1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

Increasing anger, impatience, grumpiness and brain fog after 2.5 years

Posted by jazzygirl5 @jazzygirl5, Oct 4, 2022

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

RMS | @rinadbq | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @artist66 "I'm 66, and I've had long Covid for a solid year and counting. I have had..." + (show)
@artist66

I'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

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Thanks Michele, the emotional toll is excruciating.

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "I don't know if it is a possibility for you, but perhaps one of the Mayo..." + (show)
@sueinmn

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

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To add to what Sue wrote, the Cleveland Clinic also is an excellent medical facility, as is Froedert/Medical college of Wisconsin. I had both knees replaced by a Froedert ortho surgeon who did his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Good surgeons are always a blessing if you can find one.

Joe

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artist66 | @artist66 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @rinadbq "Thanks Michele, the emotional toll is excruciating." + (show)
@rinadbq

Thanks Michele, the emotional toll is excruciating.

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I hear you! It really is. I'm battling depression.

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orlanda | @orlanda | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @artist66 "I'm 66, and I've had long Covid for a solid year and counting. I have had..." + (show)
@artist66

I'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

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I hear you! You are getting better and YOU WILL IMPROVE! I assume you have seen a neurologist. This is important that we all get an assessment with whatever symptoms we have.
YOUR CREATIVITY MUST NOT SUFFER!!! GET BACK TO PAINTING. The different paints you use may cause a reaction, initially like sneezing, dry cough. So start with colored pencils. Use your sketching pencil and pad to draw. To start may I suggest just using color and let it flow freely--make abstract compositions. It is fun to do to get your brain re-attuned to your painting. This reattunement may take 2 or 3 months or as long as it takes----give the brain a chance to connect back to your creative self. YOU CAN DO THIS!! I HAVE FAITH IN YOU!!!

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1 reply
denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @orlanda "Hi Rina: You are doing the right thing----doing daily tasks an getting some fresh air. You..." + (show)
@orlanda

Hi 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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Orlanda, this is excellent and supportive advice. I just want to mention, as far as diet goes, that it's really important that long-haulers eat anti-inflammatory AND low histamine. I already ate pretty anti-inflammatory in general (no dairy, NO sugar, lean meats, lots of veggies) but the low histamine foods are VERY specific. For instance, avocado is high in histamine and my symptoms slightly returned when I ate too much avocado one week. Tomatoes are also high in histamine. That was surprising to me! and a great reminder for me that even though my symptoms are now 90% gone -- as long as I stay in balance -- they can come back quickly by eating the wrong things.

So, along with reducing inflammation and histamine levels in the body through diet, taking histamine blockers for a short period of time also helps. For instance, Pepcid AC (H2 blocker) as well as Claritin (H1 blocker) daily.

Those who follow the MCAS protocol often see very good results as well, because MCAS treatment is also all about reducing histamine and inflammation in the body. I've shared a few links below. All the best to you!
https://hoffmancentre.com/treatments/mcas/
https://hoffmancentre.com/treatments-for-lowering-histamine-and-reducing-mcas-symptoms/

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1 reply
denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @bbartolotto "Post covid is just brain and other organ injuries. It’s not a lingering virus or something..." + (show)
@bbartolotto

Post covid is just brain and other organ injuries. It’s not a lingering virus or something like Lyme. I’m 2/20 too and 63 years old. My symptoms are mostly severe fatigue.

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It's interesting that you say this because any virus we've had throughout our lives (and there are thousands) are sitting dormant in our body somewhere. Why would Covid be any different? These are NOT "lasting injuries" to the brain and organs, and they are very treatable. Many people have healed themselves fully from long-haul symptoms, but it does take extra care not to over-extend our bodies again, because the symptoms will come right back if we start eating poorly etc.

P.S. I've had Lyme Disease too, and mono, and other viral type issues -- all of which I've been able to heal the symptoms from. But they never "go away" completely.

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denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @bbartolotto "Yes, I am very lucky to only have mostly that symptom and although it is a..." + (show)
@bbartolotto

Yes, I am very lucky to only have mostly that symptom and although it is a chronic life altering condition for me there are so many people in the support groups I am involved in that have many more and worse symptoms.

I have been a voracious researcher since this journey began for me 2.5 years ago. I work with data on a daily basis and am lucky enough to also be surrounded by supportive medically inclined people. I've been down the IncellDx road and have full cooperation with my doctor clinically diagnosing me with PCS (Mayo has declined me care even with this and excellent insurance).

If you follow the information and links surrounding the similarities between long COVID and traumatic brain injury you should be able to see where I derived my opinion from. Strange thing is it made so much sense to me after searching for 2.5 years that there is a certain freedom to the conclusion.

An overreaction to inflammation caused be the virus damages the brain tissue for the on/off signals marshaling resources that cause the fatigue. It feels like I'm just getting or getting over the flu, all the time.

Hoping for the best for you and everybody else fighting this!
https://www.buffalo.edu/ctsi/ctsi-news.host.html/content/shared/www/ctsi/articles/academic_articles/seminar-explores-similarities-between-long-covid-and-traumatic-brain-injury.detail.html
Bill

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Bill, all one has to do to rid themselves of long-haul symptoms is reduce inflammation and histamine in the body, and supplement heavily to give the body needed assistance in some areas. And VOILA! No more long-haul symptoms. Many people have done it.

Resetting the vagus nerve works too (ice baths, hot/cold therapies etc). I don't have access to brain scans to know if I have long term damage, but I also don't have any of my long-haul symptoms anymore...

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denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @rinadbq "Oh, how I know those feelings-"uselessness, why bother?, who cares?, I am not important, what am..." + (show)
@rinadbq

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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Rina, it's very possible to heal fully from long-haul symptoms. I'm not able to respond to every post, as it is truly terrible to read about everyone suffering, but I do post frequently when I can that MANY people have healed themselves fully from long-haul symptoms. There's no need to "wait it out" or be told "it just takes time". Diet is huge -- it has to be anti-inflammatory as well as low histamine (these are very specific foods). You can take an H1 and H2 blocker daily to help -- Pepcid AC and Claritin, for example. Then you must supplement heavily to give your body more of what it needs. I healed myself fully and I was non-functional, not able to leave the house, drive, take care of simple errands etc. You can read more in the Facebook long haulers group, but I'm also happy to re-post my supplement regimen for anyone here who's interested.

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denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @lsmat "My symptom is primarily severe fatigue too. Has anyone had success in using supplements, special exercises,..." + (show)
@lsmat

My symptom is primarily severe fatigue too.

Has anyone had success in using supplements, special exercises, anything?

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Yes, absolutely. The fatigue is very treatable. I have healed myself completely with supplementation and diet. You must eat anti-inflammatory as well as low histamine. Following the MCAS protocol works well for this. You can take histamine blockers on a short term basis to help with the symptoms, for instance Pepcid AC (H2 blocker) as well as Claritin (H1 blocker). My supplement list is extensive but it worked. I would be happy to post it here, if you are interested. It is VERY possible to heal -- please know that and spread the knowledge.

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denglish19 | @denglish19 | Nov 12, 2022
In reply to @jazzygirl5 "I’m glad your only symptom is fatigue. Lots of us aren’t as lucky. Did you research..." + (show)
@jazzygirl5

I’m glad your only symptom
is fatigue. Lots of us aren’t as lucky. Did you research long covid on reputable medical websites and/or read all the posts we post on the Mayo Clinic website?

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Jazzygirl, I healed my long-haul symptoms completely, including depression and anxiety brought on completely from Covid, by supplementing heavily and eating a very specific diet. You MUST cut out sugar and other inflammatory foods. If you can also eat low-histamine that will help too.

In your case, for supplementation, I would start with B-3 (niacinamide, non-flushing form, 500mg, 2-3x per day) and L-tryptophan (1,000mg before bed, empty stomach). Only take the tryptophan if you are NOT taking anything else for mental health -- ie a prescription for depression or anxiety symptoms -- do not mix them. In my case, the tryptophan was enough to treat my mental health symptoms.

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