Fibromyalgia and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) are chronic conditions that often overlap, sharing symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and pain.
While fibromyalgia is known for widespread pain, sleep disturbances, and tenderness, POTS primarily affects the autonomic nervous system. This dysfunction can lead to dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and fainting when standing. Both conditions significantly impact daily life, and understanding their connection is key to managing them more effectively.
For those living with both these conditions, recognizing how POTS manifests in your body is crucial. Symptoms like dizziness or a racing heart when moving from sitting to standing can worsen the fatigue and brain fog already present with fibromyalgia. Identifying triggers such as dehydration, prolonged standing, or stress can help reduce symptom flare-ups and improve stability.
Life with POTS can feel like carrying an invisible weight. On the outside, you may look fine, but inside, there’s a daily battle with symptoms that others may not see or understand. Mornings are often the toughest, as simply getting out of bed can feel like running a marathon. Standing up might cause your heart to race, dizziness to take over, or even the need to sit back down to avoid fainting.
Fatigue from these conditions isn’t just about being tired—it’s an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. Simple activities like showering or preparing meals can be draining, requiring careful pacing to get through the day. Similarly, “brain fog”—a common symptom of both conditions—can make focusing or remembering things frustratingly difficult. Tasks that were once easy can feel like solving a complex puzzle.
Both conditions are unpredictable. Some days, you might manage normal activities, while others, you’d rather stay in bed. This unpredictability, combined with the invisibility of the symptoms, can make explaining your struggles to others challenging. Canceling plans or needing extra rest can strain relationships, often leading to feelings of isolation.
Despite these challenges, there are ways to adapt and persevere. Small lifestyle adjustments like staying hydrated, wearing compression garments, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and incorporating exercise can help. Support groups and connecting with others who understand these conditions can also provide a sense of community and encouragement.
Awareness and education about fibromyalgia and POTS are vital. The more people understand these conditions, the greater the compassion and support and the stronger the push for research into better treatments. Living with fibromyalgia and POTS often requires careful planning and pacing, but understanding your body and working with a supportive care team can help you regain some sense of control and improve your quality of life.
If you or someone you know is living with fibromyalgia and POTS, know that you are not alone. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive world for everyone affected by both these conditions.
On February 13, 2025, Dr. Kate Bourne will be doing a presentation on What is POTS? Understanding the diagnosis and treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Dr. Kate Bourne, PhD is a medical student in the Leaders in Medicine program at the University of Calgary. Kate recently completed her PhD in Dr. Satish Raj’s Lab where her research focused on the impacts of POTS on patients as well as non-pharmacological treatment options including compression garments. During her graduate work Kate held a CIHR Vanier Scholar Award. Before moving to Calgary, Kate completed a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology at the University of Victoria (Canada).
For more information on the Autonomic Investigation and Management Lab, Cumming School of Medicine | University of Calgary go to https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/labs/calgary-autonomic-investigation/home-0
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