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Autoimmune Diseases and Studying Law: POTs Edition
- charltonp2801
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Studying law can be hard enough without additional outside pressures. However, this year I have had the direct personal perspective of navigating an autoimmune disease whilst working and studying law. In May this year I was in and out of hospital with some unknown illness. Presented to the Doctors as
some heart condition or maybe a blood clot. It took about 3 months for anyone to have any idea what was going on with me. In which I was unmedicated and in the dark with what was happening with my body.
I was referred to have a tilt table test which confirmed that my heart was beating over 30bpm faster from sitting to standing. My results showed over a 50bpm difference, this allowed me to be diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
POTS affects my daily routine in ways many people don’t see. It can bring dizziness, fatigue, fainting, chest pain, brain fog, and a sense that my body is constantly working against me. In law school, where focus and stamina are everything, those symptoms can feel like a mountain to climb. Sitting through long lectures or even rushing between classes can all become hurdles most students never think twice about. Below, I’ll link to some direct sources that explain what POTS is, outline common symptoms, and offer guidance for those who may also be living with it.
I am sure that this post may not resonate with everyone however I believe it is something important to be aware of. In the country where I live, when things get tough is “she’ll be right.” You push through, get the job done, and don’t stop for pity or rest. But with something like POTS, you can’t just brush it off — your body forces you to slow down. In the short time I’ve had this condition, I’ve had to learn to reflect, accept limits, and give myself permission to rest.
My Advice is the following:
Take it at your own pace - You won’t bounce back to “normal” straight away. It will take time to build up strength and learn the new normal. It is crucial to not overdo it otherwise you’ll be set back for days.
Hydration and Salt - a minimum of 3 Litres per day, paired with salty snacks (may favorites are pretzels and chips) and hydrolytes. I found hydrolytes useful as they already contain a high amount of sodium and you can bring the tablet version on the go.
Talk to your University - if you are struggling talk to your school. Universities have academic considerations that may assist you even the slightest bit. Whether it be being allowed to bring salty snacks or extra bottles into the exam. Or having extra time for assignments when episodes occur.
Work - point number 3 also relates to employment. I am lucky that I have had a firm that has provided a very generous amount of support whilst I have been figuring out this disease. If you’re balancing study and employment with a chronic illness, it’s worth being open (where you feel safe to do so) with your employer. Many firms and organisations have flexibility policies that can assist — from adjusting your hours to providing a more suitable workspace. Small changes, like the ability to work from home on flare days or to take short breaks, can make a huge impact on both your health and your productivity.
Community - look online and connect with others that are going through the same thing. See what tips and tricks they use to help manage.
What Is POTS? — Quick Facts & Resources
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic nervous system condition where your heart rate jumps significantly—by at least 30 beats per minute (or 40 bpm in teens)—within 10 minutes of standing, without a big drop in blood pressure. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, and brain fog. There are many different types of symptoms, and this varies from person to person. There are also different subtypes—like hyperadrenergic, neuropathic, and hypovolemic POTS—and many people experience overlapping symptoms
On average, people wait nearly 6 years for a POTS diagnosis. 25% of POTS patients report having to stop work or education due to the impact of the condition on their health.
Despite this, many still report a significant delay in diagnosis. It's hard to pin down exactly how many people in Australia live with POTS, but global estimates suggest it may affect 1–3% of the population. There is a lack in research and there is no clear reason as to why a person get diagnosed with POTs. Some people get infections, COVID-19, or get POTs unexplained.
Who tends to be diagnosed with POTs?
POTS can happen to anyone, but it often shows up in teenagers and young adults, usually between the age of 15 and 50 years old. However, it can also affect kids and older adults.
POTS tends to affect more girls and women than boys and men. In fact, studies suggest that about five times more females are diagnosed with POTS compared to males. Scientists are still figuring out why there’s a difference between genders.
Practical strategies backed by experts
Stay well/hydrated and include salty snacks to manage symptoms.
Consider compression garments or gentle, recumbent exercise (like stationary cycling or swimming) to improve circulation.
There are no medications specifically approved for POTS—but symptom-based treatments may be prescribed by a clinician.
Websites to Visit for More Reading:
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