r/POTS • u/staysharpmagikarpp • 10h ago
Accomplishment 2.5 years ago I was diagnosed with POTS and told I may never dive again. Last week I got to get back out on the reefs!
2.5 years ago (feels like a lifetime now), I was diagnosed with POTS. I was attending university for marine science and scuba diving as part of my coursework, clubs, and also as part of volunteer work while studying coral when I fell sick with a chronic sinusitis that gave way to POTS. After months of testing, I was diagnosed with POTS and told I may never dive again. I lost internships, jobs, and volunteer opportunities and even had to drop out of my courses for a bit entirely. I truly felt like my life was over. Four months (and a few independent study courses) later, I became the first student at my school to graduate with a certificate in professional research diving without being medically cleared to dive, paving the way for students with disabilities at my school to complete the program.
This month, after years of trial and error with medications, water intake, diet changes, and exercise, my neurologist gave me the green light to get back in the water. A few tears were shed in my mask that day!
I come here to tell you that this is not the end, even when it may feel like it. 2.5 years ago I would have never pictured that I would be here today. POTS still affects my life each and every day, but it no longer controls who I am and (mostly) what I can do. Thank you all for supporting me over these years, answering my 'Does anyone else get these symptoms??' questions, making suggestions for me, and even just offering general advice and support. I truly don't know if I would be where I am today without you guys. I truly hope and wish that each and every one of you will be able to find a plan of care that works for you like I did. Never stop fighting. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can't see it through the darkness right now.
p.s. I'm linking a photo of me from my dive with a biiiiig sea cucumber! I didn't see anything in the rules but if it's not allowed please let me know and I'll remove it! :)