My name is Allissa and I am 8 years old. I have POTS and NCS. I started having problems with dizzy spells when I turned 5. My parents took me all over Ohio trying to find out what was wrong with me. I was told everything from "she makes herself do it" to "it is a seizure disorder" to "there is nothing the matter with her". It was very frustrating for me and especially for my parents.

     The "spells" starting happening more often and became worse as I got older. My parents never gave up. They were always looking for an answer and always behind me all the way. Some of my teachers questioned whether or not I was really sick and that was really hard for me.

     In September of 2001, I was admitted to a hospital to have all kinds of tests. During my visit to the hospital, I met a cardiologist who decided to do a tilt table test on me. I failed the test terribly!!! The tilt table brought on one of my spells and finally a doctor was there to see the whole thing. It was really scary but worth it to know what I had.

     I was put on Florinef, a medicine to bring up my blood pressure and put on 64 ounces of water a day. 64 ounces is a lot for me cause I only weigh 54 pounds!!! I also have to eat lots of salty foods. This all works pretty well for me.

     I still have some problems from the POTS like tingling arms and cold hands, dizzy spells and tummy aches. But I know what I need to do when a spell is coming on. I know how to keep from falling and hurting myself and I know when to go and lay down because my body has had enough. The doctors say it may get worse for me when I get older and that scares me a little but for now I'm doing pretty good.

     I just want everyone to know that I am just a normal kid. I may not be able to play the whole soccer game like the rest of my team. I may have to visit the school nurse sometimes because my tummy hurts and I'm dizzy. I may need to lay down on the floor in the middle of the mall. But that is all ok because I'm still just me. I am the Allissa that loves MaryKate and Ashley movies, crafts, reading and playing with my friends. Just me.