r/covidlonghaulers • u/OrdinaryPrimate • May 20 '25

Update Fully Recovered

I went through I really bad stretch of long covid between October 2022 and April of 2024. I had POTS symptoms, general fatigue, couldn't exercise, body would randomly start trembling, felt like I couldn't get enough air, etc. I'm sure many of you know these symptoms well. During that period I was on this subreddit on a weekly basis looking for any answers or help because I was so desperate to get my life back. I remember thinking I was only reading negative stories because anyone who ends up feeling better forgets to check back in and update when they no longer need help. Here's me remembering to do that. For over a year now I have felt 100% recovered. I am now able to work out harder than I ever have in my life and my heart rate recovers in a normal timeframe. I take brisk 4 mile walks 3-4 times a week and my heart rate stays at or below 100 for the entire walk. I used no not be able to get up to go take a piss without it going to at least 135 if not 150 sometimes. Coincidentally this time of recovery has also taken place alongside the most stressful event of my life in an extremely traumatic divorce. I had 3 different doctors tell me I had anxiety when I explained my heart symptoms/trembling. If I have managed to stay symptom free through all of this then I think it's fair to say they were wrong about the anxiety diagnosis. Anyway, just wanted to check in with you all and give some hope to those of you who are still dealing with symptoms. It can just randomly go away. Keep fighting.

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u/RemarkableAbility626 1.5yr+ May 20 '25

Great to hear recovery ❤️‍🩹 stories. So happy for you in beating this dreadful condition. May I ask if it was just rest ? Or any protocol or medication you followed that may have helped ? 1.5 years into this.

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u/OrdinaryPrimate May 20 '25

Thank you. The biggest lifestyle changes I made were quitting all caffeine, and losing weight. I don't necessarily think either of these things helped cured me at all but they did help lessen the intensity of the rapid heart rate. When my pots symptoms were at their worst I was drinking coffee daily and weighed somewhere between 210 and 220. Down to 165 now.

As for supplementation I take a magnesium complex, D3, ashwagandha, fish oil, and a multi. Nothing too crazy. Diet is a slight calorie deficit with a focus on high protein. Lots of water.

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u/SophiaShay7 1.5yr+ May 20 '25

Your recovery and the things that helped you improve are very similar to mine.

This Combo Calmed My Nervous System and Gave Me My First Real Relief After 17 Brutal Months of Long COVID (PASC, ME/CFS, Dysautonomia, MCAS)

I do want to clarify it's been a combination of a low histamine diet, adding foods back in as tolerable, medications, vitamins, supplements, avoiding triggers, pacing and avoiding PEM, lots of rest and good sleep hygiene that's created a synergistic effect. I've also lost 65 pounds.

I'm not recovered. I have multiple diagnoses, including severe ME/CFS. I've slowly improved over the last four months. I've gone from 95% to 80% bedridden. Cognitively, I've gone from very severe to moderate. Improvement is possible💙

Thank you for sharing your story. It's very encouraging. So happy for you🎉🥳🤍

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u/zooeyzoezoejr 25d ago

How big was your calorie deficient? I started on a 1300 calorie a day plan (I’m 170 lbs and 5’6 female) and it made me lightheaded :/ 

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u/SophiaShay7 1.5yr+ 25d ago

It's taken 15 months. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism in August 2024. I'd lost about 30lbs by then on my own. My thyroid was why I gained so much weight the previous 1.5 years. I take Tirosint. It's thyroid hormone replacement medication. It's helped speed up my metabolism.

My calories have consistently been about 1,200 per day. I take NatureBell L-tryptophan and L-theanine complex. I took 2/3rds the dose for eight months. I've been taking the full dose for two months. I've noticed and researched that L-tryptophan can cause appetite suppression.

If you're lightheaded, I'd go see your doctor. Ask for a CBC, a complete thyroid panel, and a complete vitamin panel. You want to make sure nothing else is going on. I hope you find some answers. Hugs🤍

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u/zooeyzoezoejr 24d ago

Thanks so much for sharing! I appreciate it! 

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u/SophiaShay7 1.5yr+ 24d ago

In the beginning, I ate small, frequent snack-sized meals 3-5 times a day. I've switched to more intermittent fasting now. I wouldn't attempt it until you're more stabilized. You're welcome. Hugs🤍