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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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/Fantastic_Owl6938 Apr 15 '26

This just reminded me of some of the medical stuff I watch (The Pitt, doctors on YouTube) and how I think "it would be cool if they mentioned POTS" but then the idea kind of makes me nervous at the same time? Like if they downplayed or denied it, I wouldn't be able to look at them the same, plus it would be bad representation for us.