt.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I’ve always given of myself — whether that’s working multiple jobs, volunteering with the Reptile Society, running my rescue, or educating the community. It’s incredibly hard for me to ask for help, but today, I’m putting my pride aside.

If you’re in a position to donate or simply share this post, it would mean the world to me. Every contribution helps — whether it’s $5, a kind message, or a share.

I’ve also included a link to a podcast episode where I talk more about POTS and my experience while I was still able to work:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/life-shouldnt-hurt/id1545761171?i=1000705422794

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with me through this chapter. Your support brings light on the hardest days.

With gratitude,

Charles