Long Covid Fatigue - Exhausting Physically and Mentally

Posted by julesmango @julesmango, Feb 19, 2022

It’s been 14mo. Dealing with Fatigue and migraines. Daily naps help but looking for an explanation on what is going on in my body. Up til now all the Dr. Said it was too early to tell. Today I read The NY Times article’ How Long Covid Exhausts the Body’ by Josh Keller (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/02/19/science/long-covid-causes.html) and for the first time got some explanations on what maybe causing this. Although it is only the beginning of understanding what this virus is capable of, at least it is a start. Very insightful!! Worth reading.

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

I am 87 years old and into my 3rd year of long COVID.
During this time I have had brief periods of total clarity where I am able to function normally. Currently I am in one of those now. I have begun to take a dietary supplement called Ultimate Spike Detox by the Wellness co. . This is my 3rd week of clarity after beginning the supplement. It seems that as long as I limit my physical activity to below 87 year olds stress levels I am ok.
Yesterday I participated in a competition that had me fatigued to exhaustion. Today every joint in my body is screaming to lay down and rest.
I'm currently Fighting an infection in my leg that's causing pain. My primary doctor prescribed Tylenol and tramadol to ease the pain. My fear is the return of Long COVID when I stop taking these drugs

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Profile picture for samiam1949 @samiam1949

My long covid started with the onset of my covid, January 2022. That year, I had pneumonia 4 times, the flu twice(despite flu shots), immune system was shot. Oxygen levels were extremely low. Fatigue, especially as the day went on ,was exhausting and couldn't exercise more than 10 minutes. I was living outside Denver and had to move to lower altitude.
I need my oxygen now only when sick(and when I visit my grandchildren in Denver. ) I have asthma now and ongoing lung infections. Had lung surgery last year for lung cancer. I hardly ever talk about my long covid now. Do everything in the morning when I am stronger, including chair yoga and have rebuilt muscles as I became weak . Resting in the afternoon is important. Evenings are hard.
I have wonderful Drs at Mayo and a helpful and understanding husband which are lifesavers. Feels good to talk about it. Thanks for listening.

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@samiam1949
Yes, it's always nice to have someone to talk to. More importantly someone who will listen AND understand. Especially when those include your medical staff!

I'm sorry to hear of your many difficult challenges. I pray your cancer responded well to treatment.

I don't use oxygen, but am short of breath all day. And then I get up out of my recliner, and then everything escalates. But I refuse to stop doing the important things. My two granddaughters, 3yo and 6yo, are 70 miles away but I make the drive as often as I can. The youngest was diagnosed as a newborn with a very rare [untreatable] form of Cystic Fibrosis. They've made tremendous strides in treatment and we carry much hope they will continue and find a successful treatment for my granddaughter.

I don't know where I'd be if my husband weren't so understanding and supportive. I continue to count my blessings.

Best to you.

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Profile picture for jrg200911 @jrg200911

@samiam1949
Yes, it's always nice to have someone to talk to. More importantly someone who will listen AND understand. Especially when those include your medical staff!

I'm sorry to hear of your many difficult challenges. I pray your cancer responded well to treatment.

I don't use oxygen, but am short of breath all day. And then I get up out of my recliner, and then everything escalates. But I refuse to stop doing the important things. My two granddaughters, 3yo and 6yo, are 70 miles away but I make the drive as often as I can. The youngest was diagnosed as a newborn with a very rare [untreatable] form of Cystic Fibrosis. They've made tremendous strides in treatment and we carry much hope they will continue and find a successful treatment for my granddaughter.

I don't know where I'd be if my husband weren't so understanding and supportive. I continue to count my blessings.

Best to you.

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@jrg200911 really nice to hear from you .It feels wonderful to not feel alone. I highly recommend getting a POC(portable oxygen concentrator) to help with your shortness of breath. I used to need it 24/7 but now I use it only when I am sick or visiting my grandchildren in Denver where the altitude is over 5000 feet. It makes all the difference in the world. It's easy to use,a little expensive up front but just keeps on working. I can use it as a packback or carry it. It will change your world!
I am sending you prayers. I also continue to count my blessings!
Holly

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Profile picture for samiam1949 @samiam1949

@jrg200911 really nice to hear from you .It feels wonderful to not feel alone. I highly recommend getting a POC(portable oxygen concentrator) to help with your shortness of breath. I used to need it 24/7 but now I use it only when I am sick or visiting my grandchildren in Denver where the altitude is over 5000 feet. It makes all the difference in the world. It's easy to use,a little expensive up front but just keeps on working. I can use it as a packback or carry it. It will change your world!
I am sending you prayers. I also continue to count my blessings!
Holly

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May I ask if you need a prescription for portable oxygen container and would you be willing to share approximate cost? thanks. Glad it helps you. I stay SOB and it is difficult to work (can't quit or retire early due to finances) and do ADLs.

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