Dizzy Directors: Interview with Rey

Summary In this episode of Dizzy Directors, Rey shares their experience living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and how it has affected their life in college. They discuss their journey of self-discovery and the challenges they faced in getting diagnosed with various conditions. They also talk about the frustrations of navigating the medical system and the lack of understanding and support from some healthcare professionals. Rey emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, self-care, and finding a supportive community of friends who understand their experiences. Takeaways Living with POTS can be challenging and often involves navigating a complex medical system. Self-advocacy and self-care are crucial for managing chronic illnesses like POTS. Finding a supportive community of friends who understand your experiences can provide valuable support. The medical system can be frustrating and may involve medical gaslighting, but it's important to persist in seeking proper diagnosis and treatment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:49 Ray's Experience with POTS and College 05:23 Challenges in Getting Diagnosed and Internalized Ableism 07:48 Frustrations with the Medical System 09:42 Different Experiences with POTS Diagnosis 11:35 Dealing with Medical Gaslighting 16:07 Navigating College and Disability Services 25:01 Managing Temperature Control and Accommodations 28:45 Connecting with Others with POTS 32:31 Sharing Experiences and Building Supportive Friendships 38:09 Overcoming Internalized Ableism 39:43 Balancing Treatment Options and Challenges 43:57 Advice for Those with POTS or Chronic Illness 45:30 Conclusion