Season 2's first community story is shared by Samantha Pearson, a Stanford University swimmer diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and long COVID after experiencing prolonged symptoms post-COVID infection. Sam shares her journey through the onset of debilitating symptoms, challenges with diagnosis, and her eventual path to finding answers. We discuss the importance of patient advocacy, mental health struggles, and how chronic illness has reshaped Sam's athletic career and perspective on life. Sam is now contributing as a committee member of Dysunderstood to raise awareness and elevate voices of those affected by these conditions.

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Some relevant definitions:

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)- A condition where mast cells inappropriately release chemical mediators, causing multisystem symptoms affecting organ systems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)- A clinical diagnosis where patients present with excessive increase in heart rate upon assuming upright posture or physical activity like dizziness and palpitations. (Adult diagnostic criteria requires 30 bpm heart rate change when going from supine to upright position)

Long COVID (LC)- A clinically diagnosed condition characterized by persistent symptoms and long-term health issues following a COVID-19 infection; also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN)- A medication used to modulate the immune system and potentially treat chronic pain and autoimmune conditions.

Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)- A clinical condition where abnormal symptoms are brought on by quiet, upright posture, often alleviated by lying down. Symptoms include abnormal heart rate increase and/or blood pressure decreases, leading to dizziness and possibly fainting.

For a transcript of this episode, click here.

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