The author recounts their struggle with persistent symptoms after COVID, initially mistaken for anxiety, later diagnosed as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). They detail managing autonomic dysfunction through lifestyle adjustments and support, emphasizing the emotional impact on family and the ongoing nature of recovery.
Tag: managing long covid
Boost Your Productivity with Science-Backed Power Naps
Power naps, lasting 10-20 minutes, enhance alertness, mood, and memory while reducing fatigue. For those with Long Covid, they serve as vital self-care, fitting into a pacing strategy to mitigate symptoms. Even quiet resting, without sleeping, offers significant benefits. Proper timing and understanding personal responses maximize effectiveness and support recovery.
Understanding Long COVID: Muscle Dysfunction Explained
Many individuals with Long COVID experience fatigue and muscle pain due to biological changes in muscle tissue. Research indicates mitochondrial dysfunction and alterations in muscle fiber composition contribute to prolonged recovery times and symptoms like post-exertional malaise. Effective management requires personalized approaches focusing on pacing and ongoing research into therapies.
Understanding Life with Long COVID
The narrator reflects on the challenges of living with Long COVID, detailing the emotional and physical toll it takes on daily life. They describe careful management of energy, the unpredictability of symptoms, and the persistent grief for their past self. Yet, amidst the struggle, they find moments of joy and resilience.
Long COVID Treatment: Why Talking Therapy Isn’t Enough
Long COVID is a complex biomedical condition, not a psychological disorder that can be treated through talking therapy or exercise alone. It involves physiological issues like endothelial and mitochondrial dysfunction, persistent inflammation, and immune dysregulation. Psychological support may help patients cope with emotional trauma, but it cannot replace necessary medical interventions for their condition.
The Lingering Effects of COVID-19: A Multi-Organ Condition
The narrative surrounding COVID-19 must evolve; it is not merely "just a virus." Long COVID reveals serious and enduring health impacts across multiple organs, with symptoms that extend beyond fatigue. The need for recognition, proper screening, and treatment is crucial as individuals continue to suffer significant consequences long after the initial infection.
Long COVID and Beauty: Skin, Hair, and Nail Recovery Tips
Long COVID negatively impacts skin, hair, and nails, causing issues like breakouts, hair shedding, and nail brittleness. Chronic inflammation, stress, circulation problems, and hormonal disruptions contribute to these changes. However, with appropriate care and patience, individuals can manage these beauty concerns and aid recovery over time.
Understanding Weight Changes with Long Covid
Long Covid can cause significant weight fluctuations due to gut inflammation, immune dysfunction, and gut dysbiosis. These factors lead to inefficiencies in digestion and metabolism, resulting in either weight loss or gain. To manage these issues, adopting anti-inflammatory diets, probiotics, stress management, and hydration are recommended for restoring balance.
Navigating Long COVID: Lessons from Sea Turtles
Living with Long COVID parallels the life of a sea turtle, emphasizing endurance and adaptability. This journey involves embracing a slower pace, managing energy wisely, and learning to navigate life's currents with resilience. The struggle teaches the importance of self-care and finding beauty in the journey, valuing moments over speed.
Understanding Long COVID: Why Exercise May Worsen Symptoms
Long COVID affects many, with exercise intolerance being a significant symptom. A study identified that exercise can fragment harmful microclots, worsening inflammation and vascular injury. This underscores the need for personalized exercise plans for patients. Understanding microclots may lead to new treatment strategies, requiring further research for effective interventions.
Dealing with Dismissive Doctors: Long COVID Guide
Navigating long COVID requires patients to advocate for themselves, especially when faced with dismissive doctors. Maintain clarity about symptoms, provide evidence, and know your rights regarding the legitimacy of long COVID. If treatment feels oversimplified or inadequate, seek second opinions or specialized care. Trust your instincts in finding supportive healthcare.
Parenting with Long COVID. How to cope as a parent.
Parenting during long COVID presents unique challenges such as severe fatigue, brain fog, and emotional strain. It encourages parents to embrace a relaxed approach, master quick naps, simplify expectations, communicate openly with kids, and seek help from friends and family. Humor and self-kindness are essential components for navigating this difficult period.
Navigating Conversations About Long COVID: Tips and Responses
The article offers practical responses for people with long COVID facing the common question, "How are you?" It suggests tailored replies for different relationships, balancing honesty and simplicity without oversharing. The overarching message encourages individuals to share their struggles when comfortable while reminding them that it's okay to keep conversations light.
Long COVID Isn’t Left or Right: When Politics Hijacks a Health Crisis
Long COVID has become politicized, leading to a fragmented response to a significant health crisis affecting millions. It's crucial to recognize that Long COVID transcends political beliefs and demands a unified, science-based approach. Addressing this issue requires bipartisan cooperation, focusing on research, care, and genuine understanding rather than ideological battles.
Long COVID: Affects More than Just the Vulnerable
Long COVID misconceptions suggest it only affects the vulnerable; however, many fit individuals, including athletes, have developed severe long-term symptoms. Research indicates that fitness does not guarantee immunity. This belief perpetuates stigma and misinformation. Awareness and support for those affected are crucial to advancing understanding and reducing judgment around long COVID.
Traveling with Long COVID: When to Use a Wheelchair
Navigating travel with Long COVID presents challenges, particularly in deciding whether to use a wheelchair. A wheelchair can conserve energy, reduce the risk of Post-Exertional Malaise, and alleviate pain. The decision depends on factors like support, space size, energy levels, and patience. Prioritizing rest before and after travel is crucial for recovery.
Impact of COVID Vaccines on Long COVID Neurological Symptoms
Recent research reveals that COVID-19 vaccination does not significantly lower the risk of developing neurological symptoms associated with Long COVID. While vaccines don't prevent these symptoms, they still reduce overall Long COVID risk and the likelihood of severe COVID-19. Understanding these findings is essential for informed health decisions.
Understanding Long COVID: Key Strategies for GP Support
The leaflet developed by Long COVID SOS, the Clinical Post-COVID Syndrome Society, and the Royal College of General Practitioners aids GPs in managing Long COVID. It provides insights on symptoms, holistic support, referral guidelines, and valuable resources to improve care, validating patient experiences and addressing this complex healthcare challenge effectively.
Homemade Electrolyte Drink for POTS Relief
The author shares their experience with long COVID and autonomic dysfunction, specifically POTS, which causes dizziness and fainting. They found electrolytes helpful for managing symptoms and offer a recipe for a homemade electrolyte drink. This drink aids hydration without added sugars, benefiting those with similar health conditions. Always consult a doctor before trying new remedies.
Celebrating small victories: Living with Long COVID
The author reflects on the significance of small victories while living with long COVID, such as walking for a cappuccino. They highlight the emotional complexities tied to these moments, describing shifts in the perception of success and self-care. Celebrating minor achievements is emphasized as essential for resilience and finding joy amidst challenges.
Long COVID The Real Invisible Challenge
Long COVID is a complex condition distinct from simple deconditioning. It presents unique symptoms like brain fog, nerve pain, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), where exertion causes severe fatigue. Autonomic dysfunction further complicates recovery, making exercise challenging. Research indicates it’s not linked to laziness or lack of fitness but involves systemic issues needing careful management.
Long Covid Journey 