Extreme exhaustion after normal exertion?

Posted by dawniepoo @dawniepoo, May 1, 2023

I had Covid in October, and soon after developed symptoms in my G.I. tract, my joints, and experienced severe exhaustion after doing normal household tasks that would’ve never bothered me before. It’s so bad that I have to lay down and tell my husband I am “having a spell“. I’ve been to the doctor. My lungs are fine. My blood work is all good, and he has said by heart is fine . Had echocardiogram and, CAT scan and a myriad of tests. We all assume Long Covid ,PS I am 78 years old. It’s become debilitating for me since I am generally very active ,gardening, exercising, walking ,yoga. This has really aged me and I wonder if I will ever get my life back . wondering if anyone has any ideas or has similar experiences.

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In reply to @dawniepoo "What is POTS??" + (show)
@dawniepoo

What is POTS??

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From Cleveland Clinic:
What is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)?
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes your heart to beat faster than normal when you transition from sitting or lying down to standing up. It’s a type of orthostatic intolerance.

Each word of “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome” has a meaning:

Postural: Related to the position of your body.
Orthostatic: Related to standing upright.
Tachycardia: A heart rate over 100 beats per minute.
Syndrome: A group of symptoms that happen together.

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@dawniepoo yes, absolutely. Some might label your symptom as PEM (post exertional malaise) or Exercise Intolerance. Both are symptoms of LC sufferers. I’m 67 and early in ‘23 had worked myself up to 45 minutes cardio (elliptical + resistance). I would crash after an exercise session and need to go take a nap. Much longer story but went to Mayo last August and they have restricted me to 10 minutes elliptical (and that’s mainly to maintain leg strength).

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I had post exertional malaise after getting covid in March. I went from biking up to 400 mi/week (caught it from a cyclist on a bike tour), to 0 to 60 mi/week in 5 mi increments with rest between each. Cardiologist said not to exercise much until the fatigue went away (covid caused increased BP and heart rate). I found I could lift weights (resistance training OK, aerobic not so much so). The long covid went away after 8 months so I'm ramping my exercise up slowly now.

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