Well, I did it. I made it through my son's graduation. I was really concerned because I had had a bad flare up and just didn't know how I would get through the night. The graduation was in the University of DE stadium and there were around 4000 people attending. The ceilings were really high, the crowds were very noisy and there was alot of walking to do. To top it off, I came down with a killer sinus infection the day before. But, I did it! When we got there, everyone was parking SOOOO far away. I told the cop that I had a heart condition and he directed us to park up front (whew!). I got our seats and sat through and didn't really have any major issues. I just willed myself to ignore my symptoms and focus on him. I can't believe my baby's out of high school! One down, one to go.... I don't think the average person has any idea how difficult events like this are for us. I was looking around at everyone and they were laughing and carrying on and walking all around like it was nothing. Well, it was nothing for them. What I used to take for granted. For me, I tried to stay in one place, not talk too much to anyone and tune out everything going on around me. But, thank God, I made it through without a scene and surprisingly I'm doing pretty well so far today. I wouldn't have missed that for anything - even dysautonomia.
Posts: 570 | Location: Delaware | Registered: February 03, 2008
I too often look around at other people and envy how carefree they are...just walking my dogs around the block takes effort and resolve (to not have a panic attack). Each time I know I have to go somewhere out of the ordinary, I tense up something awful!
You should be proud of yourself and your son!
Jen
Posts: 103 | Location: Washington, DC | Registered: February 29, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Its times like this that make us appreciate the positives in life - and there are some even when we feel horrible! Like, the love of our kids, family, loved ones.
JakeandMax'smom - it's true what you said about the panic attacks. One of the biggest things I was fighting before and during graduation was my fear of having a major episode there and causing a HUGE scene. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are stopping the ceremony for a bit because some lady up in section 19 has just fainted" Can you just picture it???!!! The fear just sets off the adrenaline surge which then sets off either a full blown panic attack or POTS/IST flare. It's a hard line to walk...... But, nevertheless, I got through it!
Posts: 570 | Location: Delaware | Registered: February 03, 2008
That is great! I know how hard that must have been...gosh I really had to push myself to stand in a bank line the other day. It was so hot and I was so scared I wouldn't be able to do it...
Anyway, enough about me, I'm proud of you for getting there! And glad your son had his mom there to support him.
Posts: 513 | Location: MA | Registered: August 16, 2007
That is great! I also attended my son's 6th grade graduation to high school! I did't think I was going to make it! My head was spinning and I felt like I couldn't breath but I got to the end!
Posts: 123 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: February 17, 2008
Congrats on your son's graduation! My son has POTS and made it through HIS high school graduation this past Sunday. It was so hot, (outside ceremony) but there was a strong breeze that kept him cool until the end. He walked across stage! (I was worried it would be too hot for him)
As I looked around the crowd, I felt like this was a more then a major accomplishment for my son, it was a testimony to the world that those with POTS CAN accomplish things despite all their symptoms and setbacks! RIGHT?
So congrats to you and your son, it's so nice to hear some good news!
Posts: 209 | Location: Michigan | Registered: January 28, 2008
NDRF Forums and Chat 
You made me check! Now I see things went well that day! Congratulations!
