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← Return to Post-COVID Syndrome is real
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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?
Replies to "Speaking for myself, and probably many others, the debilitating fatigue is the most devastating condition. The..."
Natalie, I think many would agree with you. Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom and one that is debilitating. Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn (Van) shares more in this short video.
It's a long, slow road to recovery, I'm afraid. But you are the driver on that road. In the Post-COVID Recovery blog here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/, Mayo clinicians share approaches that can help like patient-directed mindfulness, nutrition, activity. What I mean by "patient-directed" is that you know best what is the right amount of activity to do and to monitor what helps you. The frustrating part is that it takes time. There is no silver bullet. I wish there were.
I seen these "crashes" first-hand. It's like someone just turns out the lights and closes the shutters. Not only physical function is impaired but people can't even think straight or complete a sentence.
Natalie, if you haven't already, I might suggest you start a diary or journal to make note of these episodes. Take note of time of day, what you were doing when it happened, and severity of symptoms. Keep it simple. I would grade the severity with a simple 1. 2. 3. Mild, moderate, severe. Hopefully over time you will discover patterns that help you recognize triggers to help avoid or lessen the episodes. What do you think?
Hello Natalie, We haven't heard from you in a few days so I thought I would check in. Have you checked to see if there is a post-Covid recovery program near you? That would be the very best option to get your symptoms assessed and figure out the best recovery program for you. Even if there was none near you a few months ago, more are being added as the medical community realizes how pervasive post-Covid symptoms are.
Please let me know how you are doing, it is so discouraging to feel debilitating fatigue day after day.
Sue
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Dr. Poland and others have suggested that you have to treat this fatigue and recovery as if it were brand new. Start with finding out how much you do in a day. Then cut back until you are barely tired, or not tired at all. Stay there for a few days until fatigue is all or partially gone. Pressing yourself until you collapse does more damage than good and puts a lot of strain on your lungs. I then suggest every few days increasing activity by 5 minutes until you aren't collapsing. I know, I know it's frustrating and you will become even more frustrating. But doing this will help you move forward rather than not getting anywhere.
Does this make sense?