Author: Abby Poulter

  • My POTS Journey Part 2 (+ May Thurner and Vein Stenosis)

    My POTS Journey Part 2 (+ May Thurner and Vein Stenosis)

    My POTS journey has been complex, evolving, and often unpredictable….but today, it finally feels like it’s moving in the right direction and I am finding the best specialists.

    My POTS journey has been complex, evolving, and often unpredictable….but today, it finally feels like it’s moving in the right direction and I am finding the best specialists.

  • My Resolutions for 2026

    My Resolutions for 2026

    My hopes for 2026 are simple: to live more aligned, love more honestly, and let go of the pressure to have everything figured out.

    My hopes for 2026 are simple: to live more aligned, love more honestly, and let go of the pressure to have everything figured out.

  • My POTS Journey Part 1

    My POTS Journey Part 1

    POTS is often difficult to diagnose, requiring careful evaluation rather than a single definitive test. My diagnosis came after patterns emerged and other conditions were ruled out.

    POTS is often difficult to diagnose, requiring careful evaluation rather than a single definitive test. My diagnosis came after patterns emerged and other conditions were ruled out.

  • My genetic testing came back negative. Why am I sad?

    My genetic testing came back negative. Why am I sad?

    Navigating ongoing health challenges often means learning how to live with unanswered questions while continuing to advocate for care and understanding.

    Navigating ongoing health challenges often means learning how to live with unanswered questions while continuing to advocate for care and understanding.

  • Paying the Price: Chronic Illness in America

    Paying the Price: Chronic Illness in America

    What follows is shaped by my experience navigating chronic illness in a system that demands constant negotiation to access care.

    What follows is shaped by my experience navigating chronic illness in a system that demands constant negotiation to access care.

  • The Hard Truths: Hidden Realities of My Chronic Illness

    The Hard Truths: Hidden Realities of My Chronic Illness

    So much of chronic illness happens behind the scenes and I have learned to carry it all very quietly. Sharing on this blog is one of the scariest things I have ever done, but it is also necessary. Opening the door, even a little, reminds me that honesty creates connection and maybe someone out there…

    So much of chronic illness happens behind the scenes and I have learned to carry it all very quietly. Sharing on this blog is one of the scariest things I have ever done, but it is also necessary. Opening the door, even a little, reminds me that honesty creates connection and maybe someone out there…

  • My Gastroparesis + Motility Journey Part 2

    My Gastroparesis + Motility Journey Part 2

    After months of progress, my symptoms came back stronger than ever, and I’ve spent this year fighting weight loss, malnutrition, and a GI tract that has nearly shut down again. I’m trying to stay hopeful as I prepare for what’s next, while also navigating the sadness of more setbacks and a life constantly interrupted by…

    After months of progress, my symptoms came back stronger than ever, and I’ve spent this year fighting weight loss, malnutrition, and a GI tract that has nearly shut down again. I’m trying to stay hopeful as I prepare for what’s next, while also navigating the sadness of more setbacks and a life constantly interrupted by…

  • My Gastroparesis Journey Part 1

    My Gastroparesis Journey Part 1

    Months of debilitating symptoms and failed treatments led to a diagnosis of Gastroparesis. Treatment included medications, diet changes, botox, and eventually surgery.

    Months of debilitating symptoms and failed treatments led to a diagnosis of Gastroparesis. Treatment included medications, diet changes, botox, and eventually surgery.

  • The Things You Don’t See

    The Things You Don’t See

    Behind every smile, there’s a story most people never see. Living with chronic illness means carrying pain that’s invisible, navigating systems that make healing harder, and still finding moments of joy in the middle of it all. This week, as I face more setbacks and endless waiting, I’ve been reminded how often strength is seen…

    Behind every smile, there’s a story most people never see. Living with chronic illness means carrying pain that’s invisible, navigating systems that make healing harder, and still finding moments of joy in the middle of it all. This week, as I face more setbacks and endless waiting, I’ve been reminded how often strength is seen…

  • My CRPS Journey Part 5 (and final)

    My CRPS Journey Part 5 (and final)

    My CRPS journey has been a very long one, and one that is still being written. Full of lessons in pain, perseverance, and growth. After multiple surgeries and years of treatment, I have found peace and progress, thanks to so many incredible people who supported me and never gave up on me.

    My CRPS journey has been a very long one, and one that is still being written. Full of lessons in pain, perseverance, and growth. After multiple surgeries and years of treatment, I have found peace and progress, thanks to so many incredible people who supported me and never gave up on me.