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JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?
@diverdown1: I got COVID in January and March of 2022. I was sick, but the virus seemed to last about a week both times. I woke up on a Saturday morning in June of 2022 and was very sick. It felt as if I had been poisoned. I thought maybe I had COVID or the flu but I have never experienced the way I felt that morning. I went to see my doctor and the labs were run. I did not have COVID or the flu, but my anti-nuclear antigen titer was flagged and showed that the Epstein Barr virus was reactivated. I was referred to a rheumatologist for more blood work. She tested me for almost all autoimmune disorders; rheumatoid arthritis (which she thought I had), HIV, Sjogren's, Grave’s disease, Lyme disease, lupus. None were positive.
I told her I thought it was long COVID, having done my own research. In 2022, this was so new that most doctors knew nothing about it. This virus runs through the body and mimics other autoimmune diseases. I wake up most days with fatigue and, depending on my activities the day before, I have post-exertion malaise. I have terrible brain fog and need to write everything down.
I started graduate school in 2021 for a Master of Social Work, an online program at the University of Tennessee. They have been wonderful working with me to accommodate my health issues.
I am also a recovering alcoholic of 7 years. I have battled addiction from the age of 14. I found my partner of 28 years dead in our house in December of 2023. He died from alcoholism. So, I have experienced a lot of trauma and grief in the last several years not only from long COVID but other life experiences. I will say that long COVID has turned my life upside down. I found that connecting with others on Mayo Clinic Connect helped me feel less isolated and to understand a lot of the issues I am facing.
JOHN: What motivates you to take part in the community?
@diverdown1: I feel like members help me and I also hope to help others in the community. Connection is crucial in life and the feeling of being connected is a wonderful thing.
JOHN: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@diverdown1: I can remain anonymous if I want and I can ask questions, answer questions, and just take part. Most of the people sharing are making themselves vulnerable, it feels good to help and to connect. Even though the connection is virtual, when people are unable to get out and socialize, reading and commenting on others’ situations helps me and hopefully the other people in the groups.
JOHN: What support groups do you participate in?
@diverdown1: I participate in the Autoimmune Diseases, Depression and Anxiety, Just want to Talk, Post COVID Recovery & COVID-19, Mental Health and Addiction & Recovery groups.
JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.
@diverdown1: As a recovering alcoholic and addict, I post in that group quite a bit as I have experienced both sides of addiction. I am recovering, went to rehab the first time at age 14, 19, and 30, and then finally got sober December 16, 2017. I lost my partner to this disease, and I know what it feels like to be powerless watching someone you love continue to slowly commit suicide by drinking or using drugs. I relate to a lot of the people in that group. I also like to try and provide hope for all of us and remind myself and others the importance of staying in the present moment. Fear of tomorrow is something that I encounter, and I remind myself that I do not have any idea what tomorrow will bring. People’s replies to some of my comments have been meaningful, empathetic, and kind. That feels hopeful.
JOHN: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?
@diverdown1: I was surprised that Mayo Clinic Connect even existed, especially giving a space to talk with other people with long COVID as the condition was and is so isolating. There are people that do not believe it is even real. There are so many people in that group that are experiencing the same things, not just physically, but emotionally as well.
JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@diverdown1: I love my dogs, and I have a cat. I love watching the birds come in the morning to the feeder. My graduate studies are also energizing as I know that social work is a field that can help people in many types of situations. I believe I am here for a reason.
JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@diverdown1: My favorite activities include being outside. I am a scuba diver and that is my passion, however with long COVID, I would need to get a doctor’s approval now. I was an assistant instructor and dive master and wanted to make a living doing scuba at one point in my life. My last relapse destroyed that, at least at the time. I love the ocean and camping. I also want to change the way people with substance use disorder and mental health issues are put away in jail instead of being treated for these disorders. I watch a lot of real crime stories and I want to advocate for those folks that need help and not be put in jail.
JOHN: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@diverdown1: I love the ocean and go to Cocoa Beach every year for a week. I want to eventually move to that area or somewhere near the ocean. My dream would be to live in Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
JOHN: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free;
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate. ~Chuang Tsu
JOHN: Puppies or kittens?
@diverdown1: I love animals. I used to rescue and foster many dogs until they found a home. Animals can provide unconditional love whereas human beings may not have that capability.
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Mayo Clinic Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
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@becsbuddy I forgot one thing with Poppy. At all of 15 pounds, Poppy lived on the streets of Houston. How he survived in one piece is a miracle!
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4 Reactions@scottij I’d delete my comment if I could! The system doesn't seem to let me which is a surprise. I feel chastised but that’s my problem not yours!!
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2 Reactions@isadora2021
I am confused.....
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3 Reactions@scottij I didn’t ask what diverdown needed 🥹
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2 ReactionsAh…..
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2 Reactions@diverdown1
Your dogs are beautiful! I know how healing animals are. Enjoying nature and having gratitude are important parts of my healing. Plus my dog, Tara. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you can go diving again soon, and that you feel much better.
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6 ReactionsI recently had to start fostering several fur babies. Due to some cruel uncaring person or persons dropping off 2 full grown cats, 1 was very pregnant when they both arrived and had 4 beautiful babies 2 weeks later okay. I love animals all kinds i gotta say I hadn't owned many cats mainly doggies. We do however have 2 fur doggies for yrs now they are seniors 14 years old. 4 years ago we acquired 2 Cats one was young
maybe 4 to 5 months at time. The cats came wandering in separately 1st was Young female cateenager:) 5 months later here comes a female older cat vet guessed at 10 years of age 10-12 yrs. They both meaning our Kitty's have same colors in their fur both are a pretty black and white older one is bigger chubby lol than younger teenager kitty . We got each one to the vet had said female spayed , shots ect and only male pet we own is our Yorkie he got nurtured our female mini pin got spayed and
shots ect. Why can't ppl be responsible take care of their pets have spayed and nutured ect? Apparently it's easier to keep dumping them somewhere else as if it's not their problem. We literally both my husband and I are on fixed incomes most months we have to follow a tight budget . That budget has always included what our pets needs are for the month, food, litter , vitamins, treats, occasionally new toys, clothes ect same for all 4 of our fur babies . They have champagne taste on beer budget lol they all 4 kind of demand nicely Blue 🐃 buffalo wet and dry grain free or Purina One for sensitive stomaches also grain free wet and dry food both doggies and our cats plus our foster cats kittens eat same food Meant all cats eat same as ours And the kittens get kitten food wet canned same brands at moment they are 5 weeks last 4 babies are. They need kitten food for nutritional benefits and growth ect. On fixed income the past Almost 6 months we are currently feeding our 2 senior doggies 2 times a day ( as always have since they turned adults) 2 adult cats the black and white ones 2 times a day as Always total of 13 animals including our 4 ( from 4 to bam 13)pets babies eat 4 to 6 times a day all adults 2 times per day and the 4
teenager kittys 3 times a day sometimes 4 plus they all get snacks ,treats and plenty of fresh clean water. We built shelters meaning a warm sleeping areas with straw ect to keep warm paid for all supplies ect . People need to be responsible take care of animals do not drop them off that's so cruel they looked scared we're skiddish as if maybe had been some abuse from previous owners they never asked to be born they are innocent animals depend on us kind humans to throw them a bone jk occasionally 😉 they can't purchase what they need plus we give love hugs patiently get them to trust us as they do. All places I contacted tell me they can take a few dogs maybe but are over full on cats apparently ppl could careless they don't get them fixed so no babies being born constantly . Cats I discovered can get pregnant young!!! Wow 5 to 6 months could be preggers when they are a baby themselves . We are trying hard to find good ones we have one of our babies that is 5 weeks old now spoken for not until I know they are weaned at least 8 weeks or more... It's rough on us financially and physically but our babies know we won't stop till they get loving forever
homes. I am overwhelmed just getting through each day as we should taking care of fur babies is high on priority list. If we could we would get the others we acquired drop offs ect all fixed spayed or nutured whichever was needed there is no way we can afford that we wish . so the vicious struggle continues for now . Sorry to be so so long it upsets me greatly I am passionate about animals. Today is my 1st day posting,commenting on here i hope I have not
done horrible . Have a great day and people spayed and or nuture your pets always. From Campbellsville kentucky I am out.
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5 Reactions@becsbuddy Rescue dogs and cats are the best. They are so grateful and I believe that when we find one and it grabs our heart, it is synchronicity!!!
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3 Reactions@theresajrs Thank you for helping the animals. WOW...you had four human babies. That is amazing and congratulations. Are you affiliated with any kind of rescue when it comes to the four pawed babies? If you need resources for the animals, let me know. I used to work for rescues and I might be able to help. Thank you for posting!!
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3 Reactions@scottij Thank you and I am amazed at your courage. Heart transplant. That is an intense event. What is the status of that?
Ginny
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4 Reactions