[Hydrophobic1212]

I have POTS. It's super sucky, but it could be worse as I keep telling myself. Could have had a condition with my heart itself, and that would be terrible. It interferes with daily life, and probably won't ever go away, but I'm just thankful to finally have the proof that I'm not crazy, that something is wrong. It's just hard now to think that I've got a chronic illness and I'm only 20 years old.

[Grey Matter]

Being young and having a chronic illness is tough. And I think it takes almost a grieving process to come to terms with it. I was diagnosed a year ago with a severe autoimmune disease and I still struggle to understand that this will be forever (as it is incurable) and that my life will take some major changes, and minor changes, and sometimes it will hurt to deal with.

You're not alone as a young adult with chronic illness, I promise. Please know there are others who will support you and who have gone through the same or similar things. Realizing you're not alone really does help. It took me a while to accept the support and encouragement, but it's helped me more than most things.

[Hydrophobic1212]

Oh, that sounds really unfortunate. ): I think I already went through the grieving process, honestly. I knew what it was before it got diagnosed, so I was able to adjust to the idea of it then. It's still hard to think about, but I'm happier than upset honestly.

But, my family isn't understanding so I don't get the support I need in real life, as no one understands, and my doctor was even trying to play it off like it wasn't a bad thing... I wanted to make him feel what I go through. :/ But I at least know myself that it's difficult, so hopefully others around me will see some day.

Thank you so much!

[Grey Matter]

Families, as I am learning, tend to go into this mindset of agreed ignorance. Like "If I don't think it's bad, that means it's not!" it's really unfortunate and really unhealthy. The most important thing is that you know you and your body and it seems like you really do. I know it can get frustrating when other people minimize an illness, but know you are validated to yourself because you can feel it and you understand it better than anyone else.

Please take care! many hugs

[Hydrophobic1212]

Thank you so much! And I agree. My mom's better, but my sisters are the best. They fully understand this sort of thing, but my parents do not. ): Or other family outside of my immediate family. Oh, well! Thank you, and you as well!