Participant 15
Story
“My Covid Journey started in November of 2020 with a weeklong stay in the hospital and several weeks at home on oxygen. By March 2021 I had lost almost all of my hair, I was tired all the time sleeping 16 to 20 hours 2 to 3 days a week, and I was constantly short of breath and weak in my legs. I felt like my brain was in a constant fog being unable to think clearly. My work was suffering and I could no longer work 40 to 50 hours a week which is what I was used to as a Nurse Practitioner. My employer allowed me to work whatever hours I could and she started researching my symptoms and discovered "long haul covid". Since then my employer and those I work with have been very supportive. In addition, because of my symptoms I have been able to identify and help others who are struggling after covid with the same symptoms. That is how God has used my journey. Through my suffering and being comforted by God and those around me, I have been able to comfort others. In the upper right corner, you see the cross of Christ. He is not on the cross because he has risen and he lives in my heart and mind. I have a stethoscope around my neck as I am a nurse practitioner and have worked in healthcare for over 20 years. Around my body map starting left to right is a picture representing an active lifestyle with friends before covid and then a bed in the upper right corner representing the one place I now spend a majority of my life. there is also a sewing machine because I love to quilt. I don't quilt as often as I used to, but it is therapeutic when I do get to spend some time sewing. Next in a rollercoaster which how I feel my life has been since November of 2020. Around my body map are scripture verses that are my favorites when I become frustrated, sad, or angry and they remind me that God is in control of all things - even this.” -COVID Long Hauler
Key
Body Posture:
I am standing, but with a hand on a hip and leaning back. I am usually leaning against a wall, a door frame of a piece of furniture as I am always weak in my legs and tired. Also, standing because it is easier to breathe. I am often standing at home and leaning against a counter because it feels like I am able to take deeper breaths than when I am sitting. My body map represents how I feel my body should look based on my long term covid symptoms. I wish I could find answers to cure the fatigue, brain fog, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Color:
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Red is pain and burning
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Gray is fog
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Black is sadness
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Blue in the lungs is the feeling of drowning
Marks on or under the skin:
The red on my shoulders in the muscle aches and pains, my lungs are shriveled and tied shut. I have a racecar as my heart rate speeds up at times without warning. The marks on my thighs represent spaghetti legs that weak and wobbly, and ice at my feet is that the circulation in my feet is very poor now and my feet are always cold.
Personal Symbol:
My personal symbol is a shield with a cross and flames. The shield represents strength and protection from fatal injury and the cross is the representative of Jesus Christ who is the one who provides me with strength and protection. God is in control and even though Covid has changed my life, God will use it to strengthen me and to encourage and comfort others who are experiencing the same issues. The flames represent the process of refining. Just as gold is refined by fire and the impurities are burned away the trials brought by long term covid are a means of refining my heart and mind to focus on God and His plan from my life.
Personal Slogan:
Only in the darkness can you see the Stars - MLK jr.
My scars and blemishes don't weaken me, they strengthen me because they are visible signs that I have overcome difficulties and I am more that a survivor, I am a warrior battle scars and all!
Future:
I am uncertain of what the future holds. There are days here and there in the last month that I felt "normal" but then the fatigue returns. Whatever the future holds "it is what it is" This not a flippant statement it is deeply rooted in the truth that God is sovereign in all things even this. Also, God works all things for the good of those who are called by Him. So, even though life is different and difficult at times, I am content in knowing that this is what God has planned for my life.
Message to others:
Long Haul Covid is real, and just because the symptoms can't be identified in blood work or diagnostic testing don't let anyone discredit your physical and emotional symptoms. Dealing with the symptoms can be frustrating, infuriating, exhausting, spiritually draining, and life challenging. Don't give up! The goal is to be able to adapt and live life despite the symptoms. Share with others who might be going through the same thing so that through your experiences and suffering you may be able to comfort others, validate their symptoms, and provide support to them. This is not the end, it is just the beginning of your journey.