Long Covid pain

I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I have had Covid twice now. Once in February of 2020 and just in September 2023. The first time it hit me was like a freight train; I was very sick for two months. The second time, not as bad. My son and I both had it and he got over it pretty quickly (of course he is almost 40 years younger and doesn't have any major health problems; that definitely was a major contributing factor).

Covid affected my memory, caused me to sweat profusely, my breathing often labored, reflux, I was always exhausted, pain all over but my neck and shoulder pain forced me to go for therapy, etc. The pain was at times unbearable throughout my body. During the first round of Covid I was sick for two months, and two months after that I started having a reaction to salt with a cough and congestion (then they found a nodule in my left lung). Then the neurological pain started and increased over time. I went to 14 specialists and two hospitals, and finally this past August, 2023, I was diagnosed with PMR (Polymyalsia Rheumatica). The last thing they checked me for was Rheumatoid Arthritis, because the pain was so bad. None of my joints were swollen, hence the PMR diagnosis. I have had MRI's, CatScans, a Pet Scan, bloodwork to last me a lifetime, etc. had to go through a little over 3 years of testing before I received my PMR diagnosis. One similarity that I noticed, is I still have pain on the lower part of my left rib (which is the rib that I broke over 59 years ago - I prevented my son from cracking his head open in the tub but broke my rib in the process).

Have you tried any inflammatory meds, supplements, patches, etc.? Have they diagnosed you yet for the pain (maybe arthritis)? Depending on how you want to approach this will dictate the route you take. I have been to holistic doctor, Specialists, and had to use lidocaine patches to ease pain in various parts of my body (mostly my hip and neck). My husband and his family swear by corticosteroid injections for their back, leg, etc. pain, but I'm not crazy about that type of treatment because I'm not big on needles. Have you seen a Rheumatologist? I have found a wonderful group of Rheumatologists in NJ where I live. I have seen basically one doctor up to this point from that group. When a patient has a problem, they meet as a group to brain storm in order to get a diagnosis (my case was extremely complicated). I have never been a "treat the symptoms" type of girl; I need a diagnosis to get the proper treatment. I was shocked when I actually received a diagnosis after 3 years.

I will be going finally to my appointment this Friday (after waiting for 6 1/2 months) to University of Pennsylvania, Perelman Center, in Philadelphia, to see a Specialist in their Rheumatology Department. I originally tried to get into Mayo Clinic, but their center was so overwhelmed they had to turn me away. If I find out about anything else that would help with reversing or at least easing the pain, I will let you know. Hopefully we can both benefit from this visit.

Did they treat you yet for the arthritis? I got Covid and my pain on the left ribs and side of my body have been hurting since(3 years) every test done. What are you taking if you don’t mind me asking?