Sarah Vinci

For as long as I can remember, I have been struggling with chronic health conditions. At 4, I had E. coli, which led to a rare condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. I also developed Pancreatitis and was in the hospital for 14 days. In 2018, I began to experience very random symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and generally feeling unwell. I finally found out in 2021 from a tilt table test I had POTS. I have been able to manage it mostly with increasing my water intake and salt intake, but I still struggle with heart palpitations, brain fog, general fatigue, and headaches which often make it hard to be social and impact me as a student. In the last two years I have struggled with severe stomach problems such as nausea, stomach pains, bloating, and acid reflux. I thought it was just part of my POTS but after a round of tests, I was diagnosed with Gastroperesis. This condition makes it very hard for my food to be digested properly, leaving it stuck in my stomach. I have had to change my diet significantly, avoiding high fiber, greasy, and uncooked foods. This has made it hard to eat out, travel, and I am left feeling sick often. Despite challenges with my health, I try to stay active with working out, doing pilates, and being involved in my Israeli dance group. I also enjoy traveling and hanging out with friends when I can.

I advocate because, often having a chronic illness, others don't understand you are ill in the way that a person has the flu or a cold, since symptoms can be sporadic and you don't always look sick. I also understand how frustrating it can be to be dealing with symptoms while going to multiple doctors and not getting an answer, and being made to feel like it is all in your head. We all deserve to get the care we need and to be treated with compassion.