MINNEAPOLIS — The COVID-19 pandemic changed so many people in so many ways.
For Pam Metcalf, the virus awakened a condition she has probably lived with her entire life.
"I originally went in because I was just nauseous all day, every day. I was exhausted,” Metcalf said.
She was eventually diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS for short.
Dr. Miranda Langford is a physical therapist at Hennepin Healthcare. She said pre-pandemic about 25% of her patients were living with POTS. She said today more than 75% of her patients have been diagnosed with POTS.
More people are becoming aware of the condition thanks to Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky who has spoken publicly about her POTS diagnosis.
“We’re seeing a lot more of it,” Dr. Langford said. “It is often triggered by the COVID virus.”
Dr. Langford said symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate and fatigue. At Hennepin Healthcare they're using new techniques and new approaches to physical therapy to treat patients like Metcalf.
She says the therapy is helping. Metcalf says is less fatigued after doing household chores and she is finding new techniques such as aroma therapy to help her calm down.
Dr. Langford said other patients are also finding success in this slower approach to treating the condition.
Metcalf is sharing her story with the community to hopefully raise awareness of POTS so others who are living with this condition can find some relief.
"I just don't want people to be suffering if they don't have to be suffering,” Metcalf said.
If you believe you yourself or someone you know may have POTS, doctors at Hennepin Healthcare recommend talking to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor may recommend scheduling an appointment with a specialist who can prescribe a test that can diagnose POTS.