My names is Jacqueline (or Jackie which ever J)
and here is some fact about me:
- I began this blog March 2016 because I want to spread awareness about POTS. Many people go undiagnosed or are diagnosed and feel like she is the only person to have it. I want to share my story to spread knowledge along with unifying people with the disorder to show that we are not alone in this struggle.
- I am currently a sophomore at Fordham University studying Biology and on a pre-med track. I am now transferring to Rutgers to study cell biology and neuroscience.
- I have a chronic illness called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) that has turned my world upside down. I have learned some ways to adapt, but it is a long, tedious process to get better.
- I have had other forms of dysautonomia in my life. I used to play basketball and injured my ankle, which turned into Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD), and I also had gastroparesis four years ago.
- I have recently found out that I could potentially have celiac disease so I have completely eliminated gluten. I also have trouble eating meat and fatty foods because my digestive system has trouble breaking down fats. Eating is a difficult endeavor for me, especially since I have to rely on the limited options at school.
- I am a research fanatic! I love doing research and learning new things. When I was going through the process of getting diagnosed I was researching all potential disorders and diseases, which in the long run will hopefully help me in medical school!
- The past year has been extremely difficult in trying to get better, going to multiple doctors, and keeping my spirits up. I would not have been able to get through this year without my family and friends. My mom is my hero. She brings me to all my appointments and deals with my frustration and I don’t know where I would be without her.
- My goal in life is to be able to change the world even if it’s just for one person, which is one of the major reasons I want to go into medicine. I hope this blog informs POTS patients, family members or friends of people who have POTS, or anyone who is interested in this chronic illness.
- Also, I love sloths!
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You are lovely and inspiring and I'm so pumped to read this!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAw thanks! <3
DeleteYour heartfelt sentiments were most informative and extremely sincere. It is so refreshing that we have people like you who are willing to share the personal details of an illness in an unselfish attempt to help others. You should be so proud of yourself. I pray that you are able to control your symptoms and forge ahead with your plans to enter the medical arena. You seem to have the drive and dedication to become a very successful doctor. God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you for sharing your personal journey. It is helpful for everyone to relate to the details of other people's journey's. You will do well and I admire your drive and ambition to make a difference. Perhaps our paths will cross! Catherine@hopefortrauma
DeleteHi Jackie!
ReplyDeleteI have hyperadrenergic POTS and, like you, have gone through innumerable doctors. You know acutely the difficulty of finding a doctor who is both knowledgeable and empathic--so I know you'll be a doctor who has both characteristics and helps others way better than we've been helped at times!
Also, would you be willing to share the name of your doctor in NYC?
Sabrina :)
Hi Sabrina! Thanks for reading my blog.
DeleteI have a neurologist in NYC who specializes in POTS and his name is Dr. Weimer. I also saw a cardiologist who specializes in POTS in NJ and his name is Dr. Tullo. I am currently looking for another neurologist who specializes in the autonomic nervous system so he/she can test my nerves since I have nerve damage which causes me to not sweat. I hope this helps! :)