@celia16 Interesting that you talked about the saline spray because I was thinking that too but when I stopped it for a while, it didn't help. I tried eliminating Splenda, Spicy Foods, etc. etc. but nothing seems to have worked except the Cymbalta.
Yes, it sounds like you have some kind of autoimmune issue. At first they diagnosed my as having Sjogren's by my symptoms even though the blood work was negative, but now it is finally coming back positive because they did a much more detailed test. It is almost a relief to see it in writing on my lab report because I knew I had all the symptoms.
I also have a lot of skin issues also and my hands were a mess this winter with the cold weather. The dermatologist thinks it's Raynaud's that is messing up the circulation. Of course it's better now that it's warm. I'm sorry to hear you have so many other issues besides the taste (which is better). My hair is thin in areas and I'm using Minoxidil but not sure it really works. Yes, post covid sydrome is very real!!
Anyway, I'm doing a boot camp (senior level) every week and trying to stay as healthy as I can. Looks like you are doing that too!!! Good luck to both of us!!!