The Song That Perfectly Describes Dysautonomia
Shouldn’t there really be an anthem for dysautonomia? I have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and last night while in the middle of an episode it hit me. I realized what the special song should be. I have found it!
It speaks to so many of the conditions of this syndrome including body temperature regulation issues, inability to commit to showing up somewhere due to symptoms and flares, being upright one second then passed out another, fighting with your body one moment and loving it another, and the frustrations of having to stay home while knowing that going out will only cause more problems.
Would you be surprised if I told you that Katy Perry sings it? Check out the chorus of “Hot N Cold:”
Cause you’re hot then you’re cold
You’re yes then you’re no
You’re in then you’re out
You’re up then you’re down
You’re wrong when it’s right
It’s black and it’s white
We fight, we break up
We kiss, we make up
(You) You don’t really want to stay, no
(You) But you don’t really want to go-o
You’re hot then you’re cold
You’re yes then you’re no
You’re in then you’re out
You’re up then you’re down
I had a good laugh when I really stopped and listened to the words and realized how much they match up with my symptoms and feelings.
The best part of this picture of me covered in sweat and unable to regulate my body temperature correctly has got to be my sweatshirt in the background on the floor. Not to worry though, I’ll be picking it up and putting it on again soon, just like the rest of you probably do — “musical clothing.”
Follow this journey on Smiles in the Trials.
Amy Keys was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia, in 2015. She now writes a blog about her comical life dealing with chronic illness while deliberately choosing to find joy and smiles in every day. Follow along on her blog Smiles in the Trials.
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