The Sick Gaze

Heart Rates and Hurdles: Navigating College with POTS with Elise Mclain

Molly Dickerson Season 1 Episode 8

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In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intricate realities of living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) as a college student. Our guest today, Elise Mclain, grapples with the daily intricacies of this unseen illness,  sharing her journey through fluctuating heart rates, tachycardia, palpitations, and the persistent anxiety of discerning POTS symptoms from potentially life-threatening events.

We unravel the emotional and physical toll of managing a condition that eludes visible detection, focusing on the complexities of forming and nurturing relationships amidst such challenges. Our guest articulates the isolation of being in a stage of life where peers, professors, and even medical providers struggle to grasp the gravity of her condition.

The discussion extends to the vexing phenomenon of medical dismissal, where our guest recounts encounters with healthcare professionals who minimize her symptoms or do not fully respect POTS as a diagnosis. This narrative underscores broader issues surrounding the misconceptions and diagnostic hurdles often faced by individuals with invisible illnesses.

Join us for an enlightening dialogue that underscores resilience and the unrelenting need for self-advocacy. This episode serves as an invaluable exploration for those seeking deeper insight into the intricacies of POTS and the profound impact of unseen illnesses on the lives of young women.

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