After experiencing the satisfaction of finally making it to recovery, I was quite excited and motivated to resuming life to pre-POTS levels. The effects of POTS on my musculoskeletal system were far greater than I expected. The physical demands of the recovery process were great on my body. I was weaker than I anticipated, my muscles really didn't have tone to them. My endurance was close to nothing. I had been exercising (walking, biking, line dancing...) for several months, and I thought I was doing well. I had to slow down the recovery of my body and not do too much all at once, even though all I really wanted to do was make up for lost time. I didn't want to be gradual about the way I wanted to immerse myself back into my pre-POTS regular routine. I wanted to run again like I did when I was 14. I wanted to take part in every single family activity. My stupidity was trying to do everything when my body wasn't quite at the level to go, go, go!
I needed to improve my endurance and strength overall. "Convalescence" is defined as a gradual return to health after sickness and/or injury. What I didn't realize is that this process is not quick. There is no quick way of "getting back to normal". I had to be patient and work in baby steps. I did not want to erase all the progress I had already made by overdoing it with activity. I had to learn to stop pushing my body beyond its limits. This was difficult since I had been pushing my body beyond its limits since I was diagnosed back in 2005. Pushing my body is the reason I am at this stage now -- all of my hard work and determination allowed me to recover! Having to take it easy now has been tough.
But, by working slowly and doing a little more every day, I am now able to do just about anything that I want. I no longer rely on ANY medications. I am just taking supplements to strengthen all of my systems. I can take part in family and friend activities whenever I want and for as long as I want. I can eat normal sized meals again and not have to worry about my digestive system being so slow. I ran a few times (not for very long), and did okay with that. What I enjoy doing now is P90X3, which focuses on cardio and strength training. It is intense and I am already seeing and feeling the results. I am also working full-time (since February). So overall, I am doing just about anything I want to do. It did take a long time to get here, but I'm so happy I was lucky enough to be at a normal level again!
