Maggie
Recently diagnosed
Maggie is a caregiver who has been living with long-COVID for about four months. She has experienced symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, and a high heart rate when she stands, but the most odd symptom for her was that she has pain in her arms and an inability to lift them. Living with long-COVID has been challenging for many aspects of her life. For example, it is difficult to care for her mother who lives with her and has to rely on family and friends to support her mom’s care. She also has to pace herself with her consulting work and has chosen to work less hours to cope with the fatigue and brain fog. She is also unable to help her children with child care and is unable to play with her grandkids. Maggie is also unable to do many of the things in life that she enjoys, such as socializing and scubadiving. She does hope that her symptoms will improve in time, but it does weigh on her that they may not improve and she may need to consider what adjustments she needs to make in life (e.g., putting plans in place so that her mother is well supported). This experience has made her realize that there is no answer to the question “what happens to the caregiver when the caregiver gets sick” and would like to see resources and services put in place to better support caregivers living with long-COVID.
More content
- Getting Care for Long COVID – MaggieMaggie felt like she was being bounced between her family doctor and the emergency department.
- Seeking Information About Long COVID – MaggieMaggie reminds us that it's hard to think critically when you're feeling desperate.
- Support From Family, Friends, Communities – MaggieMaggie is thankful for pro-active practical support from family, neighbours, and even a friend thousands of kilometres away.
- Coping Strategies and Self Care – MaggieMaggie is learning to give herself some grace.
- Advice to Healthcare Providers – MaggieMaggie believes that healthcare providers need to recognize the difference between treatment and care.
- Loss of Income and Need for Financial Support – MaggieMaggie is financially stable at the moment but worries about the future.
- Helpers and Caregivers Living With Long COVID – MaggieMaggie asks, "What happens when the caregiver becomes the patient?"