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What was your journey to getting a diagnosis like?
Long. My Pediatrician/general physician didn't know what was wrong, but was very kind and is still interested in learning more now that I have a diagnosis. I originally was told that if I began an exercise regimen and sought therapy for a 'mood disorder' I would be okay. Basically, they said I was exhausted all of the time because I was depressed and inactive, when in fact, at the onset of symptoms, I was captain of the freshmen field hockey team and was probably in the best physical shape/health of my life.

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After this disappointing evaluation, I told my mother that I WOULD become depressed if we couldn't figure out what was wrong with me (I know a lot of other people have issues with this too, the debilitating symptoms can definitely lower the spirits). I later got an appointment at the Diagnostic Center at CHOP. They were so wonderful and knowledgeable and kind. Blood work found out that at some point in the last 6-9 months, I had unknowingly had Mono, which we think may have been an onset of my POTS.

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The Diagnostic Center eventually diagnosed me with POTS, and began a trial and error process for treatments. I started with increased salt water (gross) and tried a variety of medications. My doctor then recommended a Cardiologist to handle my symptoms. I now regularly visit the Cardiology Department at CHOP to test out different treatments and medications. Like stated before, it's trial and error. While still symptomatic, my POTS is now more under control, and I have a much better quality of life.
 

What is your biggest struggle with Dysautonomia? 
School work was very hard- my Sophomore year of high school I was home schooled, which made me feel isolated being at home all of the time. With medications I eventually returned to school for my Junior and Senior years, and am starting college in the Fall. Balancing times of rest and time with friends is difficult, and I often have to bail at the last minute because I'm simply too tired to go out.