Any experience with Post-exertion Malaise (PEM) symptom of Long Covid?

Your comment about feeling "poisoned" is so interesting. I was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 1984 and had two bouts of Covid in one year followed by LC. Through it all, I have felt like I was poisoned. Other ME/CFS patients have reported this also.

I've had PEM for 2 years now, but it is slowly getting better. After a year of not enough exercise, I started with light weights, slow reps, and gradually worked up walks. I thought of getting a trainer at the rec center, but I started with lifting weights 35 years ago, so slow is good. I don't know if insurance companies cover PT for PEM strengthening.

Hi, I have this condition as well. I saw a long COVID Dr., last week and I will begin rehab to address this issue along with heavy leg syndrome. I will post how that goes in the next several weeks. It has been the most troublesome outcome for me. I developed neuropathy as a result of long COVID as well. I think it's interesting that I never lost my sense of taste or smell. It has been about nerves in my body and inflammation issues.

I have had long COVID for 3 years. PEM is the worst and it is a big symptom I have experienced. I wake up feeling poisoned and that is inflammation and PEM. I have taken Vyvanse (ADHD) medication for many years and it does help. I do not know how it helps, biologically, but when I wake up, I drink a full glass of water, mixed with Emergen-C, take my Vyvanse, Cymbalta (lowest dose 30 mg.) and Gabapentin. Within an hour or so of taking my medications and hydrating, I am able to do some things. The issue is that this is everyday. I know that if I do too much, I will pay for it the next day. I have to live in the day and do what I can and try and not think too much about tomorrow. That being said, it is always in the back of my mind. You would definitely want to make sure you have no heart issues if you are taking Vyvanse. I know that people also take Wellbutrin for ADHD, however I have no experience with it. I got so depressed and hopeless, that my psychiatrist suggested the Cymbalta. It is an SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). It has helped. Hang in there!

Hi, I have this condition as well. I saw a long COVID Dr., last week and I will begin rehab to address this issue along with heavy leg syndrome. I will post how that goes in the next several weeks. It has been the most troublesome outcome for me. I developed neuropathy as a result of long COVID as well. I think it's interesting that I never lost my sense of taste or smell. It has been about nerves in my body and inflammation issues.

I'm on 26 months now and the pem seems to have gotten worse complicated by benign tremors which I had but not a great deal and is now a lot more. I've tried PT for walking with a little success but for weight not so much and I was going to the gym for five times a week before the pandemic. Over at pem is one of the most common effects along with brain fog. So I really have no advice.

Ann...I also struggle with fatigue. Not daily but it comes and atkes me out for a couple of days. I also struggle with insomnia. The long COVID DR. prescribed 300mg. capsule of Gabapentin, one capsule a night and a compunded capsule of 1.5mg of Naltrexone. It's compounded because it's not yet approved ny the FDA. I took both for the first time last night and slept the best i have in several years. Now, I felt groggy this am and needed more sleep. Because it's Sundy, i did sleep in. I will take the same dosage tonight and if i continue to feel sleepy in the am hours, i will consult with the DR., over dosage. But it sure beats the sleepless nights.