Self-Advocacy Q&A with Kait Olds. Living with POTS
Kait Olds
Kait Olds, a fitness professional and advocate for those with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), shares her journey with the condition, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, education, and empowerment. Diagnosed at 15, Kait uses her personal and professional experiences to support others in the POTS community through exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness, advocating for better awareness, understanding, and support for those living with invisible conditions.
“Self-advocacy is everything. It is trusting your intuition and, with confidence asking for the best because you deserve the best.”
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition affecting blood flow. People with POTS often experience a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue when they stand up, due to the body’s difficulty in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
Essentially, the nervous system has trouble maintaining stable blood flow when changing positions, like going from sitting to standing.
Reference: Raj, S. R. (2013). Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Circulation, 127(23), 2336–2342.
We’d love to get to know you! Please share a bit about yourself, your diagnosis journey and the invisible condition/s you live with.
Hello, my name is Kait. I am a certified fitness professional with 10+ years of experience in both clinical and health club settings.
My passion is to program and educate. Specifically for special populations.
I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) when I was 15 years old.
Both my personal and professional experience has naturally allowed me to be a leader in the POTS community.
By teaching individuals how to manage their POTS symptoms via nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices.
How would your friends describe you and your personality?
I am considered a "go-getter". (: Always up for an adventure.
How has the invisible condition altered your life?
Kait Olds - KO Wellness Program
POTS granted me a perspective at a young age to not take things for granted. I grew a deeper appreciation for health and life itself. I can say that POTS has made me take greater risks in life, to really rock every opportunity I can.
Are you comfortable sharing about any stigma or discrimination you’ve experienced due to your condition?
Yes. I feel as though ultimately, due to POTS being invisible unless subject to an acute flare- there were times in my life when people didn't believe me. They felt I was not sick, I just needed to push through or get over it which is the LAST thing POTS individuals need to do.
Also in the medical light, being seen by specialists who aren't educated in POTS can lead to prescribing poor advice. I felt this during two of my three pregnancies.
What does self-advocacy mean and how have you managed to advocate for yourself? Any advice to share?
Self-advocacy is everything. It is trusting your intuition and with confidence asking for the best because you deserve the best. Luckily I have a strong personality, I wasn't easily tossed to the side like many patients are. I stuck my ground and demanded to seek alternate opinions.
Now, being an advocate for the POTS Community takes on a whole new level as to the greater world I claim this syndrome as my own. That to me feels like "labeling".
However, I make a great effort each and every day to not allow the negative associations to tag along. I want the community to focus on the good, the real and the just. Not the toxic and misinformation.
If someone is struggling to advocate for themselves, what advice would you offer them?
I would tell them that they deserve more. They deserve a high quality of life, and it is okay to seek alternate opinions. Unfortunately, it is common in our current medical system to search for 6 months- 3 years before finding the right fit. To gain the tools and education to thrive. I want to help spread awareness for these individuals. Although it may feel like an uphill climb, they can do it.
What motivates you to disclose your disability despite the courage it requires?
Honestly, I would have never thought I would be in the position I am in. POTS was a part of a chapter in my life. But, meeting a student who was diagnosed and realizing the poor quality of function they had... The realization that it had been over ten years since my diagnosis, I was floored as to HOW they were struggling.
I mean hello internet and specialists, research and time! Where was the education? Where was the support? A fire was lit and I developed POTS Strong.
I want to advocate for the strength the community possesses. Not feel victimized by this invisible illness but more so become educated and feel empowered to chase the dream life they long for. Raising awareness is the first mission. If I can help change a person’s quality of life via coaching- that is a cherry on top.
What encouragement would you offer to someone living with an invisible condition who is considering whether to openly share their journey and experiences?
Corny, but like Nike- Just do it. Get out of your own head and be of service to your community. Your information and story can be JUST what someone may need to hear that day. Your story can impact someone's life in a life-changing way. How cool is that? In return, in a way sharing your story, you are vulnerable, yes. But it is also liberating. You are showing the world who you are. You are being raw, and relatable and that is what people need to connect and grow.
About Kait Olds:
I am currently thirty-four years old. I live on a farm in northern Michigan alongside my husband, three kiddos and more animals than you can count!
I have a BS in Exercise Science and am certified as a National Strength & Conditioning Association Personal Trainer and Precision Nutrition Coach.
If I am not inside reading you can find me outdoors barefoot in the summer and dressed for adventure come winter!