I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but this (sorry to say) isn’t dead yet

I’m not the one who posted this question, but it showed me right away I wasn’t alone

The night before last, I was sitting here watching a movie, holding a couple ice packs on my face and trying not to think about this godawful long covid inflammation that returned on Sept 10—the day after my 2 1/2 hour dental appointment—when it hit me: was I the only one who experienced this? 

I checked out my former Reddit hangout (Covid Long-Haulers) and did a search for relapses following dental work, and omigod—dozens & dozens of people suffering big relapses after (extended) visits to the dentist.  One medical professional theorized it had something to do with a still overactive vagus (cranial) nerve, and high speed drilling and injections into the oral region while in long-term covid was a recipe for disaster. 

I only wish I’d seen this before sitting in that dental chair for 3 hours.

I also wish I had an idea how long this is going to last.  I was living with mild relapses pretty much daily, but they usually only lasted 30 minutes or so, 1-2 times a day.  My last “big” relapse was in July, and lasted 4 days.  This one (the most severe in over a year) has been ongoing for 2 weeks straight.

I’m sorry for sharing all of this again, I just wrote about it 2 posts ago.  I’m just worn out and infuriated.  I tried going outside yesterday for some sun & fresh air and it just made things worse.  All I can do right now is keep reminding myself I got past this before.

I am seeing a little improvement with my feet at least, I’m able to walk on hard surfaces (like my dining room & kitchen floors) without shoes, as long as I’m wearing double-thick Gold Toe socks. 

I don’t believe it has much to do with that shockwave therapy though.  My third shockwave treatment is later today.  During my second treatment last Wednesday, I asked the doctor if he treated many others with this foot disorder, he said yes, many.  I said “Are they all fixable?”  He said “I’m not going to lie to you, half of them have been coming here weekly for years.” 

WHAT!  I decided I had to be more pro-active about this.

I began watching so-called “plantar” specialists on youtube, and several days ago came across one doctor who said “If you’re experiencing burning sensations in your calves after a long walk, or the middle of the night while in bed, you need to start calf exercises right away.  If you ignore your symptoms, they could develop into Achilles tendonitis, or worse yet, plantar fasciitis.” 

Yep, that’s exactly what happened to me.  I’ve been doing foot & calf-stretching exercises 3-4 times daily for 6 days now. 

Anyway, that’s all I have right now.  I may not be posting again too soon, I need to get past these issues a little more or get in a better state of mind at least.  Yesterday a dear friend told me her sister was awaiting an organ transplant and it didn’t lessen my own discomforts any, but did help me see my own situation in a better perspective.  Thank you as always for being here, take care, talk to everyone soon.