Let's Talk About The POTS life

How do you start trusting your body again after a POTS diagnosis?
In this episode, Kelsey and Brit talk about the fear of doing everyday activities when your symptoms feel unpredictable. From weddings and travel to summer events and driving, they discuss practical ways to prepare, pace yourself, and build confidence as your body changes and improves.
They also dive into the connection between POTS and anxiety, why progress isn't always linear, and how small wins can help you regain trust in yourself over time.
Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this episode is a reminder that fear doesn't have to make the decisions.

Connect with Us:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Facebook: The POTS Life
Instagram: @thepotslife_
Tik Tok: thepotslife

What is the connection between POTS, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), and hypermobility?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Cohen Solomon, board-certified pediatrician, educator, and patient living with hEDS and dysautonomia. We discuss the overlap between POTS, EDS, chronic pain, fatigue, GI symptoms, and why so many patients struggle to find answers.
We also talk about recognizing early signs of hypermobility, building the right healthcare team, advocating for yourself, and why validation matters when living with a complex chronic illness.
Whether you're a patient, parent, or healthcare provider, this episode offers practical insights and hope for navigating the journey.
Follow Dr. Solomon: @thebendypediatrician
Learn More: https://thebendypediatrician.com/

Connect with Us:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Facebook: The POTS Life
Instagram: @thepotslife_
Tik Tok: thepotslife

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
03:16 Living with hEDS & Dysautonomia
05:43 Early Signs of Hypermobility in Children
10:36 Understanding EDS & Hypermobility
12:14 Pain, Fatigue & Invisible Illness
22:32 The Connection Between POTS & EDS
23:22 Why Patients Need a Healthcare "Quarterback"
28:58 GI Symptoms, Dysmotility & EDS
31:51 The Importance of Validation
33:51 Building the Right Care Team
36:33 Tips for Advocating for Yourself
41:40 The UVA EDS & Hypermobility Clinic
46:05 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients
47:20 Finding Hope

In this episode of Let’s Talk About The POTS Life, we sit down with Joanna Behm, occupational therapist, dysautonomia advocate, and co-author of The Dysautonomia Workbook. Joanna shares her personal journey to diagnosis, the challenges of living with POTS, MCAS, and hEDS, and the work she does through the Dysautonomia Support Network (DSN) to help others feel more supported and informed.
We also talk about practical tools for managing daily life with dysautonomia, including pacing, symptom tracking, accommodations, mental health, and building a better quality of life while navigating chronic illness.

About DSN: Dysautonomia Support Network is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering those with dysautonomia through education, resources, and community. Learn more at dysautonomiasupport.org.

Workbook:
The Dysautonomia Workbook: A Guide to Empowered Living
https://www.dysautonomiasupport.org/product/the-dysautonomia-workbook-a-guide-to-empowered-living/
Follow DSN:
Instagram: @dyssupport
YouTube: @DysSupport
Facebook: Dysautonomia Support Network
Connect with Joanna:
LinkedIn: Joanna Behm

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), it can feel overwhelming figuring out what actually helps.
In this episode, we break down what to focus on early and what to avoid.
We talk through common mistakes after a POTS diagnosis, including over-relying on water without enough sodium, falling for “electrolyte” products that don’t contain meaningful salt, and making drastic diet changes too quickly. We explain how to approach hydration and electrolytes more effectively, including why sodium matters and how to start building tolerance.
We also cover nutrition myths, why cutting multiple foods at once can backfire, and how to use simple tracking to identify real triggers. On the movement side, we walk through why exercise is still important with POTS and how to approach it in a low, slow, and sustainable way to avoid worsening symptoms.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode will help you take your next step with more clarity.

Timestamps:
00:00 What to do after a POTS diagnosis
01:20 Common mistakes early on
02:45 Electrolytes vs water (what actually helps)
04:50 How much sodium you need
07:10 Choosing the right electrolyte options
09:20 Why cutting foods too quickly backfires
10:20 How to track food triggers
12:00 MCAS + food sensitivities
14:20 Salt myths explained
15:30 Why movement matters with POTS
17:00 How to start exercise safely
19:00 Support, structure, and community
21:30 Final thoughts + next steps

Connect with Us:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Facebook: The POTS Life
Instagram: @thepotslife_
Tik Tok: thepotslife

GI symptoms, pain clues, and why a consult matters
In this episode of Let’s Talk About the POTS Life, we break down the connection between POTS and pelvic floor dysfunction and why it’s often overlooked.
We cover common “beige flags” like GI issues (IBS, bloating, constipation/diarrhea cycles, gastroparesis), bladder symptoms (chronic UTIs, straining to pee), and unexplained pelvic or low back pain. We also touch on tension patterns (like teeth grinding) and conditions like endometriosis and hypermobility.
This episode highlights how pelvic floor therapy can fit into a bigger picture approach alongside POTS care, GI support, and mental health.
If you feel like your symptoms aren’t fully adding up, this might be a missing piece.

Episode breakdown:
00:00 Pelvic Floor Meets POTS
00:40 Why They Overlap
02:09 GI Red Flags Explained
03:59 Tension and Constipation Cycle
05:13 Movement and Digestion Tips
06:45 UTIs and Peeing Strain
09:03 Pain, Endo, and Hypermobility
11:06 Consults and Team Approach
13:02 Finding the Right PT
14:10 Program Modifications Together
14:50 Wrap Up