Extreme Fatigue

Posted by catherinej @catherinej, Jul 21 11:36am

I have had long COVID for 3+ years, this last week I was generally active 4 days ( household, shopping, social, mild exercise). Wednesday evening slept at 3:30 in the afternoon for 12 hours; by Friday I contracted a head cold/congestion going around.
Fatigue hit sooo strong...I basically crashed until this morning, Sunday @ 6 a.m. Additionally, during this crash I experienced my weird COVID dreams ( it feels almost like a continuation of past COVID bad dreams ).
Anyone else experience something like this???? I feel so Rip Van Winkle because I thought today was Saturday evening not Sunday morning. Also, how do I recover and come and connect to reality while STILL SOOO FATIGUED???
I had a cup of coffee, I am hydrating with a lot of water, taking vitamin C, blasting some good music...
I am struggling with this and it seems like it is consuming me.😕

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

Sounds like post-exertional malaise crashes that I have. I terrified of them because it takes me about 2 months to recover my “normal” level of stamina after they occur. I can only schedule 1-2 activities a day, lots of couch time, very limited mild exercise and no periods of high emotion like excitement. The excitement will make me crash as fast as too much physical activity, so I only drink about one cup of coffee a month. Physical illness is a body stressor also, so I have to double up on couch time if physically ill. Best wishes !

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Yes, thank you...we all have to endure this and hang in there ❤️

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@margaretamada

Sounds like post-exertional malaise crashes that I have. I terrified of them because it takes me about 2 months to recover my “normal” level of stamina after they occur. I can only schedule 1-2 activities a day, lots of couch time, very limited mild exercise and no periods of high emotion like excitement. The excitement will make me crash as fast as too much physical activity, so I only drink about one cup of coffee a month. Physical illness is a body stressor also, so I have to double up on couch time if physically ill. Best wishes !

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You just described how I have felt since my third round of Covid. Any amount of stress on my body just sets me back. I have developed several autoimmune diseases now and often cannot tell if medications are affecting me, or if I pushed too hard physically or if I am having a flare. Even being around other people who are upset or angry or super excited will bring on chest tightness and then it results in that fatigue. I’m super cautious to avoid contracting any infections by avoiding crowds , gatherings and I wear a mask when at the store or doctors office,. This is all very isolating as we are avoiding so much normal life just to stay functional. So I start the day making a gratitude list , inspirational readings, prayers and meditation. It doesn’t “cure” me, but it helps my attitude and keeps me from despair.

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I first contracted Covid A in March 2020. Since then dealing with Tinnitus, Loss of Taste, intermittent High BP, and Chronic Fatigue. Last two months now have swelling in legs/ankles. Have had many blood tests run, EKG's, Sonograms, hearing checked. Nothing has given relief with any of the symptoms.

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I'm 78 and haven't had Covid but I often have fatigue. When that happens I eat a good quality steak or beef roast for iron and protein. Beans will also give you iron and protein. I also take extra iron tablets daily. This really helps! The fatigue goes away. Since you do have Covid your body is probably getting exhausted from fighting it. Your body needs some help besides rest.
PML

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Thank you,
I am a vegan and have a protein shake in the a.m. and I eat beans etc.
Additionally, my doctor gave me iron however it constipates me bad. I think I will start taking again ( I take it with vitamin C).
Thank you again,
Catherine

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Fatigue is often discussed in the long COVID group.
See all discussions related to fatigue and post-COVID recovery using the group search: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/?search=fatigue&index=discussions
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@nativejax2020

I first contracted Covid A in March 2020. Since then dealing with Tinnitus, Loss of Taste, intermittent High BP, and Chronic Fatigue. Last two months now have swelling in legs/ankles. Have had many blood tests run, EKG's, Sonograms, hearing checked. Nothing has given relief with any of the symptoms.

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I have Tinnitus as well. I read an article today that says eliminating wheat and gluten will help relieve symptoms.

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@nativejax2020

I first contracted Covid A in March 2020. Since then dealing with Tinnitus, Loss of Taste, intermittent High BP, and Chronic Fatigue. Last two months now have swelling in legs/ankles. Have had many blood tests run, EKG's, Sonograms, hearing checked. Nothing has given relief with any of the symptoms.

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Please check for cardiac side effects and cardiac disease from the COVID. After several months, cardiac function can be significantly reduced - which can also lead to the chronic fatigue. Good luck.

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@margaretamada

Sounds like post-exertional malaise crashes that I have. I terrified of them because it takes me about 2 months to recover my “normal” level of stamina after they occur. I can only schedule 1-2 activities a day, lots of couch time, very limited mild exercise and no periods of high emotion like excitement. The excitement will make me crash as fast as too much physical activity, so I only drink about one cup of coffee a month. Physical illness is a body stressor also, so I have to double up on couch time if physically ill. Best wishes !

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I feel the same way I want my life back. I have trouble just maintaining my home and am afraid to schedule any kind of vacation or trip or commit to things because I don't know how i will feel. I dont know what to do anymore. My latest symptom is spontaneous profuse sweating followed by chills. I can't even walk my dogs. I have had to sell my horses. There are times when just taking a shower is exhausting and I have to lay down.

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