what's wrong with me?

I started this blog about a year ago when I was stuck in bed with mono without anything to do. As most of you know, mono was only a small part of what was wrong with me. 

I have been struggling with health problems for the past two years without knowing what was truly wrong with me. 

I had been to countless doctors - pediatricians, gastroenterologists, infections disease doctors, rheumatologists, and so on.  It's been a long long journey because many of the doctors told me that what I had was "in my head" or "non-medical."

I even had a doctor tell me that since I was a teenage girl that has good grades and gets along with my mom, that I was depressed. Like... what?

Being sick has drastically changed my life in many ways  - both for the good and the bad. 

Any way, if you scroll through my blog you can see some of the other posts that I've written about my health! 

I went to Mayo Clinic this past week to finally figure everything out! It was a super awesome experience and I am happy to say that I have a diagnosis.

{plane ride to Minnesota) 

My name is Chloe, and I have POTS also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome ;) 

It's hard to explain what it actually means, but basically nervous system doesn't send signals to my blood vessels like it should and my circulation doesn't work right. It also means that I have debilitating fatigue. 

{mayo clinic}

So my symptoms (and there are different ones for others) include :

-super debilitating fatigue 

-sweaty feet and palms

-my legs turn blue/purple if I stand too long

-stomach pain

-headaches/dizziness 

{they gave out free books in the waiting room, so I chose the classic nancy drew}

Now you might be wondering if there is anything I can do heal POTS. Unfortunately, there isn't a quick fix pill that can help. Fortunately, teens do outgrow POTS which is the great part. In order to help the healing process I have to...

1. Eat as much salty food as possible
2. Drink loads and loads of water + salty drinks (Gatorade)

3. Exercise!!  

4. Sleep at least 9 1/2 hours a night 

I'm so happy to finally have an answer and know that what I have had for these past two years hasn't been "in my head."

You may get sick of it, but I might post stuff now and again about POTS. Especially since it's a big issue for teen girls - I met a bunch who were diagnosed while I was at Mayo Clinic. My mom and I are sort of on a mission now to spare other teens the 2 years of questions I've been through. So, if you know ANYone with any of these symptoms, please have them contact me!!

thanks so much for reading! 
if you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask! 

xox