My pulmonologist had me start going to a rheumatologist a couple years ago after I got long COVID. I just had all normal labs, but one came back positive for Lupus. It could be just fluke, but she wants to see me in 6 months. My sister has Lupus, so I wouldn’t be shocked...but, also would not be shocked if that lab next time came back normal. 🤷🏻♀️
Good article, thank you. I’m fortunate to have had excellent medical professionals helping me with Lupus (SLE) and Long Covid (PASC).
I was also diagnosed with a mood disorder as a young adult, and more recently, PTSD as well. When dealing with most medical professionals, Lupus and Long Covid symptoms have been met with care and concern. When I relay my history of mental illness/brain disorder, it’s too much to process. People start to slip away. Suffice it to say, the complexity overwhelms even me. When asked if my current depression and anxiety symptoms are from Long Covid, I find myself screaming inside. How the hell could I possibly know?
What’s happening in my body can’t be placed into neat packages. My overwhelm often manifests as shame. “Mind, body, and spirit” are not often perceived as one. If only it were that simple. Shame for not being able to “man up” and keep going never really goes away. Suffice it to say, life with any chronic illness is hard. Multiple layers off illness is beyond hard- it just plain sucks.
On that note, I will end this epistle. I need a nap now
My pulmonologist had me start going to a rheumatologist a couple years ago after I got long COVID. I just had all normal labs, but one came back positive for Lupus. It could be just fluke, but she wants to see me in 6 months. My sister has Lupus, so I wouldn’t be shocked...but, also would not be shocked if that lab next time came back normal. 🤷🏻♀️
Let me know if you’d like to talk more, Shannon! -Emily
Ok, thank you Emily!
Good article, thank you. I’m fortunate to have had excellent medical professionals helping me with Lupus (SLE) and Long Covid (PASC).
I was also diagnosed with a mood disorder as a young adult, and more recently, PTSD as well. When dealing with most medical professionals, Lupus and Long Covid symptoms have been met with care and concern. When I relay my history of mental illness/brain disorder, it’s too much to process. People start to slip away. Suffice it to say, the complexity overwhelms even me. When asked if my current depression and anxiety symptoms are from Long Covid, I find myself screaming inside. How the hell could I possibly know?
What’s happening in my body can’t be placed into neat packages. My overwhelm often manifests as shame. “Mind, body, and spirit” are not often perceived as one. If only it were that simple. Shame for not being able to “man up” and keep going never really goes away. Suffice it to say, life with any chronic illness is hard. Multiple layers off illness is beyond hard- it just plain sucks.
On that note, I will end this epistle. I need a nap now
Let me know if you’d like to talk more. -Emily