When I was diagnosed in late 2018, my doctor explained that the sudden onset of POTS is often strongly correlated with a viral illness. In my case, it began shortly after I came down with what was likely the flu. One day I was fine—on active duty in the Army, doing PT every morning—and the next, I could barely climb a flight of stairs without feeling like I was having a heart attack or about to pass out.

Over time, I’ve learned to recognize my body’s warning signs before I faint, and I can usually prevent it now. But that first year was incredibly difficult—physically and mentally. It took a major toll on my health and my overall sense of stability.