Growing up in Fishers, Indiana, Karina Drury felt as though her life was a medical mystery due to her frequent fainting episodes.
As a teenager, she underwent numerous tests for various conditions, including narcolepsy, seizures, and fainting. She also had multiple blood tests, heart examinations, and consulted several specialists in cardiology, neurology, and epilepsy in her quest for answers.
Frequent Fainting Episodes
In 2019, at just 16 years old, Drury (now 21) was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). According to the Cleveland Clinic, POTS is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing or sitting, often leading to fainting spells lasting about 10 seconds.
Karina Drury suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which often leads to fainting spells lasting about 10 seconds – (Photo: People).
“I really understand my body and what triggers my fainting,” Drury shared. “The first thing I feel is a sense of detachment from my body, followed by loss of hearing and vision. Gradually, my vision starts to narrow. I also feel my muscles weakening, as if they are no longer supporting me.”
“This process happens slowly, and I feel exhausted,” she added. “I became so familiar with my body that I could sense it without thinking much. I just knew, ‘Oh, I’m about to faint,’ and I could feel it coming.”
Over the past five years, Drury has shared her experiences of living with POTS on TikTok, where she has amassed over 1 million followers. In a video posted in August that garnered 9 million views, Drury recorded herself sitting alone in a café, sipping coffee before fainting. Aware that a fainting spell was imminent, she decided to write a note to inform those around her that she was okay.
“I struggled with what to write on the paper, especially since this was a café I had never been to before,” she recalled. “I didn’t want to draw attention because I’m a bit shy. So if someone approached, I wanted them to be able to read the note and not call an ambulance.”
“I think it’s meaningful for people with POTS or similar conditions to see that they can still enjoy life, go to cafés, and pursue their dreams without being hindered by illness,” she added. “It’s a combination of inspiration and practical safety measures that helps me feel secure and calms those around me during a fainting episode.”
Learning to Coexist with Symptoms
After posting this video, the comments overflowed with responses. “I feel so embarrassed about fainting in public; the idea of writing a note is so clever, thank you!” one user wrote. “I also have POTS and faint frequently. The most important thing is ensuring people don’t call an ambulance,” another added.
In high school, Drury encountered situations where teachers and students panicked while trying to handle her fainting because she had not yet been diagnosed and could not guide them on how to help. However, once she entered college and received her diagnosis, she learned how to advocate for herself.
Currently, Drury believes that maintaining calmness helps those around her stay composed. If she faints while with friends or her husband, they remain calm, which reduces the likelihood of others approaching her.
“When I wake up, my body feels very weak and I feel pretty awful after a fainting spell. I try to take my medication immediately, as well as drink electrolyte powders or tablets to help me recover. I also listen to my body to see if I need to stop and rest or if I can continue with my tasks,” she said.
Although there is no cure for POTS, Drury has managed to control her symptoms through treatment. She takes triamterene and electrolytes, which have significantly improved her condition. Additionally, she started strength training as advised by her doctor instead of doing cardio, which could trigger fainting spells.
Before receiving treatment or medication in high school, Drury experienced multiple fainting spells every day. Now, she only faints about once a week, marking a significant improvement.
“I have always been open about my condition throughout my life,” she shared. “I have had this illness since I was young. In elementary school, I was known as the girl who fainted often. I have always been aware of my condition and willing to answer any questions people have,” Drury said.
