A layperson’s explanation of the dilemma as a long hauler advocate...
Two and a half years later and too many in and out visits to physicians who informed me my tests are normal, I remain placed in the boxes from medical schools that call neuropathy neuropathy and fatigue fatigue. Every other symptom post Covid retains a familiar label with either standard treatment to address the issue or no treatment at all because the contamination by Covid prevents an out of the box approach.
This is understandable, save for the fact that providers are unaware of up to date research findings and really appear to be too overwhelmed to re-educate themselves. It appears easier to pass patients down the line to another “specialist” who might be curious enough to go the extra mile.

Numerous research articles have suggested presenting the information on their visits. Personal attempts have failed to ignite the interest I had hoped to receive and it’s rather professionally shameful.

So, as I have viewed on internet long hauler interactions, it’s self advocate, do your own scavenging for current information and hope that you are lucky enough to happen upon articles like, “A Review of Cytokine-based Pathophysiology of Long COVID Symptoms.” This particular article was so comprehensive and validating regarding my own discovery of cytokine over-expression as most likely a main culprit in all that is insanely occurring since the invasion. Now I am cytokine obsessive. I am concentrated on discovering all I can to address my current and unending issues...but definitely way ahead of where I was 2 1/2 years ago when I contracted Covid.

As an example, I am currently using the research on famotidine (Pepcid) as a cytokine calmer, if you will. I will do this for two weeks to see whether or not there is any impact on symptoms. With this example, I also state that no one should follow anything I say without approval by their doctor. I am just not willing to wait for any doctor I have seen to catch up with me. I will continue to book appointments with new doctors as I regularly do to see whether or not they reached the point of thinking out side of the box of med school labels and into the virtually unknown Covid realm that might in fact offer some newer insight regarding the symptoms of the moment. Permit me to fantasize for all of us and imagine the fatigue...the worst of the worst.... has found a cure!!! Meanwhile, I don’t do coffee, but a can of V8 Energy 10 cal drink amazingly kickstarts my day and I move and function. Woman’s got to do what a woman’s got to do!

All of my bazillion tests are normal. I am not on any medications. BP normal. Blood sugar normal. Cholesterol normal.
Covid residuals:
tingling and numbness in lower legs,
bottom of feet (awful) BUT no
pain they talk about with non Covid
neuropathy
Weakness in legs
Equilibrium issues
Osteoporosis onset post Covid—-
research supports causation
Bursitis/tendinitis- onset post Covid
(horribly painful)
Extreme phlegm, constant runny nose
Attacks of itching and hives (in remission
since famotidine—common
usage as an antihistamine. My focus on
cytokine involvement and
famotidine outside its own
“box”....aka...off label).
Problem is that doctors are too susceptible to using age as a framework for treatment. We don’t all fit in the “old age” box.

I take 20 plus supplements that I have incorporated as I discovered their affect on Covid issues and inflammation. Whereas I was virtually non functional in the early months of my Covid experience, I am functional with my symptoms. I exercise daily. I was always an avid (obsessive) exerciser ...weightlifting daily 10, 15, 20 lb weights. I have to moderate now, but am determined to keep doing the repair work. It’s horribly frustrating at times but I’m a firm believer that you are your thoughts. “Think lovely thoughts” and get in gear to make some kind of progress today. Doesn’t have to be big.

If nothing else for the day, read the article I mentioned earlier, “A Review of Cytokine-based Pathophysiology of Long COVID Symptoms”. Just Google the title. Or give it to your doctor.

If you can get them to do a cytokine panel it might just reveal useful information for calming the out-of-wack cytokine levels. Should be a standard test by doctors seeing long haulers. Ya think!! There are meds to treat and natural supplements. I do the later....curcumin, piperine , plus the famotidine.
One trick...keep moving. To the mailbox and back is better than laying in your bed day after day. Move it. Undepress yourself with hope.Negative thoughts rob you of your abilities to get done what needs to get done.

I try and practice what I preach. It’s really difficult at times..But I’m giving it my best shot. Don’t permit tomorrow to be the same as today. Make it better for yourself.