Long COVID: What helps other than rest and more rest?

Posted by kellylee @kellylee, Feb 1, 2022

I feel like there is a gel coating on around my brain. Not quite a headache but a continuous pressure. The 'gel' sensation feels like it prevents the neurons from landing where they need to go... preventing me from from completing simple tasks. I am forgetful, easily confused, dizzy and my brain fatigues quickly. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Is this long term as I have good and bad days?
What helps other than rest and more rest?

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@bunzman

I assume you tested covid positive 3 weeks ago? When you say 2 vaccines, do you mean two brands, two shots, two shots and a booster? Was it before 7-21 covid ? Thank You.

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I’ve had 2 shots, but not due for booster until another month. Exposure to Omicron with only 2 vaccines is no joke

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@zshawn3

I’ve had 2 shots, but not due for booster until another month. Exposure to Omicron with only 2 vaccines is no joke

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Sorry sounds bad, Did you get vaccinated (after getting covid in 7-21) 1and neurological symptoms from covid worsened ("Have had 2 vaccines. Since then every time I walk a lot or exercise I have a huge Neuro exacerbation") ? OR, did you get you get vaccinated before you had covid in July 2021, and got it again 3 weeks ago and are planning to get boosted in another month? I ask because I've heard of both, i.e., having worse symptoms after having covid and then getting vaccinated. Good Luck.

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From my research, it seems 20% of people get long covid symptoms after exposure ie: getting vaccinated or from having it. After I had it in October, panic attacks, vertigo, anxiety, body numbness, exercise intolerance, shaking episodes, and sleep apnea worsened. I was put on Celexa just to function, it was hell for a while as I am in college full time (I am 42). It seems the viral load causes inflammation throughout the body that causes the symptoms and oxygen depletion. Anything you can do to reduce inflammation will help like eating clean, getting out in sunshine, deep breathing to oxygenate your body, drinking filtered water, and incorporating an anti inflammatory herbs and spices. Panera has a new Thai Chicken Soup that is full of these good things and seemed to give me temporary relief my symptoms yesterday.

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@aae

From my research, it seems 20% of people get long covid symptoms after exposure ie: getting vaccinated or from having it. After I had it in October, panic attacks, vertigo, anxiety, body numbness, exercise intolerance, shaking episodes, and sleep apnea worsened. I was put on Celexa just to function, it was hell for a while as I am in college full time (I am 42). It seems the viral load causes inflammation throughout the body that causes the symptoms and oxygen depletion. Anything you can do to reduce inflammation will help like eating clean, getting out in sunshine, deep breathing to oxygenate your body, drinking filtered water, and incorporating an anti inflammatory herbs and spices. Panera has a new Thai Chicken Soup that is full of these good things and seemed to give me temporary relief my symptoms yesterday.

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I had that soup last week and helped me too! Hang in there!

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You described the symptoms I have perfectly. I think I’m getting better with a lot of rest, eating better, drinking plenty of water, vitamins, and family support. I wish you well.

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@susie333

did u need 02 during and post covid? how far out since u were sick with covid did u first notice these symptoms? my daughter (37 yrs old) was discharged home with 02 and after just a few weeks has weaned herself off of it but is now really experiencing the brain fog.

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Yes I call it "tired head". It's the back of head from the neck up headache that aspirin, that normally helps, doesn't. Laying down with eyes closed for 15 or so minutes helps, esp in dark. I've never had migraines. Not sure if this is what those feel like. I can feel a back head burning that tells me it's coming on, mostly after a lot of eye strain or computer work. Learning to pace myself.

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@germang33k

Yes I call it "tired head". It's the back of head from the neck up headache that aspirin, that normally helps, doesn't. Laying down with eyes closed for 15 or so minutes helps, esp in dark. I've never had migraines. Not sure if this is what those feel like. I can feel a back head burning that tells me it's coming on, mostly after a lot of eye strain or computer work. Learning to pace myself.

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Today I discovered wearing a warm heating pad on my neck and or head seems to stem the headache. #protip

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Pacing myself and prioritizing has been the biggest help for me. On a 'bad/sick/crash/head tired day I don't push myself, just rest-low key/bland food, 2 liters of water, electrolyte replacement (I use Propel powder). Prevention is my only 'cure'. I journal what I am doing in a day look at how may hours I do physical work (walking, errands, light gardening, housework) and how many hours are cognitive/brain work (balance a checkbook, pay bills, drive somewhere new, a support group, doctor appointment). I started with only 2 hours of each per day which meant my day ended ~2pm. I am up to 3-4 hours each now or will have 6 hours of cognitive/mental/thinking activity and little physical (I won't do errands, walk, garden) in that same day. If I have a big day (travel, big social event, long drive) I stay quiet the day before and the day after and conserve as much energy as I can the day of. I plan the route, shower, decide clothing, pack ahead of time. For me, prioritizing means the house is a little messy, laundry can take 2 days, meals are simple, there are weeds in the garden and sometimes groceries are delivered. Ya, my productivity is 1/3 of what it was, I hate it, I feel 'less than' who I used to be, and pretty useless. After 20 months of this I can tell myself I am not permanently on oxygen, in a wheelchair, require a caretaker or dead and I can live a different kind of life. Keep pushin' on 🙂

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Nothing helps. It gets easier over time because it's become a new way of life. I'm just one day at a time. I've had long covid for 11 months. Have been to Stanford University, no help, no diagnosis. My brain was inflamed. Massive Steroids. They thought I had autoimmune encephalitis, they were wrong. Just like 5 other Neurologists. So after a process of elimination, my primary care doc said" I think you have long covid. Thanks Government. 3 vaccines did do crap. No more

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@aae

From my research, it seems 20% of people get long covid symptoms after exposure ie: getting vaccinated or from having it. After I had it in October, panic attacks, vertigo, anxiety, body numbness, exercise intolerance, shaking episodes, and sleep apnea worsened. I was put on Celexa just to function, it was hell for a while as I am in college full time (I am 42). It seems the viral load causes inflammation throughout the body that causes the symptoms and oxygen depletion. Anything you can do to reduce inflammation will help like eating clean, getting out in sunshine, deep breathing to oxygenate your body, drinking filtered water, and incorporating an anti inflammatory herbs and spices. Panera has a new Thai Chicken Soup that is full of these good things and seemed to give me temporary relief my symptoms yesterday.

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I had Covid in November. A mild case at that. Then April my right foot started slipping and I couldn’t walk right. Week later I started having numbness in my right lip and right side of face. Long story short I now have numbnes in my arms, legs and entire face that comes and goes. My walk is better but still off. I’ve had two MRI. three CT tons of blood work and everything is normal. The fatigue is horrible. Can’t make it through the day without napping. Some days can’t even make it to work. Neurologist says it’s not long Covid. My reg Dr thinks it is. So far you are the only one I’ve found that also is experiencing numbness. Does your come and go and does it just happen in certain areas? I use to work out and walk every day. Now I can barely get through 20 minutes of yoga.

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