Digestion complications after COVID

With the lack of compassion, care or even concern for the patients, Covid 19 could possibly get us single payer medical care like most of the developed free world. I have and continue to pay big money for insurance - way too much to be ignored like they currently are doing and it's not only the insurance companies but also the doctors, medical care institutes (Hospitals ...) Pharmaceutical and our own government. Why would one be required to have a referral from your PCP? If you have insurance and long covid what is the basis for such restrictions? These industries are too interrelated to provide adequate care - so maybe after they kill enough of us - our kids might get a better single plan. Honestly why do we need insurance carriers, politicians, pill producers, and other influencers in our medical care that have a vested interest or profit interest muddling up our care?

You may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Covid Recovery: How can I manage GI issues?" https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-recovery-and-gi-pain/

Just an FYI. The flu is respiratory, not gastrointestinal.

Some insurance carriers do not require special permission to seek a
second opinions to seek care. Seek them.

I have felt nauseous for 4 months now( diagnosed with COVID on September 5th). I have list 22 pounds because I can’t eat. Feel dizzy & can’t sleep. Was on 5 mg. Ambien for sleep, but now that is not working. Nobody understands what I am going through. Used to be a healthy person before COVID.
Rachel R.

In CT the hospitals with Covid Care Centers, require a referral from the patients PCP (Hartford Health Care) Yale only take certain patients ... My insurance carrier doesn't require one but trying to get a neurologist, orthopedic or pulmanary specialist to look at any condition much less covid related within 6 months is impossible.

My brother went through the same thing for about 6 months until he was diagnosed with
Helicobacter Pylori. Get tested for this. He got medication and shortly afterwards was feeling so much better. Prior to this diagnosis, doctors could find nothing and he was miserable for six months. Call your doctor today and get tested.

I have to agree with that, yes there are some insurance companies that don't require a referral to see a PCP, but for a lot of individuals they have no choice, they have to get the authorization from a Virtual PCP before they go in person visit from anything. It's a shame and a hassle. And when you are sick you don't want to be harassed just so we can go in person and be ignored or over looked. The level of care we are receiving at this point in day and time leaves a lot of uncertainty in ones mind. Days we pray that this will finally get we will receive the care we are being robbed of. I know myself we pay way to much to not receive a proper diagnosis. It's truly sad, but we just continue to let this be ok. I could go on, but it's not going to get me anywhere. God bless and Happy searching. Long COVID is real.

Thank you for speaking out. It helps me to know that the problems I am experiencing are not just in my mind, are real, and that COVID is doing a number on my body. I also developed gastro issues after COVID. I have no appetite and have lost weight that I can't seem to gain back. I developed COPD and muscle and tendon pain, as well. The doctors seem to ignore the long list of issues I have to live with and I don't have any idea what to do. I take Mira lax every morning so I don't get impacted but it upsets my stomach so I have to take Ondansetron to prevent vomiting and it helps settles the stomach. I live on protein shake meal replacements, yogurt, apple sauce and fruit.
Have you applied for State Disability? If you get Medicaid, they pay for everything. For outstanding medical bills you can ask the hospital etc. for charity and they can write off your debt.

It seems to be this way for everyone. We are the ignored. No one knows anything about COVID & they will tell you that. Every day we wake up & suffer with symptoms, never knowing when it will end. Why is there no long haul program at Mayo in Arizona?
RR