Anna
Recently diagnosed
Age at interview: 57
Anna has been suffering with long-COVID symptoms for almost five months, mainly hives, swelling, throat tightness and itching and burning in the mouth and ears. Anna has seen various doctors to treat these symptoms and is frustrated that each symptom is considered separately rather than holistically. As well, she is frustrated that there are very long wait times to see specialists for treatment and has to rely on taking anti-histamines and restricting her diet to foods that she can tolerate (i.e., cause no burning in her mouth) in the long-term to manage her symptoms. Anna has supportive family and friends but has learned that it is hard for others to understand what it feels like to go from being a healthy individual to living and coping with chronic symptoms. She found additional support through online groups where she is able to talk about her experience with others who are experiencing similar long-COVID symptoms. She hopes that she will improve in time and looks forward to being able to enjoy going out to restaurants with family and eating her favourite foods again.
More content
- Getting Care for Long COVID – AnnaAnna had no option but to go to ER with a severe case of hives.
- Symptoms of Long COVID – AnnaAnna has multiple symptoms but finds that doctors only want to deal with one at a time.
- Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – AnnaAnna says she is supported at work on all levels.
- Impacts on Partners and Households – AnnaAnna's husband wants to socialize but her priority is getting better.
- Psychosocial Impacts – AnnaAnna says, people don't appreciate what it means to go from being healthy to chronically ill overnight.