“Someone who does understand, because they have lived it.”

I took a good look at my personal journey with POTS and purposefully chose individuals in different chapters of my life to help tell my story.

These individuals helped me to navigate what I didn’t know at the time was living POTS Strong.

Meet my sister Sara. One of my rocks. Another interview you’ll get to read as part of the Invisible Part of Me Blog. After speaking with countless POTS individuals and loved ones… I think it’s important to hear firsthand the honesty and truth from those that are closest to the “patient”. It is my hopes that such interviews will offer perspective and comfort to you as a reader. (:

Please read👇

When you first heard the term POTS, what were your thoughts? 

I had NEVER heard of it. I was living in a different state when Kait was diagnosed and dealing with everything… being so far away it was hard to understand fully what she was going through. 

Several years ago (prior to Kait founding POTS Strong) someone asked me what it stood for and I TOTALLY told them the wrong words! I think the term “autonomic” was in my explanation (I guess it was spelled with an “O”??)  and I am sure I explained it had much more to do with her heart than it actually does. 

It isn’t very common…. therefore it isn’t something people easily understand or something I could remember. EVEN though I had a family member with POTS. 

And as I think about it… I really think that’s OKAY! 

I felt super guilty for not being home when she was first struggling. I felt super guilty when I realized over time I had forgotten what it WAS and had been misinforming folks. But I am human. And I am not living with POTS. And my sister is THRIVING in SPITE of POTS – so it is understandable why I didn’t remember. 

What was it like to have a sister with POTS?

It was hard when she was not feeling well – because I wasn’t in Michigan and there wasn’t anything I could DO. When she was finally diagnosed it was a little easier because once it had a name, she knew what she was facing and then she could define a path forward. 

But in all honesty, the bottom line is… there wasn’t anything I COULD do to be helpful. Even if I had been here. The only thing I could do was listen… and support. And I could do that from 1,000 miles away. I couldn’t UNDERSTAND no matter where I was located… I didn’t know what she was going through. I think sometimes feeling like we understand is a mistake – because unless you have experienced it yourself … How can you TRULY understand? We can think we know… we can listen and sympathize and try to relate – but can we really understand?

That’s why I think the work Kait is doing is so important. At certain times in our lives we need someone to provide some direction, some support. And sometimes it BEST comes from someone who has already walked the road you are on. Someone who DOES understand because they have lived it. 

Seeing Kait now, compared to where she was during the years 2005-2008. What are your thoughts?
What is your take on the power of exericse, nutrition and mindfulness (POTS Strong Method).

If you didn’t know Kait had POTS, you wouldn’t know Kait has POTS. She’s never been a victim. It is the hand she was dealt and she plays it every day. She hasn’t let it stop her from achieving her goals – college sports, motherhood 3x! Business owner… you name it she does it. POTS isn’t an excuse in her life – it just “is” in her life.

That’s not to say there aren’t days when POTS impacts her. Most recently during her last pregnancy. There were a few times when her frustration came through… frustration with the fact that her body wasn’t doing what she wanted. But we’re all human – and she OWNED it. She recognized it, owned it, accepted it and then focused on what WAS in her control.

Kait is more in tune with her body than anyone I have ever known. She listens and reacts to what HER body is telling her. It is amazing to me what a focus on exercise, nutrition and being aware of what your body/mind are telling you that you NEED can do for someone.

Her outlook on “wellness” as a way of life vs “fitness” as a personal goal is something that really speaks to me. Even seeing Kait in her role as a wellness coach (when I took some of Kait’s classes (very infrequently)) – I was always amazed at how she was encouraging to everyone, and it was REAL. Her dedication to each person as an individual and her sincere celebration of each milestone/achievement is authentic. I never felt like she was frustrated when I couldn’t be there or when I couldn’t do something. She was always just genuinely positive and encouraging when I was there and positive about what I could do.

Our body is an amazing machine. Something many of us (myself included) take for granted. Mostly because I haven’t had to face any ongoing issues with my health or wellness. But as I age I am more aware of the impact. More aware of the importance of “fueling” my body appropriately, exercising not just for weight control but for strengthening and for overall health.Taking time out for “me”. Mental health breaks where I am not a manager, not a wife, not a mother but “me”. Not feeling guilty about that. With Kait’s help it is easy to realize that taking time to focus on myself makes me a better all those things (manager, wife, mother).

Wellness isn’t something you do on the weekend or in a class – it is a way of life. It is inspiring to see Kait live that way and help others use what she has learned through her personal challenge and triumphs so they can be strong too!!!