In this interview, Linda Elsegood delves into the life of Kaitlin, who shares her inspiring story of living with multiple chronic conditions, including MCAS, POTS, and EDS. Kaitlin describes how she experienced small dislocations and unusual pains as a child, which gradually escalated in her twenties and thirties, making it difficult for her to perform daily activities.
She explains how she ignored these symptoms for a long time, thinking that they were normal and that everyone experienced them. However, as time went on, she realized that her experiences were unique and needed attention.
Kaitlin also shares her journey of dealing with MCAS, a condition that caused her severe stomach pains after eating, leading to an eating disorder in her teens. She explains how MCAS made it challenging for her to find foods that would not trigger her stomach pains, causing her to miss school and social gatherings.
Even after her recovery from the disorder, the pain persisted, and she only received a formal diagnosis in 2022 from the Mayo Clinic. Kaitlin talks about the challenges of treating MCAS and finding trigger foods, which can be a difficult and frustrating process.
Additionally, Kaitlin shares her scary experience with POTS after blacking out and suffering catastrophic injuries. POTS caused her blood pressure to recoil, making it challenging for her to perform daily tasks. She talks about the difficulties of getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment for POTS, which can be a complex and confusing process.
Through her story, Kaitlin hopes to inspire others not to give up on themselves and seek help. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking medical attention, and connecting with others who may be going through similar experiences. She thanks Linda for providing a platform for people like her to share their stories and connect with others and believes that together, we can make a difference and support each other in our journeys towards better health.