Anyone try anti-inflammatories for Long Covid?

Yes, I have, and so glad I did as one of my worst symptoms of COVID I got end of May (8 weeks actually today- terrible anniversary!) was that I was having the worst joint pain and swelling in hands, fingers, knees, elbows, shoulders, feet and neck. So painful couldn't sleep much at all, it limited my movement while showering, grabbing things, simply moving around anywhere. It was a prescription for a 14 day limited course; 5 pills a day for 5 days, then 2 pills a day for 5 days then ending with 1 pill per day for 5 days. I actually had to go to an Urgent Care as my PCP doctor was non-responsive to my request for relief; too busy he was and is. Prednisone and Methylpednisolone are two corticosteroids commonly used to treat many inflammatory conditions.

Good news is that the joint pain and swelling was immediately reduced even after one day of this corticosteroid. Problem is that once I got done with it (4 days ago) I have noticed a bad stiffening of my hand and finger joints; not sure if this is the dreaded rheumatoid arthritis I've read extensively that many of us long haulers can develop. I also realize that this and other inflammations and issues can still come back, weeks, months or years later, sadly.

Please be aware that prednisone has some side effects; notably it shuts down your auto-immune system a bit so you are more prone to any infections and long term use can cause osteoporosis in some folks. Yes, for sure if any of your inflammatory situations are causing much pain get this prescription or another one.

@jkirk210, see these related discussion using the group search: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/post-covid-recovery-covid-19/?search=inflammatory&index=discussions