1. < Post-COVID Recovery

Post-COVID-19 Research at Mayo Clinic

Jul 24, 2021 | Ravindra Ganesh | @rganesh2603 | Comments (13)

Post-COVID symptoms are similar to those that have been seen after other viral infections. It is likely that these symptoms are driven by immune system changes  following the COVID infection. Like other post-viral syndromes, most people get better on their own.  However, some people may have chronic fatigue and other ongoing symptoms. Why this happens is being studied. With better understanding of how this illness progresses, we hope to learn how prevent symptoms and develop better treatment options.

Mayo Clinic researchers are conducting clinical trials to learn more about coronavirus, including post-COVID recovery.

See all Mayo Clinic COVID-19 related studies

We understand that post-COVID symptoms are incredibly frustrating and can impact your health, employment status, and overall quality of life. Mayo Clinic is committed to providing you with high-quality care and helping you find the answers you seek.

The best way to connect with the post-COVID-19 team at Mayo Clinic is to schedule an appointment through our Patient Appointment Office. The information provided there will help us assess the best next steps to address your individual care needs.

At this time, the post-COVID studies are only recruiting participants that are being seen at Mayo Clinic post-COVID clinics. If you are a patient being seen in Mayo Clinic's post-COVID clinics and would like to participate in research, please email postCovidRSCH@mayo.edu

Video Script

Hello, I am Dr. Ryan Hurt, Vice-Chair of Research in the Division General Internal Medicine; and the Department of Medicine, Director of Post-COVID Research and Practice at the Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic is helping to lead many research efforts about the symptoms people have after a COVID infection. This includes studies that utilize biorepository, imaging, and deep phenotyping.  These efforts will hopefully lead to possible treatment options.

If you are interested in becoming involved in this research project, please send us an email.

Please include the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your contact information - including address and telephone number
  • Any symptoms you are experiencing

Mayo Clinic often partners with the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.  This can include sending them samples, such as blood samples. Your samples are only sent if you have given us consent to do so.

If you are interested in Mayo’s research activities, please visit our webpage to learn more or contact us if you would like the option to be part of our research.

End Script

Keep an eye on the Research tab for recent developments and discuss findings in the discussion group.

1 Reaction

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery blog.

pacer3702 | @pacer3702 | Nov 19, 2022
In reply to @jmorris98 "Hello, My name is Elaine. I had COVID-19 back in February of 2022. Around the end..." + (show)
@jmorris98

Hello,
My name is Elaine. I had COVID-19 back in February of 2022. Around the end of March, I began to have symptoms of perfuse sweating like getting out of a pool sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations. My heart would begin beating so hard it felt like butterflies getting ready to jump out of my chest. My heart ranged from 90 to 170 depending on my activity. I would get tunnel vision and ears ringing and felt like I was going to pass out. I had these symptoms 3 to 5 times a week and no certain time. I had no warning. I chalked it up to my stressful job. I finally told my mom a cardiac nurse for 33 years and she immediately took me to an urgent care. The doctor did an ECG and it was normal. The doctor felt it was anxiety and started Hydralazine. My mom encouraged me to find another job because the stress was affecting my health. I did find a new job that was a blessing and no stress. My mom grilled me with questions such as are you worried about finances, school for my masters, boyfriend, and I was not worried about anything. I did not feel stressed anymore. I am a personal trainer, and I could not tolerate any exercising. When I tried, my heart would start pounding and I was short of breath. The first of June I had an appointment with my PCP. When I told her my symptoms. She ordered a cardiology referral and 48 hour heart monitor and tons of lab work. I saw the cardiologist and he ordered a stress test (I failed), 30 day monitor, echocardiogram, and a CT angiogram. All the test results back normal. Both the PCP and the cardiologist told me if I had another episode to the emergency room. The ED doctor did nothing. Next morning, I called my cardiologist, and he started metoprolol 25 mg a day. I did not tolerate the mediation. My heart rate went from low 100’s to the forty’s. I had a follow-up with my PCP, and she told me to try taking half in the morning and half in the evening. It took weeks, but I was finally able to tolerate the mediation. The medication helped my heart rate and chest pain, but the other symptoms remained. The cardiologist gave a diagnosis of IST because he said my symptoms were not reliably consistent with post COVID POTS. I recently had a follow-up visit with my PCP. She felt I needed a second opinion. She referred me to University of Virginia cardiologist. The cardiologist said there was nothing he could do and to search for a long haul COVID specialist. I am at my wits end. I am 23 years old, and this is debilitating. I need help! I cannot live like this. When I have an episode, I am wiped out and it takes me a day to recover. These episodes last to an hour to two or a4 hours. The metoprolol is not working any more. My heart rate per my apple watch is anywhere from low nineties to 120’s with no activity. My PCP ordered hormone tests and they were negative. This is obviously and sympathetic or parasympathetic issue. My mom and I have no clue what to do or turn to. Any help is appreciated. I feel like I keep getting passed around by these specialists.
JEM

Jump to this post

Have you seen a neurologist and had the QSART test for autonomic neuropathy due to Covid? I agree with the cardiologist's recommendation to see the best long COVID physician you can find. Given the demand, you may need to strongly make your case to get a timely appointment. You have a compelling story and deserve to be seen by an expert.

REPLY
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 22, 2022
In reply to @jmorris98 "Hello, My name is Elaine. I had COVID-19 back in February of 2022. Around the end..." + (show)
@jmorris98

Hello,
My name is Elaine. I had COVID-19 back in February of 2022. Around the end of March, I began to have symptoms of perfuse sweating like getting out of a pool sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations. My heart would begin beating so hard it felt like butterflies getting ready to jump out of my chest. My heart ranged from 90 to 170 depending on my activity. I would get tunnel vision and ears ringing and felt like I was going to pass out. I had these symptoms 3 to 5 times a week and no certain time. I had no warning. I chalked it up to my stressful job. I finally told my mom a cardiac nurse for 33 years and she immediately took me to an urgent care. The doctor did an ECG and it was normal. The doctor felt it was anxiety and started Hydralazine. My mom encouraged me to find another job because the stress was affecting my health. I did find a new job that was a blessing and no stress. My mom grilled me with questions such as are you worried about finances, school for my masters, boyfriend, and I was not worried about anything. I did not feel stressed anymore. I am a personal trainer, and I could not tolerate any exercising. When I tried, my heart would start pounding and I was short of breath. The first of June I had an appointment with my PCP. When I told her my symptoms. She ordered a cardiology referral and 48 hour heart monitor and tons of lab work. I saw the cardiologist and he ordered a stress test (I failed), 30 day monitor, echocardiogram, and a CT angiogram. All the test results back normal. Both the PCP and the cardiologist told me if I had another episode to the emergency room. The ED doctor did nothing. Next morning, I called my cardiologist, and he started metoprolol 25 mg a day. I did not tolerate the mediation. My heart rate went from low 100’s to the forty’s. I had a follow-up with my PCP, and she told me to try taking half in the morning and half in the evening. It took weeks, but I was finally able to tolerate the mediation. The medication helped my heart rate and chest pain, but the other symptoms remained. The cardiologist gave a diagnosis of IST because he said my symptoms were not reliably consistent with post COVID POTS. I recently had a follow-up visit with my PCP. She felt I needed a second opinion. She referred me to University of Virginia cardiologist. The cardiologist said there was nothing he could do and to search for a long haul COVID specialist. I am at my wits end. I am 23 years old, and this is debilitating. I need help! I cannot live like this. When I have an episode, I am wiped out and it takes me a day to recover. These episodes last to an hour to two or a4 hours. The metoprolol is not working any more. My heart rate per my apple watch is anywhere from low nineties to 120’s with no activity. My PCP ordered hormone tests and they were negative. This is obviously and sympathetic or parasympathetic issue. My mom and I have no clue what to do or turn to. Any help is appreciated. I feel like I keep getting passed around by these specialists.
JEM

Jump to this post

Hi Elaine,
Here is the article that @oli referenced in their reply to you:
- How to effectively talk to your local provider about long COVID https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/newsfeed-post/how-to-effectively-talk-to-your-local-provider-about-long-covid/

To find a longhaul COVID specialist near you, you may refer to Survivor Corps database of clinics:
- Post COVID Care Centers [PCCC] https://www.survivorcorps.com/pccc

You may also find the tips offered by other members in these discussions to be helpful:
- Post-COVID Syndrome - What helps reduce palpitations? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-covid-syndrome-palpitations/
- Post Covid Symptoms and what has helped me. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/symptoms-7/
- Anyone else hitting cardio levels (on Fitbit) when doing simple tasks? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cardio-when-doing-simple-things/
- Anyone experiencing post covid heart issues? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-covid-heart-issues/
- How common is POTS after long COVID exposure? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-common-is-pots-after-long-covid-exposure/

REPLY
cottontop87 | @cottontop87 | Mar 7, 2023

I got Covid Dec 2022 during that time my blood pressure increased to the point I am now on a second blood pressure pill. My weight has been on the raise since then. I still get headaches occasionally. I still have a cough and I am still short of breath while doing daily stuff. I wasn’t hospitalized thank God. I am 35 yrs old. Any thoughts?

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.