Aislene

1 year since diagnosis

Age at interview: 34

Aislene has been living with long-COVID for the past 10 months. Her symptoms include brain fog and fatigue, but the most difficult symptom is the decreased lung capacity. Aislene finds it hard to do simple activities (e.g., walk up the stairs) which significantly limits her ability to do the things she enjoys in life (e.g., participate in theatre). However, she also lives with another chronic condition that has taught her how to adapt to what she describes as a living life with a disability that now includes long-COVID. She also has a strong support system from her family and friends and knows that if her condition worsens that she will have people there by her side. Living with long-term conditions has made her appreciate the important relationships in life and she holds those close to her heart. Despite the support, she has experienced doctors who have said her long-COVID symptoms are due to her weight or anxiety. She hopes that doctors take their patients more seriously and become more aware of long-COVID and the impact it has on people’s lives. She also hopes that the government will acknowledge long-COVID and other long-term conditions that cause people to live with disability and provide more resources to support care and finances.

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More content

• Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – Aislene
  Aislene feels that talking openly about long COVID spreads awareness and encourages others.
• Advice to Policy Makers – Aislene
  Aislene says that people living with a long-term disability should not be left in poverty.
• People with Long COVID Advocating for Themselves – Aislene
  Aislene feels that talking openly about long COVID spreads awareness and encourages others.
• Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – Aislene
  Aislene makes a plea for accommodation.
• Support From Family, Friends, Communities – Aislene
  Aislene says the queer community has a deeper understanding of long COVID based on past history.
• Impacts on Work and Career – Aislene
  Aislene doesn't know if she'll be able to work in radio again.
• Impacts on Friendships – Aislene
  Aislene feels cut off because she can no longer engage with her queer community.