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Long Term Covid articles - MUST READS
Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 | Last Active: Oct 1, 2023 | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
I began experiencing my symptoms in November '21 after my first Moderna booster and proceeded to go through every specialist in and around Charleston, SC. My Doctors called it "the journey of what it's not", and in reflection it is astounding (now that I have been to Mayo and experienced their knowledge) the lack of understanding medical professionals here have. They are trying, but they don't truly understand the problem thus the path to wellness.
In reflection my biggest learning is the practice of moderation which Mayo preaches. When I read posts I don't find anyone mentioning moderation as central to recovery and wellness. One medical professional said to me "you need to act like you had a heart attack and follow a very strict recovery plan". Another said "you need to act like you were an athlete and you were injured and follow a specific plan to return to your prior athletic performance". I, not knowing any better during the first 6 months of 2023 was exercising 6 of 7 days 45 minutes aerobic (cardio and resistance) exercise and would crash afterwards not understanding that I was driving myself backwards because of not moderating!! Today as part of my recovery plan (my plan includes many other elements thanks to Mayo direction) I am at 10 minutes of recumbent bike and am beginning to feel better.
I truly hope you find a plan that gets you to wellness. If you haven't been to the Mayo Clinic and can I highly recommend it, for me they were the only ones who understood the problem and have set me on a path to recovery and wellness again.
Replies to "@summerof42 I began experiencing my symptoms in November '21 after my first Moderna booster and proceeded..."
Thank you...I am trying to moderately put back my life together
YES, I'm being seen by OHSU Long CoVid Clinic. My PCP told me to go back to work part time, 4 hours a day and I'd be able to work my stamina and strength back up over time. Wrong advice. I knew it was wrong when he told me, but you need a doctors note for medical leave and a job for medical insurance. I suffered every day. Crashed every week, Was sent home often as my manager could see my pain in my face and body motions.
9 months later I finally am able to be seen at OHSU Long CoVid Clinic and the first thing I'm told is that I'm doing too much.. And it is stressed by both my doctor and physical therapist that staying under, well under my energy threshold is the only way my body can heal. Literally, self care such as eating, showering, dressing and taking a walk 3 times a week for 10 minutes taking breaks every 1-2 minutes and keeping my heart rate between 90-110 is all they want me to do. If I can go a month without crashing, she tells me than they can start building me back up, but it will be at an incrementally slow pace and still take a year to two years. Pacing is key.
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I don’t think I can get to Mayo. I wish I could.
I do feel totally misunderstood by the many, many doctors I have seen. Seems like by now our issues would be credible.
What they offer me is antidepressant, and I have tried several. I do not tolerate any I have been prescribed. I feel so adrift and searching the internet for some clue as to what has helped someone else. I know it is a fools errand because our symptoms are so different and particular to each case. But, I have tried lots of different things that have worked for others.
I get what you mean when you say moderation, and I believe I am not pushing myself. I rarely leave my home except for a few healthcare people I still see. I often comment to my husband that these appointments are a waste of time, but I can’t really give up. My family is very supportive or I would not have made it this far.
If I felt stable maybe I could think of myself as the recovering heart patient or recovering athlete.
My symptoms are worsening and I can’t help but panic to think where I will be in 3-6 months when I’m barely functioning now. It has taken me sixteen months to get in the shape I’m in now.