I have had long COVID 5 years now and somehow that mark has made me start looking at this more as a permanent condition and easing into being more accepting. It stinks being in my 30s and feeling like I am missing out on so much of life; some travels, social events, being able to work like a normal human, and feeling tired every damn day.

I am on the higher functioning end; I've maintained full time employment (though by taking lots of sick time, so really not technically all the way full time), I have traveled a few times at home and abroad since COVID (screw the consequences - I crash afterwards every time), get out for hikes (even though it worsens my fatigue, especially if I have to drive there and back myself - it restores my mind though and helps me sleep), etc. But I feel like I am burnt out. I've been treading water for five years and now I just want to let go and sink under the water. But don't know how to do that, as most of us don't know how to get by without working and someone to take care of you much of the time, which is what many of us need!

My semi- acceptance has me looking into more solutions - hiring friends to do on-demand cleaning/home care, possibly getting a roommate to not have to care for a household all by myself, cutting work hours, and hopefully going on 1 month medical leave which I have never done this whole time just to catch my breathe before I start treading life's waters again. And also, I pace myself with trying new long-COVID solutions - as we know, very few of them actually work so all the dr visits, specialists, supplements, etc just end up being a waste of time, energy and money.

I appreciate this support group as well; thank you for all your thoughts and ideas and encouragement!