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Increasing anger, impatience, grumpiness and brain fog after 2.5 years
Hi fellow covid kids
Anyone dealing with long covid (over 2 years only please) that are having increasing anger, more shortness of breath, impatience, brain fog, grumpiness, worse lack of smell issues and increased fatigue? I caught covid the end of 2/20, before vaccines and treatments. I won’t go into the months/years of hell I’ve been through but I was very sick and ended up 6 months later with pneumonia and had to get a new pacemaker a year ago because of chest pain and palpitations which seemed to fix that.
Besides the physical long covid symptoms I have which keep me pretty much home, the psychological ones are getting quite distressing and worse. I feel like I will be brain dead sooner than later. I think I may have had a repeat covid infection in the spring because I got pretty sick again but nowhere as bad. Since then, all my brain and personality issues have gotten much worse and quiet perplexing. I don’t care if I see anyone, I say things to people in annoyance and my patience is nil. It’s getting harder and harder to concentrate and my Drs know all these things but of course, there’s no cure. I’m 67 and afraid I’ll lose it and be in the crazy house or demented before I know it. I can laugh it off sitting here alone on my couch but I have little desire to socialize. I can be ok with all of this if I knew it would get better. I’m sure most of us are going day by day to get by but not knowing if you’ll get better is not my idea of the rest of my life. Yes, I have a therapist, a psychiatrist, a pulmonologist and a decent PCP so I’m all set in that department. I’m angry that I’m not over this after 32 months. BTW, I’ve had a neuropsych evaluation too.
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I have thankfully escaped Covid, though I am familiar with long-Covid because my daughter has been suffering many symptoms since April 2020, when the term was not yet invented.
However, I am concerned about your on-going hip pain, and the danger of infection. I have a complicated history with my hips, having had 2 TKR's and 3 revisions, along with medical issues from bad original implants. My primary advised me years ago that any & all hip issues should only be entrusted to my excellent orthopedist. Infections in "mature" implants can be difficult to detect, so she says they are the best ones to identify one, or rule it out.
Have you considered seeing and orthopedic surgeon who specializes in looking at "older" implants?
Sue
I would love to find one specializing in "older Implants" but am batting zero. My original surgery was done back in 1995 in Fairfax VA and that surgeon was world renowned - did an excellent job but regrettably got old and died my reconstruction was done at UConn Health in 2008 and the surgeon left for Tennessee a month after performing my surgery. Everyone I have sought out doesn't want to deal with an infection or someone else's work. Right now its hard to schedule your own primary care physician in less than 3 months - getting a specialist impossible. I just want someone to do the diagnosis so I can get it the attention it should have and out of the long covid mentality.
I don't know if it is a possibility for you, but perhaps one of the Mayo Clinics would be able to help you. You can contact them and initiate the process here:
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Otherwise if you are near a large teaching hospital with a well-known ortho department, where experienced ortho surgeons are training residents, it would be a starting point.
Sue
I have all the symptoms of long covid. Started 7/2/22 for 3 weeks then bronchitis then sterp throat and sill all symptoms I have. 70 yrs old mighty hard to do most anything.
My symptom is primarily severe fatigue too.
Has anyone had success in using supplements, special exercises, anything?
Sorry you’re going through all of that, the mental health part is the worst I believe.
If you haven’t talk to your doctor about anxiety and depression medication I would recommend it or just go to the ER. Sending prayers for you.
Oh, how I know those feelings-"uselessness, why bother?, who cares?, I am not important, what am I supposed to do now?, what will become of me?" I got sick November, 2020, though not severely ill initially the only thing in my life that hasn't changed is my social security number.
Grief has no timeline.
I have been grieving the life I have lost-I lost my job from long covid, the exact ER nursing job that had me face to face (literally) with covid. My identity has been based on being a strong, 60-something intelligent mother in a face paced & demanding career, runner, gardener, helper, leader & I have lost all that. I clearly know who I was, who the heck am I now-I have no idea.
Today I am going to have my coffee & a bowl of cereal, get dressed (even if it is jeans and a sweatshirt, again), put a load in the washer (not dry, fold or put away), step outside to feel the sun and a breeze.
Tomorrow I might feel like 2 steps outside. Or to the end of the driveway. Or a Law & Order marathon. It doesn't matter-just do today.
Private Message me if you want.
Rina
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6 Reactionshave you consulted with a professional about brain exercises that may help?
Have you explained to your MD your symptoms and what does he/she suggest?
Maybe you could ask for a referral to a neurologist --this would likely help you a lot.
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1 ReactionHi Rina: You are doing the right thing----doing daily tasks an getting some fresh air. You are still you! The way we survive is to re-invent ourselves.
Nutrition , rest and sleep are key. check nutrition on your computer or consult a nutritionist/dietician. Eat fresh, no fatty foods or processed fast food. I cook my own. I always keep food I make in freezer also --so have my own fast food. I use take out sometimes that does not have overly breaded and fried.
Accepting the person we have become is very important to maintain our emotional self.
I feel as if no one wants my assistance anymore, that as a leader in the community of nursing and public health,--I grieve my previous self. HOWEVER I REALIZE THAT I AM STILL ME and have started to offer health information over the telephone gratis. I also keep updated and send updates to friends who are interested. I meditate, do a gentle revised Tai Chi and wish I could throw out dirty towels, clothes etc haha.
I am just recovering and in COVID 3rd stage. I have been very careful as I knew back in 2019 tha SARS-2 was killing people in China from january of that year. This was not made public until October 2019. Right now I do feel resentful that I got it.
Back in 2003---remember SRS-1 ? I was in the forefront of that for the large city I live in. And I got it! It was inevitable. So now, Rina, I deal with the psychological isues of a more insulated and isolated life. I was very out there in my career and personal life--doing voluneer work and going out having fun and engaging in family gatherings.
My mission now is to readjust my life and stay positive. I give gratitude every day that I do not live in a wartorn country and every day I think of a new gratitude. This new lie is one hell of a challenge! As a strong and resilient nurse --as I believe you are too-----we will conquer!!
I believe in you!!
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2 ReactionsI'm 66, and I've had long Covid for a solid year and counting. I have had severe GI symptoms, couldn't eat for months and dropped 45 pounds. I also had autoimmune and neurological symptoms. The neurological symptoms were devastating. The autoimmune and neurological symptoms have resolved for the most part -- it took months. Some of the GI symptoms are much better now. I still have very bad sinus problems and considerable throat pain.
I lost the entire year to Covid! Didn't get a thing done. I'm an artist and I have not painted in a year. If I get Covid again, it will kill me. Of that I am certain.
I hope you feel better! Take care, Michele