Long-Covid & Chronic Illness
Long-Covid
Long COVID (PASC - post acute sequela of COVID-19) is a multi-system, post-viral disease developed after an acute infection of COVID-19, in which symptoms persist for at least 12 weeks after first infection. It is conservatively estimated that 20% of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will develop over 200 listed symptoms. These symptoms occur in variable combinations and can fluctuate in both predictable and unpredictable patterns of flare-ups and remissions.
The most common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise (PEM) and shortness of breath.
Our mental health is also considerably impacted by the post-viral condition; many people develop symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD.
If you have been diagnosed Long-Covid, or if you believe you might have Long-Covid, I would love to support you to bring understanding to your illness and help you grieve the loss of your pre-illness functioning.
Our work together will involve helping you to navigate the twists and turns of your healing journey, grieving losses and learning how to interact with the medical system to avoid more unnecessary trauma. We will focus on nervous system support, celebrating small successes rather than goal setting and reframing your expectations of self and what health looks like. I also provide supportive resources to help you function in your daily life and keep track of your symptoms and treatment options.
Chronic Illness
If you’ve been newly diagnosed, or have been living with a chronic health condition for years, you have felt the impact of the illness on your mental health. Whether you have fibromyalgia, IBS, endometriosis, hypermobility, cancer, PCOS, a thyroid condition or any other chronic health issue, our work together to address the SIX NEEDS OF MOURNING (Wolfelt & Wolfelt, 2019):
Acknowledging the reality of your diagnosis and prognosis
Embracing the pain of your losses
Remembering your past
Incorporating your illness into your self-identity
Searching for meaning
Receiving ongoing support from others
As a person who’s lived with chronic health conditions, I’m in a unique position to help you work through your thoughts, emotions and experiences with chronic illness. I will always affirm your experience of your health and help you to navigate the complicated health care system, as well as explore alternative treatment methods you feel might be supportive. Together we will create a cohesive narrative of your health and your future.
My Long-Covid Story
I contracted COVID-19 in April 2022. After 2 years of diligently masking and limiting activities to avoid the virus, I let my guard down on a trip. My acute infection lasted for a month, the first two weeks of which were marked by severe symptoms of fatigue, migraine, brain fog, malaise, sore throat, muscle weakness, joint pain, congestion, shortness of breath and dizziness. I was fortunate to have been vaccinated and double boosted and I was lucky to have access to two 5-day courses of the antiviral, Paxlovid. However, once my acute infection subsided, I never fully recovered. I learned quickly from a beloved Long Hauler friend - my “Long-Covid doula” (a phrase she coined) - that rest and early intervention for my symptoms were key to any recovery I wanted to make. I have used many methods to treat my illness including acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, heart rate variability biofeedback, the Safe and Sound Protocol, nervous system regulation skills, supplementation, diet changes and more. In July 2022, I was admitted to the Long-Covid Clinic at Scripps Mercy Hospital. From there I was referred to the Brain Injury Recovery Program at Scripps where I worked for two months with an occupational therapist, a speech and language pathologist and a neuro-physical therapist to address my limitations caused by Long-Covid. All of these treatments have led to some new discoveries about my health and some noticeable decreases in my fatigue, brain fog, post-exertional malaise and depression/anxiety. While I’m not fully recovered, I understand how to recognize my fatigue and know when to pace myself. It is because of my experiences with this illness that I became passionate about helping others get through this distressing time and find ways to come back to themselves.
Chronic Illness Bill of Rights
Long Covid Resources
