This week I've been busy scanning, editing, and organizing photos for my family. I've archived over 1100 so far and have been enjoying going through childhood photos. Here are a few of my favourites:
I get dizzy moments where for about an hour or so I feel really sick (faint, nauseous, shaky, out of breath). After resting for a bit I often feel significantly better. That happened this evening. But after a nap (with Archie), I felt much better. My husband snapped this picture while I was resting. As you can see, Archie is a terrific cuddler.
This week I've been busy scanning, editing, and organizing photos for my family. I've archived over 1100 so far and have been enjoying going through childhood photos. Here are a few of my favourites:
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Did you know, that in Canada, about 3500 people die each year from complications of the flu? These people usually have pre-existing health conditions or are elderly. ***Did you know that the flu shot DOESN'T work as well on people with chronic health conditions, elderly, and young children? While it still provides some protection, it doesn't work as well as it does in healthy adults.*** So one of the best protection for someone who is more susceptible to complications from the flu is to have those around them get vaccinated. British Columbia: In BC, the flu shot is FREE for many people. I'm eligible for the free flu shot (because of my chronic health issues), as well as my husband and roommate, because they live in the same house as me. It is also free for children under 5, seniors, Native Americans, and pregnant women. If you work or live with someone who has a chronic health problem, you are also eligible for the free flu shot. For example, if a child has asthma, then the entire family is eligible for the free flu shot. For BC Immunization locations, visit http://www.immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu There are many people who say the flu shot doesn't work or isn't safe. I've personally seen it work for me when everyone around me got the flu and I just got a milder version (no virus is ever mild for me). There is also no scientific research that has found flu shots to be unsafe.
POTS is caused by blood not moving around my body properly. It gets "stuck" in places (like my feet, legs, and hands) because my blood vessels don't constrict properly. Blood carries oxygen around our bodies. When blood gets "stuck" places, other areas of our body stop getting enough oxygen. One of the reasons we faint is because not enough oxygen makes it to our heads. Sometimes my hands do this when I have them by my side. The picture isn't the greatest, but if you can see - my hand has red and white blotches, and is slightly swollen. I took a video of how gravity affects blood pooling. For a clearer video, click on Settings (the small gear icon on the bottom right) after hitting play. Then change the quality to HD. You'll notice my head goes from pink and blotchy with my blood vessels sticking out slightly, to pale with no blood vessels sticking out. I take pictures of my hands and feet to help show doctors what happens throughout the day, as it doesn't always occur while I'm at an appointment. It can also help friends and family better understand what POTS is.
A few more pictures of blood pooling: This past month I've met some awesome people online. People who have POTS but have spent years training their bodies to exercise, jog, and even run marathons! How is that possible? As long as a person with POTS is walking or running, the contractions of leg muscles can help force blood back up. However as soon as that person stands still, they can pass out. How bizarre is that? People I've talked to say it can take years of very slow hard work. It also isn't possible for everyone with POTS, but I am determined that it will be possible for me. Meet Cathi. Cathi has POTS. She runs 5k races while pushing a wheelchair, in case she feels too dizzy part-way through. Talk about inspiring! Meet Caroline. Caroline has POTS but has managed to run half marathons! She still deals with dizziness, fainting, and all the other fun symptoms associated with POTS, but she has learned to adapt to living with POTS. Caroline developed POTS 11 years ago, and it wasn't until she had POTS for 7 years that she was able to start running again. She has an awesome blog called www.thelittlethingsblog.com . One day I will be the POTS patient who runs marathons, JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE! |
AuthorMy name is Lisa and this is my life with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) Categories
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