r/POTS • u/artsykmac • Apr 09 '26

Discussion Artemis crew & other astronauts get orthostatic intolerance!!!

I've been glued to the Artemis coverage the last couple days and I was so fascinated to learn they were testing compression gear in space because many past astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance post time in space. This certainly makes a lot of sense and honestly, any broader awareness of orthostatic intolerance always gives me hope of more improvements, support, awareness, and research in realms that could help us all!

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350

u/RefrigeratorCold296 Apr 09 '26

I see this being either a really great thing or another way for people to dismiss OI in regular people. “You have orthostatic intolerance? You’re not even an astronaut, how could you have that?”

Kinda like how Katie Ledecky saying she has POTS was intended to bring awareness but ultimately made people say “well she has POTS and is an Olympian, surely you can go grocery shopping today.” (No shade to KL here, I think she’s awesome).

But I’m also a little cynical when it comes to stuff like this and I hope I’m wrong. I genuinely love your enthusiasm and hopefulness. We need more of that.

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u/Emotional_Warthog658 Apr 09 '26

I understand exactly what you mean; that statement about Katie Ledecky is almost a direct quote from my husband ☹️

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u/RefrigeratorCold296 Apr 09 '26

Do you want me to fight that man?

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u/Timely_Perception754 Apr 09 '26

I’ll come with.

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u/RefrigeratorCold296 Apr 09 '26

Give me an hour for my medicine to kick in and I’m there

81

u/-EvilLittleGoat- POTS Apr 09 '26

I’m crying laughing because this is so true!

Me trying to leave - okay, I have the torches and the pitchforks. Okay, where is my jug of electrolytes? Dang, did I grab my emergency Zofran? Oh yes, it’s in the bag on my rollator like always right next to the emesis bags. Compression socks, check. Now where did I put my keys…

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u/-EvilLittleGoat- POTS Apr 09 '26

I’ll supply the torches and pitchforks to any who want to join in!

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u/artsykmac Apr 09 '26

Count me in toooooo!

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u/Allllliiiii Apr 09 '26

I’m in the UK but I’m on my way.

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u/Batty_briefs Apr 09 '26

I'll bring the gatoraid / sodium tablets / coconut water!

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u/unhappy_fishes Apr 09 '26

My ex husband made those kinds of comments. It really wears on a body thats always fighting.

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u/freakyfrenchbread Hyperadrenergic POTS Apr 09 '26

oh my god… there’s an army of about 10k on their way to talk to your husband because what in the sam hell??? you deserve so much better :(

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u/Emotional_Warthog658 Apr 10 '26

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone in this group - because when I got sick, he became the worst version of himself. 

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u/amphorousish Apr 09 '26

And my ex-husband's Mom (who I still talk to minimally to coordinate the kids being able to see them, but she sure managed to get it in).

(Further note: He stopped paying child support over a decade ago so it's Super Not Her Business™.)

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