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Anyone with Long Covid having to take on care giving for loved one?
I’m wondering if anyone out there with long Covid has tried to care for a loved one. I have had long Covid for more than 2 1/2 years. I started to come out of it in the second half of May 2026. I was feeling remarkably positive and much better. At that time, my 74 year old husband started losing a lot of weight. Doctors followed him and finally he had a biopsy in June 2026 that showed that he has one of the blood cancers. He has needed so much care since then, and I was the only one here to help. All the progress that I made in finally turning a corner in my Long Covid struggle seems to have been wiped out. My husband is also dealing with newly diagnosed Alzheimers in May 2026, had a brain bleed last August, and has been in hemodialysis for almost 5 years. I have always been his caretaker and now I will try to care for him as he goes through this final challenge. I am getting some help from our children. They are very supportive, but I have been so extremely exhausted that at times I am wondering how I can function as I try to give this final support of Love. I guess I’m wondering if anyone out there also made good progress in recovering from their own bout of Long Covid and then had to stress their bodies with something like caretaking. I would certainly appreciate hearing from you. I wish everyone the best that has had to deal with any Long Covid
challenges.
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Lord, before you gave me hills to climb, but this time you gave me a mountain Elvis.
You certainly have a lot on your plate. Your devotion is admirable, but I would seriously consider the feasibility of full time around the clock care for a person who has cognitive decline and serious medical issues. I did it for my dad, until his death and my mom, after a post covid syndrome diagnosis for a couple of years. I worked in my job too. I fortunately didn’t have fatigue as a symptom. But still, I suffered as a result of the undue stress it provided. Caregiving around the clock is an enormous responsibility. Have you considered an assessment to determine what level of care your husband currently needs? Do you know his prognosis? I’d seek info on your options.
It’s good to get the perspective of others who have had similar experiences. There are lots of posts around here of what it’s like. It’s challenging even for the able bodied.
Everyone is different, but if someone isn’t mobile or is resistant to care, it can be a truly exhausting ordeal. I’d get outside home help to come in to help on a regular basis. We had 2 different home care companies. One was available 24/7 to come at a moment’s notice in the middle of the night. We had someone who came to do housework and anything else we needed. I’d plan ahead for Hospice too. We suddenly realized we needed a hospital bed because my dad could not move in the bed. When someone keeps falling or can’t move in the bed….it’s a stressful situation for the patient and the caregiver.
I know it was appreciated, but in retrospect, I would not do it again. I am much improved from my post covid symptoms now, despite my experience. I hope you get relief too. Good luck with everything for you and your family.
@celia16 Thank you, celia16, for your insight and for sharing your experiences. I contacted a few agencies yesterday. My husband is currently somewhat mobile with the help of walker and rolator. I know the time will come soon when things will be much different. I am hoping to interview someone before the weekend who seems like a good match for us. We have no prognosis but when visiting the Primary doctor 2 days ago, we were told that there is really nothing any of the doctors can offer due to the limitations made by his co-morbidities. He wishes to take everything one day at a time but I believe Hospice will be with us quite soon. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I know I will be re-reading your comments again.
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2 Reactions@caldiana13 , it’s good you have options. I’d discuss mobility with them, specifically. This is because it caused such disruption repeatedly with our situation. Due to progressive weakness, daddy would just slide down to the floor. Then he couldn’t get up. He was a large man and moving him was impossible for my mom and I. We eventually had to call the fire department to get him up and back into his chair or bed. They were so nice! Later, he could not move in the bed, so changing him, bathing, was almost impossible. I’d go with a hospital bed sooner than later.
Good luck and take care!