POTS and trauma

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So I was born with POTS as far as I know, although the symptoms have fluctuated over time and with environmental changes. It took me a long time to realize I wasn’t normal. I had always had complaints about pains and such, but I always assumed people were right when they told me I was being dramatic, it wasn’t that bad, or I was a hypochondriac. So I learned to tune out and pretend the symptoms weren’t happening so I could stay safe. It wasn’t until I was in college, when I flared up really badly and brought up my symptoms to a close friend that I got a real lead. She said it sounded like POTS, so I looked it up and it was the simplest explanation. Years of directing specialists as to which tests I needed and a Mayo Clinic visit later, and I had my official diagnosis. It wouldn’t have happened without my having directed the whole process. Most doctors don’t have the expertise to diagnose and treat rare diseases and disorders. I have multiple doctors and a whole diet/exercise/rest/medication routine that I have to follow very strictly if I want even a middling quality of life. It’s frustrating to have to baby my nervous system, but it’s my body and I love it. I’ll post mire when I have more spoons.