If you know me or have been reading my blogs, you know I've been dealing with Long Covid for about 15 months now. I've tried every "remedy" out there, seen countless doctors and specialists, done various therapies, and been on dozens of meds. I have had no real progress of any kind.
This has brought me to the decision that maybe it's time to look at alternatives to the "traditional" route. Maybe it's time to look at other options. A holistic approach is definitely what I need, as Long Covid has affected nearly every part of my body cognitively, physically, and emotionally. I have an amazing psychiatric nurse practitioner who manages my mental health meds. I have a brilliant therapist who challenges me and pushes me and "gets" me. I recently found an internal medicine doctor to take on the role of my PCP, who literally said to me, "I have your back," which was exactly what I needed to hear. I met with a health coach yesterday who really made me feel "heard" and validated while looking out for my best interests. But, between the cardiologist, the Covid specialists, the physiatrist, the therapists, and my PCP, I am on SO MANY MEDICATIONS. Half of my meds are to treat side effects from the other meds. I don't want to do that anymore. It's been 15 months of popping pill after pill and still feeling like my quality of life is diminishing more and more every day...
I suffered from debilitating flare-ups of cystitis for a couple of years, and after having a cystoscope, the urologist suggested I begin taking freeze-dried aloe capsules. He said there was more success with fewer side effects than any prescription med on the market. I began taking it immediately, and in the last 5 years, I have only had 2 flare-ups, and increasing the amount of aloe for a couple of days calmed it right down. It was life-changing for me. A plant, freeze-dried, ground up, and put into a capsule, cured a condition I had dealt with for 2 years. So, I have been looking into more CBD products. I have begun to take Lion's Mane, and added Niacin to the mix because Niacin helps with absorption. I am taking Vitamin D, Vitamin C drops, and an Omega 3 supplement. I continue to explore other options, continue to research, to watch documentaries, to look at results others have found.
Long Covid has taken my livelihood. It has changed every single aspect of my life, both personally and professionally. It has changed what I am able to do, how I am able to live, where I go, and who I see. It has taken who I am from me, and it has robbed me of my identity. I am desperate to find a way to get my life back. Traditional routes aren't helping me accomplish that...So, it's time to try alternatives...
