Labwork: What blood tests measure the symptoms of long COVID?

mclelland1958, I honestly don't know of any. I went to the COVID Recovery Clinic in my area for a 2 hour visit and gave all my symptoms and most recent bloodwork and they diagnosed me there. I will say, my bloodwork went crazy after COVID. 3 months later and it was within normal range for the most part.

I found an Integrative Medicine Doctor that treats Long COVID. I am so sensitive to things that I couldn't tolerate the infusions or the Glutathiane and I quit going. I am still taking a lot of vitamins for Long COVID.

My primary doctor told me that COVID had done a number on my lungs as far as chronic asthma, bronchitis and having recurrent pneumonia goes. I then was referred to a Pulmonologist for a PFT test. I was on a nebulizer all of last summer practically due to asthmatic bronchitis & pneumonia. I had never had pneumonia in my life until COVID. My C-reactive protein is still elevated since COVID which points to inflammation that no one has been able to diagnose. I believe in some people, COVID ramps up a lot of pre-existing issues and your immune system goes into overdrive.

I am still not back 100%. I still battle fatigue (it has finally improved as I am not napping as much), and increased joint pain. The acid reflux has also gotten much better. It took a while to see improvement. I still do not have my sense of taste back for coffee.

I am praying for you. Blessings....

Thank you for responding.

I am currently experiencing fatigue,brain fog, dizzy, and irritable bowel that resurfaced after it went away 2 years ago.
MyC-Reactive Protein is>1 and my reference interval is 0-10.
Antinuclear AbMultiplex Rfx9 is Negative. Sedimentation Rate-Westergren is 7 (reference range 0-40. Ferritin 82 (Ferference 15-150) .

I don’t expect to hear from my primary doctor. I am new to long covid but the numbers look like there is no inflammation. But I know I don’t feel Normal.
Can anyone comment? Are there any other tests( cortisol?) that help explain my symptoms? I am grateful for having support. I don’t think I could experience this alone.

mclelland1958, I have a lot of the same symptoms you describe except for being dizzy.
All of them worsened for me after COVID.

High cortisol levels can cause fatigue & gut issues. I recommend that you get yours checked. Steroids and stress can increase your cortisol level.

I have not been back to "normal" since having COVID and I have had to accept my "new normal". I will say it is better than it was a few months ago and for that I am grateful.

I know it's frustrating. There are many on here battling Long COVID and they may be able to give you some insight into what has worked for them. Prayers & Hugs....

Does having a cortisol test benefit as providing information on the possibility of long covid?

mclelland1958, I am not sure about that. Is there a COVID Recovery Clinic in your area?

I have my primary doctor’s referral to University of Florida’s long covid clinic.
They say that I can probably get in August. That is 4 hours away from my home.

mclelland1958, Go. I know that's a long drive. Is there someone who can go with you? Two sets of ears are always better than one set. It will be a lot to take in. I am praying for you and that they will be able to help you. Don't give up hope. Blessings, Hugs & Prayers....

Unfortunately there is no test to diagnose long covid. Testing helps diagnose long covid by eliminating other possibilities. Basically, they will test for everything and if they all come back negative, then you probably have long covid. There is promising research into developing a long covid test, but (as far as I know) there is nothing yet available. Sorry 🙁

I’m participating in the national clinical trial for people with Long Covid called RECOVER-VITAL I visit the study site every 15-30 days. Many vials of blood are drawn. Later, my Electronic Medical Record shows the results of all the tests. Most I’ve never seen before. I believe the researchers are looking for possible connections between specific test results and my particular symptoms — mostly fatigue, or Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). So, currently those connections aren’t established.

I encourage folks to join this clinical trial — look for it by name online.

Thank you for that information. I’ve been told by my PCP that I have long covid and my symptoms are no taste or smell since December of 2022. I’ve been getting and have had 4 Stellate Ganglion Block Injections to regain those senses and so far it’s only slightly slightly helped. After the injection, most often the next day, I might be able to smell my coffee grounds in the morning, but after about 4 weeks, it diminishes again. It’s very frustrating and at this point, I’m beginning to think it’s not from Long Covid…