Maryam Patelart
Hi everyone. I'm sorry for being away for so long.
What I'm about to share is difficult. But with cases rising drastically as we enter a second wave here in Canada, I believe it's increasingly important to raise awareness of the realities of Covid-19, and its long-term effects.
I got sick over six months ago, on March 12th. It started with moderate flu symptoms, which came in waves. Five days later, I developed intense chest pain and difficulty breathing, and my condition deteriorated significantly. Over 200 days later, I am still not well.
Prior to getting sick I was healthy and active; now climbing up a flight of stairs or talking on the phone for more than 5 minutes can leave me feeling breathless. Performing the most basic tasks can be challenging. I am unable to work, and painting or drawing has become a complete struggle (I'm lucky if I am able to draw at all on a good day). Recovery has been non-linear, and symptoms flare up upon the mildest physical exertion. A bad flare up can leave me bed-ridden for days.
While the acute phase of the illness has passed, I am still experiencing post-viral symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, debilitating fatigue and weakness, radiating pain in my arms, muscle aches, confusion, cognitive dysfunction, and brain fog, just to name a few.
And I am not alone. My symptoms are consistent with hundreds of thousands of people across the globe: Covid "Long-Haulers", which is the name given to patients suffering from long-term effects of Covid-19, aka Long Covid.
These past 6 months have been unlike anything I've experienced. I am grateful because things could’ve been worse. I’m hopeful/remaining positive, but as of now I don’t know when I will get better, and the future is uncertain.
I will try when I can to write more about Long-Covid and my experience with it, share resources, info on Covid testing, etc. Writing is difficult right now, but I want to do what I can to spread awareness and get this message out.
If anything, I want to stress how serious this can be, regardless of age. Please, stay safe. Wear a mask. And stay home if and when you can. Take care everyone <3