Hollie
Recently diagnosed
Age at interview: 40
Hollie has been suffering for the last few months with ongoing symptoms after being diagnosed with COVID in Dec 2021. Hollie has another condition that causes headaches and fatigue, but these symptoms became extremely worse after having COVID. As well, she has also been experiencing a distorted sense of taste and smell. Hollie acknowledged that she used to take her senses for granted because it has been difficult not being able to taste or smell as she normally would. Often foods smell or taste rotten for Hollie, but sometimes also with a hint of sweetness at the same time. These symptoms affect her in many ways, including having to limit her diet to foods that she can handle, she is unable to cook herself or help her family with meal preparation, and she often has to eat outside to decrease the intensity of the smell. In addition to severe headaches and constant fatigue, all these symptoms limit how much Hollie can participate in various aspects of her life. She hopes that one day she will return to her normal active life and can enjoy her favourite steak meal.