I'm not in a good place right now. I know I've been talking a lot about this long covid since it's return last September, and many of you have been kind and supportive. It's been very much appreciated. But it's especially difficult right now.
I've been living daily with varying degrees of discomfort, 3-4 on a scale of 1 to 10. Not bad enough to prevent me from sitting on my living room floor and blogging, or doing mild exercises, or a walk to the store a couple times a week. But enough to prevent me from going on long walks or family visits or meeting up with people. They call it a "hermit's disease" for a reason.
But this past week it's been steadily building in symptoms. I woke up Saturday morning in some severe distress, Sunday morning even worse. (My head feeling like it's in a painful clamp, aching cheekbones. Burning dry mouth. Lots of inflammation. My jaw muscles are swollen and hurt a lot.)
I've been spending my time in my bedroom with the door shut and under a blanket with my tablet, listening to podcasts with old celebrities like Linda Blair, Barry Williams, Melissa Sue Anderson, Crystal Gayle. I just have this strong need to hide away from everything, everybody.
I don't know how long this is going to continue. I'm hoping it dies back down a bit and I can go back to posting blogs. But right now I don't know if that's 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months.
Just wanted to put it out there. As always, thanks for listening.
Dug, I hate to hear this... and feel so helpless. I asked AI for possible ways to releave symptoms like yours due to long covid and it came up with things to try like a warm damp compress or heating pad to relax muscles, or a cold pack to relieve pain, or massage the jaw muscles, etc. as well as medications that 'might' give some relief. I know you've probably done all of these yourself, so this is no help.
ReplyDeleteBut I keep thinking someone may come up with something that could help and post it here. Since the doctors don't seem to have answers, maybe someone else who is suffering with this, might. Take care my friend, and know that I'm sending prayers, good vibes, ... and virtual hugs!
We’re here for you, except that “here” is a long way away.
ReplyDeleteYou probably wouldn’t want people dropping in anyway.
I'm so sorry. I wish there was ANYTHING we could do to help you.
ReplyDeleteI saw someone on tv say "Covid is over". It's not over. It's not a punchline.
I'm so sorry.
Hi Doug,
ReplyDeleteI'd like to be like the Kathryn Hays character in the Empath episode of Star Trek and take away all the pain you're going through. Take care.
Steve from Toronto
Like Miss Merry, I wish there were something we could do to help. So very sorry to hear of the pain you're encountering. Does any kind of painkiller help relieve it at all.
ReplyDeleteIn any event, know that we are thinking of you, and hoping for better news soon. Take care of yourself - we'll be here when you return.
Even if we can’t do much to help, we are listening. Really.
ReplyDeleteHi Doug. This is so discouraging, and I'm so sorry you are having a severe flareup again. All of your blog friends are sending you wishes for strength to get through this.
ReplyDeleteCarole
P.S. I just sent you an email about a research article, highlight the use of short term dose of prednisone to break the cycle of the inflammation causing the flare up of long term covid,
ReplyDeleteCarole
Thank you Carole, thanks everybody.
ReplyDeleteThis is just terrible news. I am so sad that you are having to exist in this manner. Is there any way you can contact your medical provider and get some help? It seems as though you have withdrawn from all contact, even your medical help. This is not good. You definitely need help.
ReplyDeleteI did leave a message with my (former) doctor's office earlier, asking about the article Carole above sent me. But I know it was discussed awhile back. The fact is, there is no medical help for this condition. It just needs a lot of time for recovery and these relapses are common.
DeleteSo wish one of us could help you. Always willing to listen/read your blog about your pain. What a miserable way to live. Pray that your severe, and not so severe, symptoms will fade so that you can enjoy people in your life again. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteI hate to hear this. We're all pulling for you to beat this damn disease once and for all. It's terrible to know what you are going through and not be able to offer some help. Just know that we'll all be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts and well wishes! 🤗
ReplyDeleteThanks very much everyone. Wonderful comments, much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThis is not good. You are learning to live with it and suffer through it. Next you will learn how to accomodate it. I have lived with 5 of 10 back pain for more than 20 years. Yours is different, and you will learn to accomodate it because it is a companion; an everyday accomplice. That's the best hope I can offer. How I hope it is of even a little use right now. All my best to you, dear man.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Doug. We all feel helpless so I can imagine how you feel. I know you probably have heard it already but if this is nerve pain, see a neurologist , Botox, gamma knife, look into everything if you can. And also find a therapist. They offer virtual visits. I know you don’t always feel like physically talking but it can be a great help when dealing with chronic illnesses. I have had a set back too and feeling the dizziness, head pressure and loud tinnitus ( tinnitus never got better) again. It sucks. I’m sick of it. Hang in there, we’re all here for you. Joyce
ReplyDeleteDoug, I am so sorry. I had a feeling you were having a setback. Sending much love and healing thoughts.❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteLots of lovely ( and deserved ) well wishes from your blog family
ReplyDeleteLike others have said , I wish I was closer and could at least pop in some groceries for you
Siobhan
Thanks very much, ladies, friends. Appreciate the kind thoughts very much. ❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteI had a bad feeling, Doug. :( I absolutely hate this for you. Here you are, ready to get out, socialize, do activities at the senior center, and then this long covid keeps ruining it for you. I wish there were answers or relief. I can only offer my support, wishes for better days and hugs from afar!
ReplyDeleteOh, Doug! Life is so unfair, if only we could solve this problem with you!
ReplyDeleteCeci
Feeling helpless is right. Keep sharing with us, Dug; reaching out is good. We're all out here doing our various things in your name - some of us praying for you, some writing wonderful words, some researching, all wishing we could do more. Rest easy, take deep breaths, and know we care. Kim in PA
ReplyDeleteHello, I've been reading your blog for a couple years now but have never commented. I don't always read the comments so I don't know if someone else has brought this up previously. But, given your history of TMJ disorder, and because this current problem intensified after your extensive dental work, have you considered that the TMJ has gotten much, much worse? Is it possible that you have long covid AND TMJ? Have you seen a doctor who specializes in TMJ? Perhaps some of these symptoms could be alleviated?
ReplyDeleteLynnda
Thank you everyone for the kind words. Lynnda its much appreciated what you said here, I worried the same thing. But the pain levels in the lower face go up & down throughout the day (when I had tmj the pain was constant). Also, I'm able to chew okay. I just hope this doesn't develop into tmj disorder.
ReplyDeleteIn my prayers Doug.
ReplyDeleteI put your symptoms in the Gemini search. Yes, it could be from long covid.
ReplyDeleteAlso said it could be a severe sinus infection. It could be a salivary gland infection,
called Sialadenitis. It could be Temporal Arteritis. This is an inflammation of the blood vessels near the temples. it typically causes a severe, clamping headache, jaw pain (especially when chewing), and requires prompt medical attention to protect your vision.
if you develop a high fever, sudden vision changes or blurring, difficulty swallowing, or if the swelling spreads toward your throat or eyes, go to the ER or urgent care right away.
Also says you can try applying a warm compress to the swollen jaw muscles and sip water frequently for the dry mouth. Hope this helps. Sandy
ReplyDeleteSandy again: forgot to mention that Gemini also recommends a dentist who specializes in orofacial pain or TMJ disorders is excellent at diagnosing jaw muscle swelling and nerve-related pain.
ReplyDelete