Disability of Post/Long COVID - article

When I read the linked (below) article, there was so much with which I identified. Why? in Dec. 2024, after nearly 2 years of living with LC, I decided I could no longer work.

Approaching my 78th birthday (observed since) and with a home-based consultancy for nearly 44 years, I loved my work AND could no longer devote the deserved time or energy to clients. It took until this month (May 2025) to announce it via an interview in the industry (hospitality and meetings) in which I work.

The headline of that article was that I was 'retiring' - just like that - because I made it clear that I was fortunate that (so far) I did not have brain fog - and my work is 'brain work'. I noted the project created by a Canadian colleague on which I'll still work.

My other symptoms (constant sore throat, raspy or lost voice - not good for teaching virtually! , hearing loss (now relieved with hearing aides since 1/2025), tinnitus and musical tinnitus, exhaustion, among them) were not mentioned. After it was published virtually, it was evident that most people saw the headline and didn't read more. They congratulated me on my 'retirement'!

Then I read this article - https://tinyurl.com/yphwe3cd - in "The Sick Times", entitled "I want a Long COVID language revolution — not language imposed onto my sick, disabled body", and identified with so much of it.

Why? I am not believed. To see me on Zoom, esp if I put a bit of blush on and am not in my pjs, I look pretty darn ok.

So much continues to evolve around this illness. AND worse, there are new COVID Variants in India, China and the US just as we approach peak travel season in the US and the US Government says masks aren't necessary, nor are boosters and they're even going to curtail boosters to those 65+. Yes, I qualify; those with whom I live do NOT and it's from others attending a meeting/meal, COVID was brought home 3/2023.

Will language for and about us evolve? To the point of being able to explain anything? How do YOU tell people you can't get together because you have NO idea how you'll feel that day? That a shower and dressing to be seen is too much? And no thank you, company, even if they offer to bring lunch, is too much.

I've not found less than blunt words, OR veiled promises of "of course we'll see each other again" knowing unless 85+% of the symptoms go, I can't.

What do you way? How do you explain to family? Friends? Colleagues or formers?

Thanks.
JE