For aerik, losing the ability to read and write meant the loss of an important way of coping with disability.
Transcript
Before COVID I was in a place where I could read and write and I really lost access to a lot of that. That has come back since I’ve been taking the antihistamines daily. I’m more able to read and write than I have been since before COVID but I think that has been – that’s been really hard. That has been a real loss for me as someone who really – even when I was like really isolated because of disability, like that was kind of how I stayed connected to people and communities, was reading books and writing and watching things; like watching movies and documentaries.
Even now the amount of that I can do is far less than what it once was so I think that has certainly been probably one of the hardest. And that also shows up in communication, you know? Losing or not being able to like continue on a track of a conversation. Not being able to like listen and take in information verbally in the ways that I was before. I think those have all been things that impacted me and have had to force me to really shift the way that I do things.
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- Getting Care for Long COVID – aerikaerik found a naturopathic training college where they could get care.
- Symptoms of Long COVID – aerikFor aerik, losing the ability to read and write meant the loss of an important way of coping with disability.
- Complementary and Alternative Care – aerikaerik has complex health needs and can't afford private care. They were able to attend a free clinic at a naturopathic college.
- Advice to Policy Makers – aerikaerik thinks disability support systems don't reflect the reality of living with chronic illness.
- Seeking Information About Long COVID – aerikaerik describes how the crowd sourced information about potential treatments.
- Support From Family, Friends, Communities – aerikaerik has benefitted from vital practical and material support.
- Support From Family, Friends, Communities – aerikaerik draws on their longstanding connection with the queer and disabled communities.
- Additional Expenses – aerikaerik lives on low income and tells us how it feels to not have access to many treatment options.
- Coping Strategies and Self Care – aerikaerik appreciates the beauty of slowing down.
- Advice to Healthcare Providers – aerikaerik appreciates healthcare providers who see their patients as partners in care.