Kari
1 year since diagnosis
Age at interview: 51
Kari has been living with long-COVID for over a year since catching COVID while at work. Kari tried going back to work at first, but as a busy health care professional she was unable to continue and had to take a leave of absense. Her symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, high heart rate and asthma among others. Kari was used to a busy lifestyle and a demanding job, but now has learned that she needs to rest, pace herself, and really listen to what her body needs. Kari has access to support and resources through work to manage her symptoms, but it was still challenging to have doctors take some of her symptoms seriously. She has had to advocate for testing for example that ended up confirming that she now had asthma. Kari hopes that she will get better one day so she can be more social again and be more active with her grandchildren. She also hopes that there are more supports created where people with long-COVID can connect to one another. Getting people to understand what it’s like living with long-COVID has been challenging and learning from others going through the same experience has been helpful for Kari.
More content
- Getting Care for Long COVID – KariKari got sick at work and attends a COVID program through Worker's Compensation (WCB) as well as another community-based COVID clinic.
- Seeking Information About Long COVID – KariKari digs deeper rather than taking information at face value.
- Additional Supports Needed for People Living with Long COVID – KariKari explains why there needs to be more mental health support for people living with long COVID.
- Additional Supports Needed for People Living with Long COVID – KariKari wishes that people would offer to help with everyday tasks without her having to ask.
- People with Long COVID Advocating for Themselves – KariKari had to advocate hard to get the specialist test she needed.
- Support From Family, Friends, Communities – KariKari's husband didn't understand what long COVID feels like until it happened to him.
- Additional Expenses – KariKari says, the mental health side of long COVID is massive.
- Impacts on Work and Career – KariKari wonders if she'll ever be able to return to nursing.
- Coping Strategies and Self Care – KariKari now listens to her body.
- Advice to Healthcare Providers – KariKari explains why she appreciated her doctor's acknowledgement.