Hi! My name is Aly Inglish, and I have POTS. At the end of my sophomore year of high school, my world was flipped upside down. I was a normal, healthy, active tennis-playing teenager when, unexpectedly, I fainted. For some people, fainting may not be a very big deal. But for me, it’s like a switch flipped inside of me and after that moment, I wasn’t the same. My symptoms persisted and, in some cases, worsened. Being active was not an option. We met every kind of doctor, and no one had an answer.
After months of visiting multiple doctors in multiple states, and feeling hopeless, I got my diagnosis. I had a name for the enemy destroying my life. Now, I could focus on treatment. We found a physical therapist who specialized in neurologic rehabilitation. Through the CHOPS protocol, a physical activity-centered plan to reset my nervous system and recondition my heart, I was able to overcome my intolerance to physical activity. The biggest factors for me were getting plenty of sleep, drinking large amount of fluids and salt, and some very specific physical activity.
Now that I know how to manage this illness, I hope to be a resource for others. I am thankful for the support from my family and friends through my journey and for all the unconditional love they have shown for me through my darkest times. Now, I hope to help others who are struggling. I am grateful for these opportunities that I have to continue to learn more for myself and to be able to help others.
