05/22/2026
Astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance too!!
Upon reentry to earth, after days-months in zero gravity, astronauts bodies are suddenly forced to figure out how to function again under gravity.
YES! Very similar to the orthostatic intolerance that many people who struggle with chronic illnesses like, POTS, post viral diseases, ME/CFS, TBI, etc.!
Christina Koch may be able to brush it off saying, its’s “not a big deal”, because it’s usually temporary for astronauts. She said after about 2 weeks she feels back to normal.
Unfortunately, this is NOT the same for those of us struggling with autonomic dysfunction. Your nervous system is over/under reacting to everything you do, sending incorrect signals to your body parts. That’s why you can’t always stand up without passing out, or you get a hot flash just because you exerted a little energy, your HR suddenly bounces all over the place, or you just feel in constant fight or flight mode.
She describes it really well for someone who has mild orthostatic intolerance. Unfortunately, so many people have severe, debilitating autonomic dysfunction leaving them bed bound!
I just think it’s cool that even people with chronic illness can relate to astronauts like Christina! Idk about all of you, but my wife and I have been so awe struck by her!
