Jason
2 years since diagnosis
Age at interview: 30
Jason had COVID in March 2020 and started to realize that summer that his symptoms (e.g., digestive issues, brain fog, fatigue, restless sleep) were not going away; however, he didn’t think that he might be experiencing long-COVID until much later when more information about this condition was being published and talked about in the media. Jason had seen various health care providers but not one had mentioned that all his symptoms could be related to COVID until he saw a specialist for his ongoing digestive symptoms. Coping with the symptoms has helped in some ways (e.g., exercising, eating healthy), but he feels that all his efforts to manage the symptoms are a band aid solution. Jason wishes that there was more acknowledgement about long-COVID from health care professionals and policy makers and treatment options that would help him and others be on the road to recovery. Jason is not sure if he will return to his normal self and struggles with burnout as he tries to push through his symptoms, but he hopes to get back to socializing, playing music, and attending shows and concerts.
More content
- Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – JasonJason says, "Ask for all your health records."
- Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – JasonJason encourages others to listen to their bodies.
- Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – JasonJason worries about the stigma associated with chronic illness.
- Impacts on Work and Career – JasonJason worries about how his employer will react if he asks for special arrangements.
- Coping Strategies and Self Care – JasonJason describes the symptoms he lives with and how hard it is to function day to day.
- Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – JasonJason says, "Ask for all your health records."
- Advice to Others Living With Long COVID – JasonJason encourages others to listen to their bodies.
- Support From Employers, Colleagues, and Worker’s Compensation Boards – JasonJason worries about the stigma associated with chronic illness.
- Impacts on Work and Career – JasonJason worries about how his employer will react if he asks for special arrangements.
- Coping Strategies and Self Care – JasonJason describes the symptoms he lives with and how hard it is to function day to day.