Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

At the age of 23 I started to develop heart rate and blood pressure issues. I went through several 'diagnosis'' ranging from the ridiculous such as "white coat syndrome" and angina to the very common SVT (supraventricular tachycardia), all of these were disproven though eventually. I spent 3 years in and out of hospital with fainting episodes, chest pains, palpitations etc., but I finally got the correct diagnosis of dysautonomia or more specifically Hyperadrenergic PoTS (Postual Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

PoTS is a condition in which the heart rate increases by at least 30 beats per minute or to above 120bpm upon standing. Hyperadrenergic PoTS causes the blood pressure to rise signifiantly too. My daily symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, pooling of blood in the feet as well as discolouration and swelling in the feet and ankles, chest pain, loss of concentration, brain fog (difficulty in thinking), headaches, hot flushes (sensitivity to hot and cold) and flucuating blood pressure and heart rate. I have also experienced fainting on occassions.

PoTS finally explained all of my many progressive and dibilitating symtoms but is unfortunately fairly unheard of amongst medical professionals and the general public alike. It is proving very difficult to treat and therefore, even though my condition is not yet under control, it is time to act and try to spread the word.

I will, with the support of my family, walk the 26.2 miles of a marathon over the first half of October. This is going to be a huge challenge for me and I really appreciate all of your support. Thank you for reading my story.