How are you coping if you have long term brain fog from covid?

The long-term brain fog now comes and goes. I rely on lists for almost everything, lists and sticky notes. Rest, copious rest is about the only thing that I can do to alleviate it. Fortunately, I'm retired, but this is now how I had planned to spend my retirement.

I have to use my lists and reminders in my phone much more frequently. One of my doctors who had quite a severe case of Long COVID told me she had to practice “radical rest” and be very aware of pacing. She took a leave of absence for a while (though not really ideal for all of us).

The Long COVID clinic where I was seen referred me to what they called “cognitive therapy,” which is done through speech therapy. I haven’t started yet, but will have the evaluation in a few weeks. I’m trying to be hopeful.

Hello,
It will be 3 years this Aug for me. Had no breathing issues, just neurological issues. And yes, takes me forever to deal with work emails. Have to reread and proof read all my replies. I have a crazy symptom that started a week into COVID, I see light bulb like shapes only in my peripheral vision. They travel by in different directions. If standing next to a walk, I see these shapes traveling across the wall. Also in bed trying to sleep, with eyes open or closed. Crazy shit.
Good luck with your situation.

Yes, brain fog is the worst. The more exhausted I am, the less my brain works. I say it just turns off when I am fatigued. Rest is the only help for me. And not letting myself crash. Just doing as little as possible with my brain and body. This is no way to live but it is better than the alternative.

Brain fog has been the one [of countless] long covid symptoms that has remained the most persistent, prevelent and dibilitating since [overnight, hit-by-a-mack-truck] symptom onset 9/11/2020. 4 years this September.

Having been a career bookkeeper, besides making multiple costly errors in the books of our personal business, I have been reduced to someone who can no longer do any mental math - for example, being unable to answer one of YouTubeKids’ app’s parental control questions just a couple weeks ago, “What is 9x7”. I did, however, wake up the next morning thinking of a plan how to solve the equation without paper or calculator. So, not impossible 😛 I cannot have adult conversation because I am incessantly ‘searching for the right words’, or names, or titles, or … that constantly elude me. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to read through an article. If the article is longer than ~10 paragraphs, I find my mind reading it as, “blah, blah, blah”. Reading a novel can take me months. I charge into rooms with intention just to stand there wondering why I’m there, having forgotten what I was doing. I’m advised to ‘write things down’. Very difficult to do when the thought, task, or appointment/event I needed to write down is gone before I can ever find paper and pen, electronic device, or calendar. I could go on, but I’m sure most of you here know the drill. And like I said, this is only one of multiple symptoms…

I have been to a plethora of doctors, some kind and sympathetic - others condescending, and had the gamut of tests done just to be told, “Everything looks normal.” I have been fortunate to have a local COVID Recovery Cliinic. They are trying. Although I have been avoiding because of cost, I am having my first brain MRI June 10. I am also scheduled for five weeks of Speech Therapy.

I love God and am comforted by hope and faith that has come in knowing God. This whole experience has drawn me closer to the Lord and I know I am being faithfully kept and carried in loving Hands. “Who am I that you are mindful of me or the [children] of [hu]man[ity] that you care for us?” Not sure I can answer that, but I know without doubt our Lord is and does. So I lean not on my understanding, but God’s. That is good enough for me. I pray for us all who are suffering that we may find contentment and peace in all of life’s circumstances and true healing of heart, soul, mind, and body that comes only from God by grace through his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Got to say I am with you with the conversation thing. I know what I want to say, then I start to talk, and the words don't come out, or the wrong words do. Quit embarrassing!
About 3 years in, and many tests, Brain MRI, and all good.
Good luck with yours.

What is current re: Long Covid remedies? What have you heard about caffeine Not recommended for Long Covid Fog & Fatigue but, wearing nicotin patches has had promising results. Comments ?

I was sent to a speech pathologist to help me form thoughts, speak clearly, and organize my mental processing.

I met with my Covid neurologist this week. He said he’s returning to focusing more on Alzheimer’s patients. He had me on amantadine the last couples of years and said there’s no reason to change it and there’s nothing more science can do. No follow up needed.

He said the most effective thing he’s seen is speech pathology.

Thanks for sharing that. I also have an order for speech therapy, to begin in a few weeks. I’m hopeful because more active therapy like that tends to help me.

How has your experience with amantadine been? My doctor also offered it to me as a prescription but I decided to hold off for now becsuse I’m very sensitive to medication.

My mind is the same way and just keeps getting worse. I introduced myself to a salesman twice and had no clue I just had like a min ago. It’s embarrassing and nobody understands