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HailsYeah

661d

How does everyone deal with the social aspects of managing their POTs symptoms? I’m 26. Obviously the last couple of years has knocked back everyone’s social life, but before and now I struggle with vocalizing my needs and having them understood and received. I have gone home early plenty of nights because I needed a break to sit down but my friends kept on wanting to dance or walk to the next location. Or I once traveled in Europe with friends and teased constantly for drinking “so much water” when in most areas it was more expensive than beer. I don’t think my friends are mean or lack empathy, many have been with me in ER due to POTs. But I feel like no matter how much I try to explain it’s never met with complete comprehension. Like instead of needing a lot of fluids being a medical necessity it is viewed as a funny quirk. Or “no, yet again, I would not like to go to your HIIT exercise class because I medically, physician recommended, cannot” Like honestly lately the only thing that has done wonders is having an Apple Watch so now I can show them “hey yeah, I know we are just walking around but my heart rate is 160 and I feel like we have been running the past hour and I need to sit down” and it just saddens me that it has taken visual proof after years of verbalizing.

    • Rachie7

      655d

      Honestly it sounds like it’s your friends with the problem. Don’t apologize for something you can’t control. I just have to hangout with those who know my limits or don’t go if it’s too hard on me

    • Zoey_Val

      661d

      Hi there I feel the same way with my group of friends. I am 23 and they always want to wake up early go to intense workout classes, begin day drinking and want to be outside in the heat for long periods of time and then go clubbing until 4am and I can barely do one of these things individually. I feel sad because I don’t want to lose my friends but they know about my conditions and seem to not care. I have tried offering to go out and get an early dinner or coffee or something and they are not interested. It is very difficult because I did use to enjoy all of those things before my illness! I also get teased for not being energetic, having to sit or lie down quite a bit and for having to pee frequently. It is a huge bummer and I know how you feel.

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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