Long-Covid symptoms help

Posted by covidsurfer81 @covidsurfer81, Jul 23, 2023

Hi everyone.

I’ve been suffering from I’m pretty sure are the effects of Long Covid, but I’ll try to give as much details as possible, as I’d really appreciate any advice it insight on how long this is all going to last for me.

Here goes.

Roughly 6 weeks ago, I fell very ill with the usual onset of symptoms: Fever, headache, cough, body aches, loss of taste/smell, etc.
I took a Covid test and it was surprisingly negative. My working theory is that I was actually positive and the test just registered a false negative.

After roughly two weeks, the flu-like symptoms resolved, however, I was left with horrendous body aches, debilitating fatigue, brain fog, itchy rash/hives on fingers and hands, loss of appetite, occasional irregular heartbeat here and there, and personality changes.

The symptoms fluctuate from me almost feeling normal again and go right back to leaving me bed ridden. It’s like an endless rollercoaster of nonstop symptomatic hell.

I can’t work or really do too much of anything, so I’m pretty much relegated to laying around the house and googling to try and find some answers as to when this nightmare will possibly come to an end.

If anyone either was or is in my position, I’d gladly appreciate any insight or speculation as to when this may fully resolve.

Thank you and I hope to hear from at least a few of you out there.

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

@okradurham

Thanks for the encouragement! I do have a doctor who has been filling me with B vitamins D vitamins some special other things and Finally I HAD A GOOD WEEKEND! almost normal . I do love my doctors they have been wonderfully believing in my problem ! No poo pooing and thinking it is all in my mind! I have a used to be cardiologist who has become an integrated health guru ! Maybe I will be able to visit my sister soon!! A TRIP! It has been so long!!!

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That's wonderful! B-Vitamins are great -- absolutely needed for long haul recovery... B-3 especially. I can't emphasize enough that B-3 IS THE ANSWER to brain fog, fatigue and muscle soreness. I'm glad you're seeing results but you also must be careful not to deplete whatever energy you have. I actually brought my heart palpitations back again because I got so excited about swimming -- the over exertion caused me to go backward in recovery. And even though I am functional now (working full time again), I have to be really careful about monitoring energy and I STILL continue supplementing. It seems necessary still... Whenever I slack on supplementation my symptoms slightly return. All the best to you!!

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@covidsurfer81

Hi.

Your mention of Epstein Barr Virus reactivation got me attention.

I had mononucleosis when I was 15 (I’m 42 now) and am beginning to wonder if this is what is going on with me.

How would one be able to find out out for sure if that’s the case? What blood test should I ask to be done specifically?

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Not sure if you got a proper response to this yet, but YES most people who end up with long haul have a history of mono, ie Epstein Barr. I sure have a history of it, although with years of high stress environments (work related and home related stress). You can try to treat the re-activation of Epstein Barr but also know that heavy supplementation will help you immensely. If you only start one thing today, take B-3 (must be niacinamide form, non-flushing, 500mg 2-3x per day). The B-3 is absolutely key, but if you can also take a very high quality B-Complex that helps too. Also, anti-inflammatory diet + low histamine diet is CRUCIAL also, to reduce the levels of both in your body.

I'm going to write up a full summary/protocol of what I used because I AM back to normal and working full time (it took me about 4-6 months to get back to work) -- it's just too much to try to respond to each individual here. But by treating the ROOT CAUSE of the nutrient deficiencies in the body you will manage all symptoms. Your western medicine Dr will NOT have a way to do this, nor an understanding of this, because they treat symptoms one by one, and only know how to prescribe. It is possible to heal this with food and supplementation. All the best to you!

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@car0

If you can get a PCR test you can know if you’ve got it for sure. I’m so sorry you are feeling awful!

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@pcr - what's a PCR test? I wasn't aware of this, does it tell us if we have LT Covid?

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@lindy1965

No conventional Doctor was able to figure this out. I went to many. I ended up with an Integrative Doc and they ran lots of bloodwork. I too had mono in High School. My GP says I’m ‘depressed’ and that’s why I’m like this. I have a response to that comment but will refrain from posting it.

Long Covid can reactivate EBV.

EBV NUCLEAR AG EBNA AB IGG
and
EBV VIRAL CAPSID AG VCA AB IGG
To detect a reactivation.

I can’t seem to get my numbers below 600.
“Rollercoaster of nonstop symptomatic hell” accurately describes it. I feel ridiculously bad today.
I hope you find your answers. I’m here if you have other questions.
I wish I could tell you when it will resolve. Good luck my friend.

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Why. Why not just say:
“I’m sorry, I know nothing about why____”
Why do the “ it must be depression”?!?!?!?!?!

I’m very sorry.

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@car0

Why. Why not just say:
“I’m sorry, I know nothing about why____”
Why do the “ it must be depression”?!?!?!?!?!

I’m very sorry.

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Yes! They only offer anti-depressants because it is their only tool. I would eat like popcorn if it helped! (I have tried six different ones) It does not help.
I am only depressed about no help with my health.
Looking to alternate therapies but all is confusing. Sixteen months into this thing.

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@lindy1965

The article below describes my life now. I used to work a full time job, exercise, walk 3 miles per day and care for my elderly Dad with Alzheimer’s etc…. I feel It might be helpful for people to post ‘specifically’ the supplements they use that actually have made some improvements in THEIR symptoms. I have a whole cabinet dedicated to a bunch of supplements that have NOT made an improvement. I don’t think by any means this is a ‘one size fits all’ situation
I am super overly sensitive to medications so I’ve had to try a lot of different things.
The ones I currently take that I feel could be making a small difference in my life.

SuperLysine
Monolaurin
EPA/DHA
VITAMIN C 500 mg
Vit D3
And a good quality multi vitamin.

I tried the Zyrtec/Famotadine ..still take the Zyrtec because it helps me sleep a bit but after getting some testing done was told that I don’t have a histamine problem.
Keep in mind I also have EBV reactivation with my long Covid, I have been sick since 4/2020 and I’m still debilitated. My most debilitating symptom I must say is fatigue. Dysautonomia, tachycardia, insomnia ….
‘Wired but Tired’ to list a few.

Take a moment to read this… it may or may not describe you. I only wish all the people (left) in my life would take a moment out of their busy, fulfilling lives to read this so that no one else says to me “ Yeah, I’m tired too” before they run off to enjoy their night out with friends.

I wish everyone here the best. I pray that someday soon we’ll all be recovered and living our best lives. Much Love 💗.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/07/chronic-fatigue-long-covid-symptoms/674834/

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What supplements help long haulers— great question…BUT understand that each body/case is unique. Seriously. You may experience swallowing problems— some because they are having excessive mucous, others because they feel like they’ve stopped producing saliva. Both are “throat issues”. So many of us are searching for some/any help, & I get it! Problem is if you take supplements that are not needed or are already being generated by your body in excess, you can aggravate your symptom. (experience speaking…sigh)
I feel like it is so so important to get a lab work up by someone who is legit—know the supplements that match your body’s’ needs. Immunologist or Functional Med doctor.

[By the way? Got Covid 3/20, severe. Of the long haul clinics and specialists I’ve seen, the immunologist has been my answer. It may not be ANYONE else’s, but I’m posting this because it NEVER occurred to me to see one! And I’ve finally— finally— gotten some help. We’ll see what happens…]

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@car0

What supplements help long haulers— great question…BUT understand that each body/case is unique. Seriously. You may experience swallowing problems— some because they are having excessive mucous, others because they feel like they’ve stopped producing saliva. Both are “throat issues”. So many of us are searching for some/any help, & I get it! Problem is if you take supplements that are not needed or are already being generated by your body in excess, you can aggravate your symptom. (experience speaking…sigh)
I feel like it is so so important to get a lab work up by someone who is legit—know the supplements that match your body’s’ needs. Immunologist or Functional Med doctor.

[By the way? Got Covid 3/20, severe. Of the long haul clinics and specialists I’ve seen, the immunologist has been my answer. It may not be ANYONE else’s, but I’m posting this because it NEVER occurred to me to see one! And I’ve finally— finally— gotten some help. We’ll see what happens…]

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Yes, the supplements I take were recommendations from my Doctor who did lots of lab work.

What has the immunologist suggested? I saw an infectious dz doc who had zero suggestions. 🙁
I will look into seeing an immunologist.

Going to try the B3 (non flushing) after seeing my Integrative Doc.

I had lots of swallowing issues and excessive mucous very early on in my Long journey as well. 🙁

I hope soon this will all be behind us. God Bless.

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WOW I am so sorry but good to hear we are not alone

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@summerof42

@pcr - what's a PCR test? I wasn't aware of this, does it tell us if we have LT Covid?

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PCR??

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Dear all,

I got covid last year Nov 2022 until now I still go daily symptom. My symptoms are shortage of breath, sweating, yawning and feel weak! May I know if you have experience those symptoms for such long time? and what should I do to improve please?

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