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Seeking Help for Unknown Medical Issue
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Jul 23, 2022 | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Hi Amy. I am not a mentor, but my heart goes out to you! It appears that your immune system got overwhelmed with 2 huge back to back viruses. Your body is fighting off the ongoing covid fallout after having your infection fighting spleen abilities reduced from the mono. There are long covid programs being created at various medical/research institutions. You clearly need a comprehensive approach. Maybe the mentors could direct you to one close by. Covid attacks every system of the body, so a program which is set up to recognize this might be a good choice. Your body needs rest, but that includes mild movement. As a runner, you likely have a tendency to push yourself hard. This would be the time to carefully titrate your excursion, and build in lots of rest and nutrition; maybe consider smaller increments, smaller goals. Dont go for where you left off. This is all new..... even for the treating physicians. I hope you can find resolution and freedom from the pain and fatigue...... both emotionally and physically.
UP Artist
Replies to "Hi Amy. I am not a mentor, but my heart goes out to you! It appears..."
I really think Covid has something to do with it for sure. I would love to know where to go for long Covid support. Unfortunately when I got it, there were only 250 tests available a day in Michigan and I was a healthy person just before so I didn't qualify. I was told over the phone they thought I had it and to just stay home 2 weeks. I was on a list to be admitted if I couldn't walk across a room. I had a friend who had oxygen, inhalers, breathing treatments and I did YouTube videos to keep my lungs expanded. Without having a positive PCR test (there were no home tests back then) I don't qualify for the research or support that is going on now. It's crazy to me how getting it that early makes me not get help now. If you hear of any place taking people who just have data in their doctor's chart let me know.
Thank you for your input and support!
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Amy -
UP Artist is correct about the breadth of damage Covid can cause. Particularly since Covid has been identified as being a cause of Vasculitis - swelling of the bodies vascular system that can damage any organ.
Also the comment about approaching any lingering post infection problems from a multi-faceted point of view. A long covid treatment program is a good start if available in your area.
But, if not there are diagnostic areas that you and your Doctor might want to explore to help give you a medical frame of reference. Basically, it is the old ‘measure to manage’ approach.
There are several tests that can begin to define that framework: CRP test is a gauge of overall inflammation; a B12 test because B vitamins help reduce inflammation and nutrient utilization; Adrenal function test since Cortisol is the body’s primary anti-inflammation mechanism, and a DAO test measures the gut’s ability to create the body’s natural anti-histamine.
This type of testing won’t solve any medical issues you have, but it is a start for defining what and how your body is functioning.
And finally, the comment about resting more and limiting physical stress it very good advice. Pre Covid, you may have been very focused on physical fitness, but your post covid reality is that your body needs to repair itself and the energy that you have used in your fitness activity could be better utilized in getting better first before you return to your fitness efforts.
Chris47 -
PS - I am not an MD. But have been managing my Celiac Disease for the last 30 years and CD symptoms are very similar to many of the symptoms associated with long Covid - particularly since both cause major immune system responses!