I’ve always tried to keep posts on my website positive, with exception to the occasional rant. But, I need to use it for a bit of mental clarity about my battle with the lingering effects of COVID.
A little history
I tested positive for COVID in July of 2020. It’s been almost a year and I’m still having symptoms of the disease. I had tests run earlier this week at St. John’s medical center here in Tulsa because I was having breathing problems and low oxygen. I thought I was having a heart attack – shortness of breath, chest pressure and it felt like my heart was pounding out of my chest. It has been a scary few days. After chest x-rays, CT scan of my heart and lungs, EKG, and blood work, the doctor said my heart is okay. He did find scar tissue on my lungs, he believes is from COVID, but no blood clots. What I was feeling was my airway going into spasms. They think.
I met with my primary care on Thursday and I asked her “Is this going to get better or is it forever?” She said, “we don’t know.” It appears that all they can do right now is treat the symptoms. She’s scheduling me for another chest x-ray next week to see if there’s a change.
My symptoms
I’ve been dealing with the loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, insomnia, low oxygen levels, and fatigue. It’s been going on for months and it feels like it just keeps getting worse. It’s affected my quality of life to a point that it’s creating more problems by not getting enough exercise, not eating right, not getting enough sleep, etc. etc. Seems like a downward spiral. In fact, a few months ago, I thought I was imagining my symptoms. That it was all in my head. That mindset was just making things worse.
Where is the support?
Honestly? I’m angry. I’m scared. I’m frustrated. I was poisoned last July and I can’t find anyone who has answers on what the long-term prognosis is. And I’m really really tired of being sick.
Today I scoured the web for an online support group of other COVID victims in a similar situation. So far, I’ve found one on the net and I’ve sent in my “application” to join it. I also found one on Reddit, which I jumped on today. I don’t belong to Facebook, so those groups aren’t in the cards. No I am not joining Facebook.
With all of the people out there who have had COVID, one would think there’d be dozens of groups around the world supporting long haulers. That’s not the case. If you know of a support group either locally or virtually, please let me know in the comments. If you’re suffering with the effects of COVID, I’d like to hear from you. I know we can’t be alone in this.
I’ll post more as I continue to battle COVID. If you’re not interested in what’s happening, then just skip on by it. For now, I need a release. My blog is the best place for me right now. I hope you all understand.