Tag: covid

My Life: Title: Living Through Long COVID: The Daily Battle Against Lingering Effects

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global challenge, affecting millions of lives worldwide. While many have thankfully recovered from the virus with mild symptoms, others have experienced a different, more perplexing reality – the lingering effects of long COVID. In this blog post, we delve into the world of those living with long COVID, exploring the everyday challenges they face and shedding light on the importance of understanding and supporting this unique group of individuals. And I am one of those unique individuals!

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms and health issues long after their initial COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even longer, making daily life a continuous struggle for those affected.

The Spectrum of Long COVID Effects

The effects of long COVID vary greatly from person to person, and their severity can fluctuate over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  1. Extreme Fatigue: One of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of long COVID is extreme fatigue. Individuals may find themselves unable to perform simple daily tasks without feeling exhausted.
  2. Respiratory Issues: Long COVID can lead to lingering respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, even in individuals who had mild initial COVID-19 infections.
  3. Cognitive Impairment: Many long COVID sufferers report experiencing “brain fog,” memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and overall cognitive impairment that impacts their work and personal life.
  4. Chronic Pain: Persistent body aches, joint pain, and headaches are common, leaving those afflicted with long COVID in a constant state of discomfort.
  5. Emotional and Psychological Impact: The prolonged nature of long COVID can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
  6. Loss of Smell and Taste: Some individuals may continue to experience the loss of smell and taste, affecting their appetite and quality of life.

Navigating Daily Life with Long COVID

Living with long COVID means adapting to a new normal that can be filled with uncertainty and challenges. Many individuals must alter their daily routines and lifestyles to accommodate their symptoms. Here are some of the everyday effects long COVID patients grapple with:

  1. Occupational Challenges: For those who were previously employed, long COVID can disrupt their ability to return to work or maintain productivity. Cognitive difficulties and fatigue can hinder job performance, leading to career setbacks and financial strain.
  2. Limited Social Interactions: The ongoing symptoms of long COVID may necessitate isolation and social distancing measures, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness and alienation.
  3. Family and Relationships: Long COVID can put a strain on personal relationships, as partners and family members try to comprehend the unpredictable nature of the condition.
  4. Medical Appointments: Regular visits to healthcare providers become a necessity for long COVID patients, adding to their physical and financial burden.
  5. Mental Health Support: Seeking emotional support and coping with the emotional toll of long COVID become vital aspects of daily life, often requiring professional counseling or therapy.

Support and Understanding

As the medical community continues to study long COVID, it is crucial to foster empathy and understanding for those enduring its effects. Supportive measures can be taken at various levels:

  1. Medical Community: Improved research, specialized clinics, and multidisciplinary approaches are required to better diagnose and treat long COVID.
  2. Workplace Flexibility: Employers should implement flexible work arrangements to accommodate employees recovering from long COVID, enabling them to gradually return to work.
  3. Social Support Networks: Establishing support groups and community forums for long COVID patients can foster a sense of belonging and alleviate the feeling of isolation.
  4. Mental Health Resources: Increased access to mental health services can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of long COVID.

Living through long COVID has been a daunting journey that requires patience, resilience, and unwavering support. By understanding the everyday effects and challenges faced by long COVID sufferers, we can work together to create a more compassionate and inclusive society. As we continue to fight the pandemic, let us not forget those who are still grappling with its aftermath and extend a helping hand to make their lives more manageable and meaningful.

God Bless You!

Healthy Summer?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I am naming this summer “The Summer of Getting Well!” By giving it a name, I possess a road map of what I must do for myself and our son to get on the right road of health. Coming back to North Carolina was not what I expected it to be for our family. These past years in North Carolina have been challenging for our health and finances. And now, to complicate matters, we are in the muck and mire of continual doctor visits. While trying to thwart these health issues and, for me, breathe better, it has come with a cost, because I contacted Long Covid back in February. 

So, our main objective is to get our health under control, even if it requires us to relocate to a better environment.  Which makes me very unhappy because we moved back to be close to family, especially our grandkids! What to do? What to do? I feel like Winnie the Pooh, pondering my problem. Except, no honey for me unless they make honey from diabetic bees.

The only disease I did not have when we moved back was Long Covid. Never one to be left out; I caught it this past February. Yep, one biological infusion wiped out my immune system, and the next day, I acquired Covid.  I could not walk or even raise my body. Fortunately for me, they have a program called Hospital at Home. So, besides their people who came in three times a day, I had my boys shoving broth and soup down me.  I did lose around 35 lbs in two weeks. But I would not have survived without all of them along with my excellent family doctor monitoring what the hospital was doing. God must have me here for a reason, but what? Because so far, I am progressing at a snail’s pace physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Are you suffering from Long Covid or a Chronic Disease that is dragging your body down and throwing your finances out the window? I know your physical, emotional, and mental anguish which can take over our ability to function every day.  It is not easy to rise above this mucky mire we find ourselves sinking into, but there are people out there with suggestions and methods to help us! We have to find the one that works for us and then do it. Sometimes a medical professional is the answer.  Take the first step toward getting well or as well as you can be this summer. 

My therapy consists of Yoga, reading my bible daily, praying, and listening to books on Audible. I have to do them for it to be effective and so will you. What activities soothe your soul? Find them and begin to heal your body from the inside out!

God Bless You!