My name is Katie, I am 16 years old, and I am a member of the NDRF Youth Network. On August 31, 2001, I was diagnosed with POTS. Although I first fainted when I was 7 years old, it has taken 9 years to get a correct diagnoses. Dealing with an Autonomic Nervous System disorder, has not been easy. Most people don't understand what it is, even if you explain it to them. Even some doctors don't believe in it. I always have to take my health into consideration when I go out. I can't do some of the things other kids my age do, which is hard. This past summer my mom researched about my condition on the internet. She found the DYNA newsletters and gave me a copy to read. I sat on a chair with it, and immediately started reading. When I got to the story of another girl my age, I almost started crying. It soundd so much like what I was dealing with, so I got to e-mailing. Since then, I have made countless friends. We can support each other, and talk about our symptoms together. It is so nice just knowing they're there, and willing to make a new friend who shares their condition.