Today is the 100th day after getting infected. Almost everything that was obvious and natural in my life has changed in these 100 days: from working 70 hours a week to being breathless walking to the bathroom. Having been at home for what seems like an eternity, I feel like a little caterpillar locked in a cocoon, who is going to skip spring this year…

But so far for the dramatic introduction, because the reason for writing this blog is quite optimistic really.

Why this blog? I believe that I have gathered valuable information and ways to deal with long COVID that I wish I would have learned easier or sooner. This blog is a simple guide to assist others in breaking up with Mr. Covid.

Who is Mr. Covid? Mr. Covid of course is just a way of pointing out that COVID is only a passenger, someone we meet and have to deal with for a short or sometimes longer while. But Mr. Covid will disappear from our lives, I am sure of it. There were many moments in which I couldn't believe this any longer, that I thought in fact that COVID-19 had incorporated my body and had become part of who I am: an old and permanent exhausted granny... But I notice now that I DO get rid of Mr. Covid, and I hope you will too!

Let’s start with a short summary of my current situation:

What I CAN do again (always start positive): I can take a shower, wash my hair, make my breakfast and lunch, do a 25 minute walk at a relatively normal pace and a yoga/stretch-session daily, concentrate shortly for most reading, podcasts or documentaries, sometimes cook dinner or do very small groceries, having a friend over for a short period of time.

What I CANNOT do yet: all of the above without resting in between, working, climbing the stairs to my apartment on the 5th floor (so much for Berlin’s most beloved old buildings), walking more than 25 minutes at a normal pace, standing still without feeling lightheaded and getting weak legs, doing normal groceries whithout nearly fainting in the shop, cooking dinner without sitting down, drinking any alcohol, having a friend over for a longer period than 1 hour.

What I will discuss in this blog: for all of you who are familiar with the above, dealing with these symptoms on a regular basis as a patient or perhaps a relative, I will share my personal recommendations on the following subjects:

• Dealing with fatigue (the overwhelming exhaustion)
• Pacing (a way to get some control over the fatigue)
• Planning your day
• Yoga & Stretching despite Mr. Covid
• Staying informed
• Breathing exercises
• Nutrition
• Avoiding visits of Melancholy
• and much more…

My goal is to present a lightly written and hopefully fun to read blog, because that is what I would prefer myself. More importantly, I hope that you will find something useful, recognisable, perhaps inspiring or at least moderately entertaining…

You can view all other posts here

_{Image by myself}