Long COVID Changes Everything, and it's going to be okay.

As I type today I've got my feet up on a pillow and have some slight tremors remaining in my fingers.  Over the past month I've been set back by a relapse of my Long COVID symptoms.  I think it's important to write about this especially to help any of you out there feeling at a loss when your abilities suddenly change.   Before the relapse hit, I was doing pretty well.  I was able to perform some light house chores, hold conversation with my family and friends, and even go to the grocery store without needing the rest of the day to recover.   My imagination was starting to run on me, thinking of projects and plans I could pursue in the garden, in the house, and on this blog.  Then a couple of things happened.  First, I had a neurocognitive evaluation for two x half day sessions.  The good news is we learned that my cognition is doing very well!  The bad news is I'm like a computer running on low battery.  I can only do so much until I start experiencing concussion-like

I am pleased to announce that a peer of mine with Clear Path Counseling and Wellness is starting a support group for people with fatigue issues, including Long COVID.  Also consider this group if you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Chronic Pain, or any condition that limits your energy to move and think.  I myself will be participating in this group, and I hope to meet some of you there.  Here is the link to register: https://checkout.square.site/buy/EWHZ3WLI6SUJGQLY4GUGQTMQ The full description is below:  Finding an Okay Within Fatigue: A Support Group for People with Long COVID or Chronic Illness Whether you find yourself working through flareups of fatigue, feelings of frustration or grief, loss of social connection, or adjusting your lifestyle around the health impacts of a chronic condition, this group is designed to provide a safe space to be witnessed in community as you work through that impact with support.   Th

 Note: This is a Part Two of a blog about Post Exertional Malaise (PEM).  To read Part One, click here.  I used to be a very active person.  I love nordic skiing, hiking, climbing, and backpacking.  My husband and I like to garden and go birding in the evenings.  Back in Fall 2022, when I was first struggling with Long COVID symptoms, I found myself late canceling on climbing and camping trips with friends.  Gardening had become exhausting and I didn't know why.  So I did what any American would do - I assumed I contracted some form of laziness and looked for something new to motivate me.  This is when I found the wonderful small coaching business called Catalyst Rowing . For any of you who DON'T have PEM, I highly recommend checking them out!  Martha Laugen "Coach Martha", is an amazing woman who has created a safe and inclusive fitness community focused on working out with indoor rowing machines.  I immediately fell in love with the sport.  As a physical therapist I

 Hi everyone, I'm always keeping an eye out for up to date information on Long COVID treatment, and this just crossed my YouTube feed.  Now, let's all remember to take anything from YouTube (or TikTok. or Facebook. or Instagram) with a grain of salt.  But this is from a medical doctor on, the feed of an accredited and well-regarded university.  So it passes my sniff test.   Upon watching I realized this is ONE OF THE BEST short summaries of the symptoms of and treatment for Long COVID.  I'm out of energy today to write more, but stay tuned for a blog where I write about what I am doing and how that fits with his treatment plan.  I am also adding this video to my resource link blog.  Check that out as well for more helpful info on Long COVID . 

  A study in 2022 made the rounds in the news when it revealed women are twice as likely than men to develop Long COVID.  Research since has supported this, with additional data  in 2023 suggesting that middle aged women (35-49 years old) are among the most at risk demographic.   Why is this?  One important factor to recognize, especially with population level research, is the role of social determinants of health .  Women are more likely to struggle with lower socioeconomic status than men. They also deal with gendered responsibilities and healthcare disparities.  These are all indicators for lower health outcomes.   We need better socioeconomic safety nets and comprehensive healthcare for women in the light of this pandemic, and sooner rather than later.  Another important factor is the prevalence of autoimmune disease in women - 4 out of 5 people with autoimmune disease are female.  One of the top ten causes of death for women under age 65 is autoimmune disease.   Long COVID is po

 I used to joke with my admin that I'm allergic to Mondays.  It didn't really feel like a joke, as I felt loaded with shame at the moment.  It was the fourth or fifth Monday in a row in which I cancelled my patient schedule due to feeling unwell.  This unidentified unwellness, which I didn't know was Long COVID, usually began as a lightheaded slightly out of breath feeling on Saturday.  On Sunday, this would escalate to a severe headache.  I'm not one to have headaches (at least I wasn't before). I'd go into PT mode and self treat, working on trigger points and mobilizing my neck, jaw.  Nothing would help.  I'd take an OTC medicine, which would for a little bit, at least to get to sleep.  On Monday I'd wake up with a pounding head, mild fever, and nausea when I tried to get ready for work or eat breakfast.   Sometimes I would cancel Monday, rest for a day, and force myself through the rest of the week.  I love being a PT.  I love meeting people, forming