3 yrs 8 months still unable to work

bellableu125, Bless you. I went to a COVID Recovery Clinic and got the diagnosis of Long Covid. I have COVID twice. I then went to an Integrative Medicine doctor who recommended a lot of supplements. I could not tolerate the infusions to boost my immune system and help with the inflammation. I have some of the same symptoms that you do, but, not all of them.

I am so sorry you are battling so much. Doctors were not prepared nor are they trained in how to treat LC.
You have to be your own advocate on this I have found. There are a lot of good recommendations on here of people battling the same things you are.

COVID wiped out my B12. I was having tingling/burning (parasthesia) in my hands and feet. My body does not
absorb the folates very well. I am on a B12 injection weekly. The parasthesia is gone and I am so grateful.

Praying for you right now to get better. Blessings & Prayers....

My daughter, who had what was then called CFS, began to improve after about year 5, started taking 1 class at a time, and after 18 years was fully well again and working full time. Don´t give up!

I don’t know what medicines or supplements you may have tried, but I have had some improvement (though still unable to work) with low-dose naltrexone and more recently N-acetylcysteine (NAC). I know not everyone responds the same way to these drugs, but for me they have at least improved my quality of life to a degree. I have a lot of the same symptoms as you, but no tremors or noticeable numbness.

The low dose naltrexone has helped me most with muscle pain and body aches, and the NAC has been a lifesaver for my GI issues, and I have read that many people do find it helpful for brain fog. I just started it a week ago so I’m still titrating up to the optimal dose.

I am so sorry for your situation and suffering. Do you mind my asking how you're able to afford expenses? Were you able to get disability? Five years for me and still having to work, as otherwise would not have financial means. Every day is a struggle. I have to triage everything. I can do stuff, but it takes longer to process and leaves me more exhausted than before. I wish I could quit and retire, but need the insurance, even though nothing in terms of treatment has been covered by insurance. I wish you all the best in your healing. I, too, was working healthcare when I contracted original variant.

@bellableu125
Sorry to hear you are suffering for so long.

Here is what AI suggests:
“ I'm really sorry to hear about your struggles. Long COVID, or post-viral syndromes, can be incredibly challenging, and it's understandable to feel frustrated and hopeless after such a long time. Many people in similar situations have shared their experiences, and while recovery can vary widely, there are some common themes and potential paths forward.
Experiences of Others
Gradual Improvement: Some individuals report gradual improvements over time, even after several years. They often emphasize the importance of pacing themselves and listening to their bodies.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Many have found that working with a team of healthcare providers—such as specialists in neurology, cardiology, and rehabilitation—can help address the various symptoms more effectively.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice. Online forums and local support groups can be valuable resources.
Potential Strategies
Pacing and Energy Management: Learning to manage energy levels and avoid post-exertional malaise (PEM) is crucial. This might involve breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts and allowing for plenty of rest.
Cognitive Rehabilitation: For issues like brain fog and memory problems, cognitive rehabilitation therapy may help improve cognitive function and coping strategies.
Physical Therapy: If you have POTS and other physical symptoms, a tailored physical therapy program can sometimes help improve symptoms and increase tolerance to activity.
Mental Health Support: Given the anxiety and depression you're experiencing, ongoing mental health support can be beneficial. This might include therapy, medication, or mindfulness practices.
Seeking a Path Forward
Second Opinions: If you're feeling uncertain about your current treatment plan, seeking a second opinion from a specialist in post-viral syndromes or long COVID can provide new insights.
Research and Clinical Trials: Staying informed about new research and potential clinical trials may offer additional options for treatment and recovery.
Conclusion
It's important to hold onto hope, even when progress feels slow. Recovery from long COVID can be unpredictable, and while some people do experience significant improvements after several years, others may find their path to recovery takes different forms. Continue to advocate for yourself and seek out the support you need. You're not alone in this journey, and there are communities and resources available to help you navigate it.”

Thank you greatly for responding. This has been an unfortunate experience for so many of us. I know personally speaking, if this wasn't happening to me, I'm not sure I'd believe it was a real diagnosis. I'm happy to hear your parasthesia is gone. That is promising to hear. Prayers for all of us. Blessings to you

My word, five years?? Thank goodness your daughter is fully well again. I just stumbled across this site/support forum, and I can't begin to share how it has put wind in my sail. Although I do my best to keep current on long haul information, I have become very isolated, which tends to make me feel "it's just me". This forum as re-validated my own experience. This is real!! Thank you very much for sharing. Blessings to you and your daughter.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I take Nurtec for Headaches, Plaquenil for arthritis, Trazadone occasionally for sleep disturbance (I do not like taking), Vit D3 K2, B Complex, EPA/DHA for help with cognitive issues. Recently began SSRI to help with neuro improvement. There have been quite a lot of studies relative to Serotonin helping. Not a fan of taking it as it comes with side effects that I am not enjoying, to say the least. I have heard/read about positive results with NAC. I need to look into that again. May I ask how long you've been out of work? I'm coming up on 4 years. Doing my absolute best to remain positive. Thank you again for sharing your experience. Blessings to you.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I just stumbled upon this forum, and I cannot believe how many are still suffering with Long Haul Covid. Of course, I know I am, but to hear from others is very validating. I am seeing a neurologist and cardiologist. I am thankful for their support. I've most definitely learned, to the best of my ability, to pace -- reserving my energy. Some days are easier than others. Trying my best to remain hopeful. I'm approaching the four-year mark so, again, some days are easier than others. Again, Thank you. Blessings to you

Yes, things are a struggle, financially speaking. My husband is working thankfully. For now, our needs are being met but loss of my salary is certainly being felt. My heart goes out to you with pushing forward with work. I attempted twice unsuccessfully to return to work. I've been out again now for three months. Up until collapsing at work this second return, I was pretty hopeful but now, I'm not sure what the future holds. Doing my best to get myself back to where I was before returning (energy/ability-wise). In my heart, I feel as if I have many more years of working (wanting to work) left in me, but the reality tells me "Maybe not".

Sending you gentle hugs for continued improvement. Certainly, enough to make working so much more manageable as you approach retirement. I pray for COMPLETE healing for all of us. Blessings to you.