The Arrival Of POTS And The Loss Of Friends

Over the years I have lost A LOT of friends.

I know it is because of my illnesses and the frequency of catching whatever is going round (I've had Chicken pox 5 times and hand foot and mouth 4 times).

Unfortunately, with any illness, people can't cope, can't understand or can't be bothered to hang around. They cut themselves off from you, as if you did something wrong, because they don't want to have a friend that requires them to put in effort to see you or keep in touch with you when you are ill.

When I am feeling not-so bad (it comes in waves) I try to hang out with my friends but I get tired out quickly, have to leave early or I am in too much pain. Some of my friends cut themselves off slowly, saying 'I understand', 'I'll come see you when I'm free' or 'I wish I could come see you but I have other plans'.

They also cancel at the last minute with some vague excuse which, if I was well (like them), might work but it leaves me feeling alone, isolated and, a bit, depressed.

When it comes to POTS there are many symptoms and side effects that don't follow a schedule (I wish they did though). I can't do what everyone else, my age, can do.

I just want to be well and to have (and keep) friends, for once.

There is an upside... When you get diagnosed with ANYTHING you try to find out as much as you can. When I was diagnosed with POTS I did just that. There are a lot of people, in the same situation - feeling the same things I am. I have found many websites, groups and videos from them where you can befriend, chat and feel like you have some sort of a social life. They, actually, understand what you are going through and they help support you.

It is kind of like a support group... Online.

UPDATE(16/4/13)
I don't use them as a support group, I just like to know that there are people out there who can understand. They are there to talk to whenever I need to talk or need advise. I'd like to think that you guys think of me the same way.

*huggle* for everyone

Here are some links for support or information;
http://thedysautonomiaconnection.org/
http://www.youtube.com/user/5awesomepotsies
http://www.youtube.com/user/chronicallykyli
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChronicallyInLove
http://www.youtube.com/user/TeenPotsyProductions
http://www.youtube.com/user/UKpotsies
http://www.facebook.com/groups/75183049224/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/67434616607/