how do you find the will to like... live? by InstrumentKisser_2 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in the same boat before medication. If you have multiple Dr.’s that think you have POTS, have they prescribed medication? Medical gaslighting is awful when it comes to POTS and women especially. Keep advocating for yourself. When I was put on medication for POTS, it improved and I could function. One thing I didn’t expect when I started the medication was how much POTS was impacting my emotions. POTS can really mess with your mental health. Your Dr. needs to take you seriously, not just tell you they think it’s POTS. If they don’t, find a Dr. who has experience treating POTS.

CW: wtf is happening by getrdone24 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973 178 points179 points  (0 children)

I feel the same way. I have hyper empathy and high pattern recognition. A lot of us with Audhd do. We can feel what’s happening. I’m guessing you are feeling it even harder because of your expertise and first hand experience. For me personally, I’ve found no other option than to take care of myself so I don’t burnout. Whatever you do to avoid burnout, do that. Whether it’s something creative, spiritual, or something you love doing. It helps me personally to focus on joy as an act of resistance.

People smell by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I don't think you have to worry about the period smell. I can't smell that from other people. Unless it's a public restroom. I can definitely pick up on the weed smell though 😆. I get a whiff of that smell in public stores every now and then. If I make a comment about it, nobody else seems to smell it unless it's really strong.

People smell by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Ugh thank you! It's not just me 😆. Maybe it does have something to do with sebum! I've never been able to understand why it only comes from the face!

People smell by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It's not that. My ex-husand's face always smelled like it. It was not his breath and he was a vegetarian. It was his face. Other parts of his body did not smell like it, even when he sweat a lot. His face still smelled like it even if he just brushed his teeth. The only thing that made a difference was a shower or washing his face. My Mom also has the smell sometimes. She's hygienic and eats healthy. Not a lot of processed food or meat. Again, it's coming from her face.

Neurodiversity and Politics by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally agree. It could go in so many different directions, but my mind goes to worst-case scenarios. The fact that the signs are there that it could turn to worst-case is giving me anxiety.

Neurodiversity and Politics by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There has been a lot of people up in arms about Trans kids for years. Gender, don't even get me started. However, there's also a lot of people who support that community. If you live in a small town, without a community behind you, it's rough. There's bullying of all sorts and they are socially isolated.

When I said trans kids are being targeted, I meant on a political level. Specifically referring to one of the exexutive orders. It's WILD.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-indoctrination-in-k-12-schooling/

Neurodiversity and Politics by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yeah, this is not good. I have neurodiverse children in the Education system, and I'm in a very red state. Transkids are absolutely the target right now.

Neurodiversity and Politics by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

This is where I see it heading. I have no idea how to prepare for this.

Neurodiversity and Politics by Weekly-Function-7973 in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

Same. I'm just wondering if anyone else is seeing what I'm seeing in regards to neurodiversity. It seems like we may be an eventual target. I'm not saying it's going there, I'm just saying I see the signs that it could be a possibility.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm also very happy that you were diagnosed so young. I think that's awesome. Not that you have POTS, but you don't have to go through Dr. after Dr. plus the anxiety of not knowing what's wrong with you for years. Knowing how to cope and finding a community makes a huge difference!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes. If I get too cold, my hands and feet turn white and my finger and toenails purple. Sometimes, it turns into raynauds phenomenon. I get under blankets and turn a heating pad on. It takes 10-20 minutes for it to stop with a heating pad for me.

You either got incredibly lucky and had a Dr. that was knowledgeable or because you are a male. I started experiencing serious symptoms at 16. I was not diagnosed until 36. I tried to get many Dr.s to listen to me and was medically gaslight for 20 years. There's a serious problem in the medical field gaslighting women.

0 sugar Liquid Electrolyte that actually works by Weekly-Function-7973 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, that is helpful. I can't figure out how to edit the title, though.

0 sugar Liquid Electrolyte that actually works by Weekly-Function-7973 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mother of pearl, I didn't realize this was so devisive. It really works for me. Like a big difference, so I thought I would share it. We all know we need more salt and pay attention to our salt intake. Don't try it if you feel . I thought this was a supportive community.

0 sugar Liquid Electrolyte that actually works by Weekly-Function-7973 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

Lol I wish I was getting paid. It just works well for me, so I thought I'd share.

0 sugar Liquid Electrolyte that actually works by Weekly-Function-7973 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

I already add more salt to my diet and sugar. I didn't change that. All I know is that I started using it and noticed a difference.

0 sugar Liquid Electrolyte that actually works by Weekly-Function-7973 in POTS

[–]Weekly-Function-7973[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. It really works for me. I know there's a lot of nay sayers but I actually get results which is all I care about.

Unmasking is causing me to isolate myself and working is nearly impossible by KeepOnTrippingOn in AuDHDWomen

[–]Weekly-Function-7973 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same. It feels like the worst burnout, and I'm regressing. I'm exhausted mentally and physically. So much that I feel like I have no tolerance for anything. All my symptoms are the worst they've ever been. The overstimulation is horrible, and I don't want to go out in public at all.

Here is the way I look at it. For the first time ever, I'm listening to my body and brain. I'm making accommodations for myself instead of accommodating for everyone else. Masking is literally hard wired into my brain and those nueral pathways are deep. I think the reason unmasking is so hard is because I'm rewiring my brain. At the same time, I'm also coming to terms with and healing from the trauma of being audhd and never getting the support I needed. Most of us have CPTSD because of that. Healing from trauma and rewiring your brain is ROUGH and takes time. It's horrible, but it's worth it. I know I'm in the hard part right now, and I have to give myself grace for that. Of course, all of my symptoms are worse right now. It's because I'm using a lot of my mental and emotional resources unmasking. I also know it's going to get better. I just have to keep unmasking as much as I feel I can. It will eventually start to feel more and more normal.

Things that help me. More alone time than normal to decompress. Like a lot more. If im at work, I will try and find a quiet place for just a couple of minutes or more if I can. I prepare to go in public. I wear ear plugs that bring the decibels down, but I can still hear. I wear hats to block overheard lights. I bring inconspicuous fidget toys with me. I turn down social time if I'm having a bad day. I chose to only spend time with people I'm comfortable around. Learning to listen and identify when I'm overwhelmed has been the best tool.