Post Coronavirus fatigue support

[Annie22]

Hi to the support community 

I’m hopeful that someone may be able to relate and perhaps provide some guidance with reference to their own experience or someone close to them.
I’ve been dealing with post COVID fatigue now for 10 weeks. I’m under the care of a GP, but as this is still a relatively new virus, they don’t necessarily have all the answers for my questions. The GP indicated around 12 weeks for full recovery. In the last two weeks I have noticed a small amount of improvement in my leg strength and less muscle aches and pains but still have lethargy after small amounts of exertion and needing to rest a lot. Still have not attempted a short walk. I would just like an indication as to how it might all happen from hereon in? And expectations for a good way I may return to work? (Details appreciated). Many thanks. 😊

[ecomama]

Hey Annie, welcome to the forums. 

You've brought a very important topic to the forums, one that others here have been dealing with. I hope you can all get together to support each other with your experiences. 

My eldest daughter contracted covid early this year. She lives in her own home, so none of us here had contact with her, just dropped fresh foods and necessities at her door. She's in her early 30s and lived a vital, energetic life before Covid. She has had some major health concerns though. 

It took her a full 4 months to see positive signs of post covid fatigue. She did a lot in attempts to get well again. 
Some things she did to aide her recovery, aren't approved for me to tell you here. They include many alternative concoctions. 

She's very well again now, please have hope things will improve for you. 
EM

[Annie22]

😀Thanks ecomama for your assurance and swift response. It was a big surprise to me too, having led an active, independent lifestyle, to be stuck like this for such an extended period. I’m staying with my parents while I recover. Thankful for them. Just difficult to be patient. 

[Tulipels]

Hi Annie. Whatever you do, do not push yourself. It may take time and improvement can be slow

[ecomama]

Hey Annie, my pleasure. 

I'm grateful for your parents lol! 

Can you take this amazing opportunity to look at things while you're in hiatus? 
You joined the forums so you're already doing this lol. 

We have a Self-care thread here, you might like to look at and or post in? 

Alexa (not her real name lol) my eldest daughter took the opportunity to get back into her ART. 
Of course she needed to ask for extensions on all sorts as she's completing her Psych Honours this year eeek! lol. 
She also had to continue working from home. She toned this down as much as possible. 

She gave herself permission to have this SPACE IN TIME to learn how to BE again. 
Meditated. Slept alot! (This is unusual for her and I lol). 
Read a bit till she fell asleep again. 

She got into our family fave variety of Vitamin C, had magnesium baths. Showered regularly and drank a kajillion litres of purified water - she felt the instinct to cleanse her body of the toxins. 

She also realised the healing power of joy and laughter. They had a new little kitten who's full of mischief and created a great source of laughter for her during this time. 
She loves absorbing herself in podcasts, so got to dive into these too. 

I think because she took this opportunity to deeply care for herself, she looks and feels better than before. 

Prayers for your healing and development of patience too lol! 
Love EM

[Annie22]

😁thanks EM. Yes am finding out about self-care through this experience. Those are great suggestions and I did start meditations and mindfulness practices for the first time during this period and find them quite helpful. Will check out the self-care thread. 

[quirkywords]

Annie

thanks for this thread and mentioning it. How are you feeling now.?

EM  I have done many of the the ideas you mentioned but there is little change. I keep muddling along. I used to find knitting a good therapy but have no energy even for that, 

[Annie22]

sorry quirky words, I replied to the other post. I’ll stick to the other thread from now on. I’m going to try a pacing program now as limited improvement overall.