What helps post COVID shortness of breath?

Thank you for your suggestions. I did go to the blog and got some good information to share with my PCP. I do try to plan my days based on "have to dos" and "want to dos". My caring husband obnoxiously reminds me when I'm doing too much.

I was just referred to a therapist to explore Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Long Covid. Apparently, it's done in Canada with some success. Have you heard anything about it? Currently, I am suffering from lower back pain which is making my exercise routine more than a little difficult. Nothing is easy these days but I remain hopeful!! Thanks, Lucy

Pulmonary rehab did not work. I could go through the routine with good oxygen and HR but later that day or the next I would have a breathing episode. The following is an excerpt from my COVID journal which is now 37 pages long.

I don't look sick - bags under my eyes only occur when I push myself, so most people have a hard time knowing I'm sick. My husband is really the only one who understands my disability. Getting dressed, walking to the mailbox, taking a shower, climbing stairs, getting pans out of cupboards, doing laundry, walking from the car to a restaurant result in windedness and legs that feel like they're going to collapse - like I've run a marathon. If I push myself after becoming winded and do not rest, I end up with scary shortness of breath, blurry vision, dizziness, major brain fog, headaches, feel like my heart is racing but it's not. Pre-Covid, I participated in Aerobic dancing 3 days a week, walked 5-6 miles 2x per week, gardened for hours, played golf, and more. Now, I can't go to a big grocery store - too much effort. (I went once with my husband and he had to walk me to the car in the middle of shopping.)

You are the first person in all my research and doctor visits who has asked me to describe my "episodes". Thank you!!!

Incidentally, I am on a waiting list for the University of MI Post-Covid Clinic. I hope to get an appointment in May. No, I hope I do not have to go by May. Mayo is not taking new post-Covid patients either......long waiting list.

I have the same issues. Gone to u of m. Not much help. They figure it’s mental issues.

Have you heard of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Long Covid?

I had not heard of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for long COVID recovery. I looked it up. It appears VNS is in clinical trials as an adjunct therapy in COVID-19 patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory dysfunction in an acute setting, not necessarily for long COVID.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34026778/
Do have references for its use for long COVID?

I am new to this discussion. I contracted a serious case of COVID + pneumonia in August 2020. I was not hospitalized but went to the ER three times. I continue to have pretty major bouts of breathlessness, dizziness, brain fog, weak legs, etc. I have been seen by 2 Pulmonologists and a Cardiologist plus, my PCP. No answers. I have done Pulmonary Rehab, do my own yoga and try stationary bike. I am as active as I can be without causing an episode. Any comments?
Thank you.

Hi Lucy, you too? Its been since Early 2020 I was in assisted/ nursing for about eight weeks. No memory of time. The fog started to lift in July. The heaviness in my chest started to ease but high humidity has revved it up again. Reminding myself to lean back while sitting and breathe deeply is reassuring to me. I'm in North Carolina and the attitudes are about the same. Currently receiving physical therapy at home. My recovery has been so !ong it's frustrating. I'm in a wheelchair and working with a walker. Why aren't there post covid clinics? There are so many of us? Stressful to the max! Have an appointment with a pulmonary clinic for October28th. The urgent care clinic took two visits to identify a sinus infection recently. Not positive for Covid dunno what's wrong. Frustrating. Since I survived Covid pneumonia I'm just kicking and screaming but won't give up. Don't let it take your hope away. We will survive.

I had not heard of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for long COVID recovery. I looked it up. It appears VNS is in clinical trials as an adjunct therapy in COVID-19 patients suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory dysfunction in an acute setting, not necessarily for long COVID.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34026778/
Do have references for its use for long COVID?

I would like to know. At this point I've been told I will be having oxygen 24/7 for my life remaining.