Living with Pain

I was diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) at the age of 11 at the Mayo Clinic. I was told by the time I reached college it might lessen, if not disappear. POTS is a blood pressure issue that can affect all parts of the body. My stomach and head are regularly targeted. Symptoms are irritated upon sitting and standing, stress, eating, sleeping, exercise, and especially in heat. If anything, mine have only worsened since I was a preteen. But today, I am thankful to say I am more confident managing my symptoms.

I have never written from a POTS patient perspective before as I do not want to give it power. But it's is a large part of my story. Recently, I have come in contact with several teenagers diagnosed with POTS, and they have asked me questions about managing stress, how to explain it to family members, and how to not allow debilitating days to get in your head. I am constantly in the research stage of learning the science behind POTS, so everything I mention is based on personal trial and error. And while everyone has different wirings with certain allergies, intolerances, and strategies to cope with autoimmune diseases, I am happy to share my experiences in case it proves useful.

Chronic illness is immobilizing. It can kill your social circle, make you lose your job, and cause you to drop out of school. It is awful, disgusting, and distressing. My sister has HIDS (hyper-IgD syndrome) and is regularly and suddenly unable to function, missing weeks of school to flu-like symptoms in bed. My father has a chronic back injury, diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic in 2014 to be disabled, and was told he was lucky to maintain a job. But I have learned that pain does not have to rule your life. Both my dad and sister are two of the hardest workers I know, and they prove day in and day out that you can triumph over physical limitations.

Regardless, pain is still pain. If you have been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder like POTS, people may tell you it is all in your head, but it is 100% legitimate. The first step to recovery is acknowledging the problem. Call it like it is. Furthermore, realize is not a one-size-fits-all answer for POTS. God often does not send a quick fix, but a long-term recovery plan. And it is not all given at once. It is a day-by-day portion, one step at a time walk hand in hand with the Creator of the Universe – Who has the power to heal you, and yet choses not to.

Suffering is not God's heart for us. But because sin entered into the world, He uses suffering for our good. Illness refines us. I would not trade my health problems for anything. They have taught me not to rely on any earthly pleasure, and they keep my focus on God. Moreover, POTS teaches me perseverance, endurance, consideration, intentionality, and compassion for others who are suffering. If you are in pain, please do not resent it. God is in control no matter what, and the sooner you relax, breathe deep, and hand over your trust to Him, the calmer you will feel.

Perhaps well-meaning individuals have patted you on the shoulder, recited a Bible verse, and walked away thinking they had solved your problem of discouragement. I do believe the Word of God has power – it is our ultimate source of wisdom and life direction. However, do not feel embarrassed or ashamed if reading Proverbs has done nothing to lessen your symptoms. God is often in the practical. That is why there are such things as wisdom, doctors, medicine, sleep, etc. He is not offended when you use your brain; He gave it to you. We can utilize strategic tools God has given us to overcoming what we can overcome and enduring what we cannot. My heart wrenches at the thought of your suffering. I am praying that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can live a little stronger today. There is hope. There is light. Healing is coming!

–

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalms 56:8

“For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,” Psalms 116:8

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4