Meet the member
by Melanie Bassett

Heather (Allsmiles)

Heather Leigh Thompson will now be taking over the responsibilities of writing DINET's newsletter. Thank you Heather!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heather's user name on the forum is Allsmiles. It is a motto that she tries to live up to each and every day. No matter the circumstances, she believes that if she smiles it changes her attitude. In turn, she hopes it helps others have a better day. Her goal is to have a smile on her face "no matter what."

Heather's nickname is Tigger because she tends to skip wherever she goes. She is 22 years old and has a diagnosis of POTS. Ironically her father, Randy Thompson, is a physician in Pensacola, FL who also has POTS. Heather is doubly blessed by having a mother who is a registered nurse.

Heather has a younger sister who is 18 years old and attends Auburn University. The family is complete with three dogs: Bebop (a German shepherd) Belle (a black lab) and Colby (a Welsh Corgi). But, we cannot forget the seven cats: Kris, Soda Pop, Leo, Lil'Jack, Aubie, Bama and Patches. Perhaps Heather doesn't have POTS at all but instead severe pet allergies. ;)

Heather’s symptoms began in 2003 when she was a senior in high school, following an illness with mononucleosis. After having mono, it seemed like she could never get enough energy or enough sleep. She began working as a cashier at a grocery store, and that was the first time she blacked out. In the beginning she thought it was just a one time thing. However, anytime she was on her feet for any length of time, she would develop pre-syncope or syncope. Her father found this all too familiar. He was put on disability due to the fact that he could no longer work a full day without passing out. The doctors suspected he had inner ear problem that were causing his syncope. He had surgery for his Meniers. After surgery he received a call from a physician friend whose wife was having the same problems. He suggested Randy make an appointment with a physician at UAB who had diagnosed his wife with dysautonomia. Heather's father made the appointment and was diagnosed with severe POTS about three years before Heather began showing symptoms. After her dad ordered a tilt table test, Heather was also diagnosed. She feels very blessed to have her father to lean on when times are rough.

Heather's works as a senior application support analyst for Med3000, which is a company that supports clients all over America in physician billing, etc. Heather's alma mater, Auburn University, is the same University her sister attends. She plans to study and do whatever it takes to secure a lifestyle involving computers, animals, and photography. (Perhaps a cyber-safari tour guide?)

When asked about her favorite childhood memory, Heather says her grandfather "Pop" comes to mind. He was the friendliest and most kindhearted person she has ever known, and it is he who she strives to be like every day. Heather also finds inspiration in God on a daily basis. Whenever she feels she knows it all, He corrects her folly. She is constantly amazed by the blessings He showers upon her. Faith keeps her going through the good and bad, because it's the one thing that stands the test of time.

Heather, always the people person, would love for you to contact her with any questions or just to chat. She believes that everyday is a new day.

*From feedback we have received, the Meet The Member column seems to be enjoyed by our members. If you are interested in sharing your story, please email melaniebassett44@hotmail.com. She will send you a questionnaire to complete for an upcoming newsletters. Our goal is to publish four member profiles per newsletter.
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Dysautonomia News is a quarterly publication of the Dysautonomia Information Network.
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