Valérie
2 years since diagnosis
Age at interview: 38
Valerie’s symptoms started after a visit to the hospital, in July 2020, for an allergic reaction to antibiotics. After the visit she was no longer able to be up, experienced intense coughing and slept long hours. A sudden and impactful change to her active life when she was busy raising a family, following a study and where she enjoyed many different social activities. In the first two months she visited the emergency department 5-6 times and was told that her symptoms were related to anxiety, a digestive problem or an unknown virus. After several consultations she met an internist who told her it was not in her head but that she had long COVID. It was a big relief to final see a health care professional who understood that her symptoms were not caused by anxiety. Since then she has been actively involved in finding pathways to get better but also had to learn to accept that the best way to take care of herself is to get to know her body and manage her energy well. She now uses a wheelchair and has been unable to return back to work. She remains optimistic despite the challenges she and her family are facing. She copes by enjoying the little gifts of life when sharing memorable nice moments, reducing unrealistic objectives and sharing laughter and jokes with her family.
More content
- Mental Health Support – ValérieValérie had limited mental health support because she had to pay out of pocket.
- Getting Care for Long COVID – ValérieValérie made repeat visits to ER because she couldn't get help elsewhere.
- Complementary and Alternative Care – ValérieValérie gained a sense of control over her symptoms with the help of her kinesiologist.
- Support From Family, Friends, Communities – ValérieValérie notices her supporters running out of steam.
- Impacts on Children and Parenting – ValérieValérie wishes her children didn't have so much responsibility.
- Loss of Income and Need for Financial Support – ValérieValérie is afraid of falling into the hole of an unrecognized illness.
- Loss of Income and Need for Financial Support – ValérieValérie was studying to become a teacher. There was no teaching during lockdown so she was not entitled to employment insurance.
- People with Long COVID Advocating for Themselves – ValérieValérie is fighting to get her disability recognized after her application for social assistance was refused.
- Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – ValérieValérie warns that pushing yourself too hard can have long-term negative consequences.
- Psychosocial Impacts – ValérieValérie hits the wall emotionally every time her symptoms flare up.