Post-COVID Syndrome is real

Posted by nant @nant, Jul 26, 2021

I had covid mid April and have had many PCS symptoms. I seem to be educating my doctors and therapists. Sometimes it feels like they think I am faking and the next time they tell me they have heard the same thing from others. I am doing everything from aqua therapy, speech therapy for the "fog" and still exhausted, headaches, fog and not sleeping well ect. I have used my short term disability at work and working thru my PTO time. I am more than frustrated. Any encouragement?

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

cduncan123 | @cduncan123 | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "Are you seeing a physician for your symptoms? I seem to remember you had quite a..." + (show)

Yes but nothing is helping much?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @cduncan123 "Yes but nothing is helping much?" + (show)

Have you looked into a post-Covid program or clinic near you (https://www.survivorcorps.com/pccc) or at Mayo? (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/)
My daughter had her intake and first video appointments through her health care system, and sees them in person in September. She still has symptoms from her infection in March 2020, but there were no resources here until May.
Sue

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @nant "Avoiding stress is a full time job. I am supposed to go back to work Monday,..." + (show)

Have you considered asking your employer for an accommodation, or do you have access to long-term disability?
My daughter was covered in early days by FMLA, and then was assigned a suitable (seated and remote) job for the past 14 months. She has just begun to look at transferring back to an active nursing position, but not in the crazy busy metro ER - something more routine.
Sue

maryglend | @maryglend | Aug 24, 2021

I had my Moderna shots in March/April. I had the normal side effects initially that went away. At the beginning of June I suddenly had an episode of intense dizziness, feeling like I was in a dream, rapid heart beat and headache. The dizziness has not gone away - some days worse than others but I cannot drive, feel like I'm in a constant state of "unreality", have headaches and have brain fog. I went to Urgent Care and the ER and their tests show nothing wrong. My GP had me have a blood test which showed nothing wrong. He sent me to a cardiologist where I had a EKG (normal). I wore a heart monitor for three days but it was normal. I then went to a ENT who tested for inner ear problems and Menieres Disease - tests came back normal. I am scheduled to go in for an MRI. The feeling of dizziness is debilitating and the brain fog is affecting my work. I am surprised I have not been fired. My doctor has been reluctant to give me any medication during the time I was having the tests. My anxiety is through the roof. Does anyone else have these symptoms and what have you done about it?Has anyone found medication that can help? There are times when I feel I cannot continue living this way - going from doctor to doctor and no one being able to help me. I cannot imagine my life this way and really need help.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @maryglend "I had my Moderna shots in March/April. I had the normal side effects initially that went..." + (show)

@maryglend and @bluff, this discussion is talking about recovering from COVID infection, not reactions to the vaccine. I applaud you for getting the vaccine. Have you also had COVID infection?

If you would like to discuss more about the vaccine, see this discussion:
- Long Term Effects of COVID Vaccinations https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/long-term-effects-of-covid-vaccinations/

And this Vaccine Guide from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 24, 2021

@nataliem @jennifergillan03, you asked about resources and research regarding post-COVID recovery being done at Mayo Clinic. Here's an overview:
- Post-COVID Conditions https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/post-covid-19-conditions

I also encourage you to follow the Post-COVID Recovery blog https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/tab/newsfeed/
The expert team at Mayo Clinic shares latest developments, research trials, resources, and information about the coronavirus, long-term effects, and recovery.
They also update this research page as new evidence and research studies become available.
- Post COVID-19 Research https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/tab/research/

What questions would like to Mayo experts to address in upcoming blog posts?

maryglend | @maryglend | Aug 24, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "@maryglend and @bluff, this discussion is talking about recovering from COVID infection, not reactions to the..." + (show)

Thanks I will go to the sites you recommend. I dont know if I had COVID or not - if I did it was very mild and I did not get tested. I definitely got the two Moderna shots so will follow up on that. Thanks

roselee403 | @roselee403 | Aug 25, 2021

In reply to @sueinmn "I am sorry to hear of your experience, but you should actually be encouraged by it..." + (show)

Removed.

Editor's Note:
This comment was removed according to the Community Guidelines. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

nataliem | @nataliem | Aug 25, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "@nataliem @jennifergillan03, you asked about resources and research regarding post-COVID recovery being done at Mayo Clinic...." + (show)

Speaking for myself, and probably many others, the debilitating fatigue is the most devastating condition. The fatigue is why I lost my job. I experience "crashes" when I just can't function at all - it feels like if I don't lay down and close my eyes immediately I will (at best) pass out, or (at worst) die. Is there anything at all that can alleviate these episodes?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 25, 2021

Have you considered trying to locate a Covid Rehab program near you?
Here is a link to the program at Mayo: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-qa-podcast-covid-19-activity-rehabilitation-program
Here is a link to the Survivor Corps page where you may be able to locate a program near you: https://www.survivorcorps.com/pccc
I know how miserable it is to feel crushing fatigue from an illness, but taking one tiny step a day toward getting care can get you on the road to recovery.
Sue