Showering with POTs

     For people that do not experience chronic illness, being able to comfortably shower might be something you take for granted. With my experience, showers are the WORST. Heat is a major trigger of passing out for me so I need to be very careful when I take showers. Something I have been able to do that has helped me is gotten a shower chair! I got lucky that my family was able to find one at a warehouse sale for only 15 dollars but they can get very expensive. I recommend it is something people with POTs invest in if you are able to. It can be very dangerous standing in the shower with the hot water and pooling blood in your feet. Not only is their a risk of passing out but also the dizziness could cause you to slip and fall and injury yourself as well.

    A few other thing I recommend for showering with POTs including taking a warm not hot shower. I know many people prefer a hot relaxing shower but if you're okay with taking a warm shower it could lower the risk of heat triggering an episode. Everyone is different but some people feel worse in the morning then at night because the body is adjusting to being upright after laying all night. If that is the case, I suggest showering at night time rather than in the morning or vise versa based on your needs. A few other tips I have are more simple things like making sure your products are all within reach so you don't need to stand to grab anything during your shower. Also, being aware of your symptoms if you start to feel an episode coming on get out as soon as you can. If possible, do not take a shower when you're home alone incase you have an episode and need help. Other than that just listen to your body and be careful. 

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