Is there anything that helps with fatigue?

@spittendrigh, like @klf58, I'm glad to read that physical activity really helps you. And in your case, mind over matter was a key ingredient to driving your path forward.

However, it's important to note, that people who are managing post-exertional malaise (PEM) can experience a worsening of symptoms or illness after physical or cognitive exertion. This includes activities that they were previously able to tolerate well before Long COVID.

As always, one size does not fit all. That's why we share our experiences with each other.

@mclelland1958, you may find these articles written by Mayo Clinic to be helpful:
- The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Managing Chronic Fatigue Post-COVID https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/newsfeed-post/the-role-of-nutrition-and-supplements-in-managing-chronic-fatigue-post-covid/
- Post-COVID Recovery and Self-Care https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/tab/self-care/

@colleenyoung, Thank you for your comments and for these resources. As someone who's had long covid for almost 4 years now, I do get a little defensive when it's suggested that all I need to do is buck up and mind over matter.

I'm genuinely happy for people from whom forcing yourself to exercise helps push through and feel better. I ask that members be sensitive that this "pushing through" approach simply will not work for those of us with significant PEM, not because we are lazy and lack willpower, but because our bodies simply react differently. I hope we can all be supportive of one another, as we're already dealing with enough in having this condition. Before covid I was avid with cardio and free weights and now it's difficult to do my ADLs. I'm able to do some gentle yoga and some light walking, but that is the extent to which I have been able to build up and it's not because I lack determination, but it's because I listen to my body when I am overdoing it. Again, always happy to hear when someone gets relief from this terrible condition.

@buttongwinette, Mayo Clinic also recommends, when you start exercising post COVID, to start a gradual increase in exercise.

"If you have recovered from mild to moderate disease and have not required hospitalization, then start slowly with a week of low level stretching and strengthening. If this goes well, then try slow walking with gradual increase, or take longer rest periods if the symptoms worsen. Avoid high-intensity training or prolonged exercise initially.

If you are experiencing residual fatigue, sore throat, back ache, or fever, it is okay to exercise if you only exercise to about 60% of your maximum heart rate (so again no high-intensity exercise), until your symptoms have fully resolved for 2-3 weeks." Read more: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/newsfeed-post/exercise-post-covid/

@spittendrigh, you're right that moderate is hard to define and may be different for everyone, depending on severity of illness, age, fitness and activity level prior to getting COVID, presence of other chronic conditions etc.

I admire your commitment to doing what is right for you. Everyone has to listen to the signals their body gives them.

To klf58 —

Thank you for your deftly phrased reminder that each body requires its own particular approach, and that we must be respectful of those individual differences.

I have PEM, and must rein in my impulses to simply “get things done.” Otherwise, I’ll pay for my over-exertion later — perhaps even resetting my maximum exertion tolerance to a *Lower level* !

— friedrich

I doubt it. Forcing myself to do PHYSICAL work took overwhelming determination.

It starts with you telling your own mind and instincts to take a hike.

What if you had fatigue when a bear was charging? You would find a way. And then a reward.

Moderate is hard to define. The main thing is do it, even though your mind screams no.

Yes, it helps, though I have good days and bad days. For daily walks, I cannot get past 22 minutes, pre Coved I routinely exercised 45 to50 minutes per day; treadmill, or outdoor track, plus weights 3X a week. Now it's all a struggle, but weights seem to be close to pre-Coved. I am a young 78.

I am similar to you, 79 and an active, regular exerciser pre-covid. Have suffered with PEM since Dec. 2022, when I could barely walk 3 min. My doctor from the London Covid Clinic at NW in Chicago precribes Amantadine which helps some, taken once daily in morning. ( I can only take half dose b/c of side effects. ) I still struggle with PEM, especially since a reinfection this past May set me back. I want to encourage you and tell you, as frustrating as it is, you are doing well. I now can manage only a 6 minute walk. I’d give anything to do 20! I also try to get 20-minutes early morning sun, even if just thru a window, to help sleep better, if that also is an issue for you. Best wishes.