I had Covid 11/2020. I have long covid. It has been one thing after another. The fatigue has been the most bothersome. I’ve had shortness of breath with even the smallest exertion since covid but respiratory testing was essentially normal. There was minimal pericardial fluid in CT scan last year. The doctors feel this fatigue and shortness of breath is mainly deconditioning since not being physically active. My pcp gave an albuterol inhaler that does seem to help with physical activity. I also started Provigil, 200 mg, this summer for the fatigue. I wasn’t sure it helped until my prescription ran out and I went without it for 2-3 weeks! It makes a huge difference, for me, in my ability to be able to feel more alert. I’m still having headaches that seem different from my normal migraines. Hopefully my neuro team can give some insight on that. What I continue to struggle with is my spouse and family does not seem to understand and/or believe what is going on with my body. They notice I’m more sleepy, they notice the brain fog because I don’t remember things as well, they see that I do not get house chores done because I need more rest, they can see that I’ve gained weight, I now have a sexless marriage (I guess for a number of reasons), and my whole body hurts after a half day of work or fun. How can I get them to be more empathetic or understanding about this issue? It is as if they think I am making it up. It feels very alienated and adds to my anxiety/depression.
It is all happening to my body, I am obviously living this first hand! I never asked for this and I still have desire to feel better. I was read long that 75% of marriages in divorce when one spouse has a chronic illness. I’m not on disability but I’m also not working either.
Any words of wisdom?