SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) Around California and the Bay Area youll find them: members of a club that no one wants to join. These are patients who experience lingering misery after they no longer test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Theyre known as the long-haulers.
About 10 percent of patients whove had an initial COVID-19 infection will go on to not fully recover, said UCSF neurologist Dr. Juliet Morgan.
It puzzled a lot of us, said Dr. Meghan Jobson, palliative care Fellow at UCSF.
KPIX met two long-haulers: retired former banker Bruce Wheeler and Carla, who is a first responder. Carla asked us not to use her last name.
It felt very lonely and, after a while, you wonder: is this in my head? Wheeler said.
When Carla first noticed the symptoms of her long-haul syndrome, she was worried.
I dont think Im going to be OK, she remembered thinking.
Both were infected last year and felt awful. The infections went away but their brush with the novel coronavirus was far from over. For months, they continue to suffer baffling, debilitating health conditions.
I know what its like to be really tired but this was different, explained Carla.
Carla used to bicycle hundreds of miles and run marathons. Today, she feels extraordinary fatigue, shortness of breath and a terrible, systemic pain.
You know when you cut yourself and you put alcohol in there and you know it burns? she asked. It was similar to that but all over.
Wheeler was an active hiker but he now reports fatigue, persistent shortness of breath, nausea, brain fog and destabilizing headaches.
Many days I get up at 8 oclock in the morning and, at 10 oclock, Im back in bed because my headache is pounding away, he said.
The symptoms for long-haul syndrome vary but can also include a loss of the sense of smell and taste, as well as hair loss.
Theres also a report of patients developing serious inflammatory conditions. Preliminary data indicate that some asymptomatic college athletes developed an inflammatory heart condition.
Whats frustrating is that the syndrome is not well understood. Family, friends, co-workers and colleague often express disbelief at the constellation of symptoms, questioning if the patient is actually sick. Often, patients are mistakenly prescribed anti-anxiety medicine, even anti-depressants.
There just werent answers, Wheeler said.
I felt hopeless, said Carla.
Their situation reached the attention of Dr. Morgan and Dr. Jobson. They both specialize in chronic conditions that impact quality of life and they have expertise in integrative medicine.
What we had been hearing from multiple survivors of COVID-19 is that they didnt feel heard, explained Dr. Jobson.
The cause for the syndrome remains unclear although it may involve an overreactive immune or inflammatory response. And, while older people appear more likely to get it, young people are not immune.
We will see plenty of very young patients in their twenties and thirties who have this COVID long-haul syndrome who continue to suffer, Dr. Morgan said.
The doctors established an online COVID support group: the first of its kind in the nation. Meetings are packed.
There is strength in survivorship, explained Dr. Jobson.
During group sessions, patients share their stories. The doctors answer questions, address fringe treatments and provide expertise in how to manage symptoms.
Shortness of breath, the fatigue we know a lot of the data and literature surrounding these things, Dr. Jobson said.
Instruction is given in ways to relax such as mindfulness and meditation.
Mindfulness is actually pretty powerful and potent medicine. We know in studies that it can reduce markers of stress like cortisol. It can reduce inflammatory markers like IL-6. Dr. Morgan explained.
Bruce Wheeler and Carla told KPIX the online support and help has already provided a great benefit.
Literally in the last two weeks, I began to see improvement on the headache front, Wheeler said.
Instead of doing it every once in a while, now I do it every day, every night, Carla added.
They also learn from each other what strategies work, what doesnt and theyve been inspired by others.
I am really impressed by Carlas strength and that she saw the silver lining even when it was a really bad, bad day, Bruce commented.
Carla did lose her hair. When Bruce saw her online, Carla recounted how he said just the right thing.
He took it upon himself to say You know what Carla, it actually looks pretty good on you, she smiled.
As for the doctors, theyve learned quite a lot from their patients: curiosity, resilience, respect and tenacity.
Theyre showing us what it looks like to ask for help, Dr. Morgan said.
We encourage other people in other areas of the country to start support groups, Dr. Jobson added.
There are other extraordinary COVID long-haul syndrome support groups, such as Survivor Corps and Body Politic.
The UCSF group was so successful and helpful to the long-haulers involved, they asked Dr. Jobson and Dr. Morgan to extend it. Now a new one is set to begin this spring. There is no cost to patients.
See the rest here:
COVID Long-Haulers Find Relief Among Fellow Sufferers on Road to Recovery - CBS Miami
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 9th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- Preventing Heart Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Colloidal silver to boost immunity and overall health [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2010]
- Liver diseases identified as Europes silent killers [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Vitamins and Good Sense [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Malpractice Fears Can Influence Medical Practice [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 28th, 2010]
- Dangerous Fungus Now Endemic in Pacific Northwest: CDC [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2010]
- Tobacco firms bypass marketing restrictions with clever web campaigns [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2010]
- Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer Risk [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 27th, 2010]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2011]
- Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]