Recently I had the chance to speak about my successful recovery journey.

Most people who get Covid-19 won't become severely ill, but significant numbers have had long-term problems after getting infected.

My story **SCHWEIZ AM WOCHENENDE*** April 22nd 2023 issue: click here for the article in *german*. The article was conducted by Daniel Grob.

When I tested positive in November 2020, I had none of the severe symptoms associated with COVID-19 and never thought I would be dealing with a chronic condition. Before I got sick with long Covid, I was a healthy 44-year-old in prime physical shape. I ran, biked, and exercised.

I took a test after feeling a bit under the weather due to a headache and a sudden loss of smell. After a few days without symptoms and completing the isolation period, I thought I was on the mend. I was wrong.

I was never hospitalized, but I've never been that sick. First, I started having weird, wicked, horrible headaches (the headaches were my first symptom and have not let up for over five months). Later, the subsequent symptoms were brain fog and physical and mental exhaustion, followed by dizziness with falls, nausea and vomiting, and hot flashes. Next, I started trying to exercise, but walking was about all I could tolerate, and still, I got short of breath. Walking outside for 10 minutes was one of the hardest things to do, and looking at a computer screen was (and still is sometimes) energy-draining.

My symptoms continued to persist, which was frustrating.

At eight weeks, I battled even stronger headaches, brain fog, dizziness, shortness of breath, and massive fatigue. Cognitive dysfunction, muscle pains, and digestive problems are only a few symptoms. Optimistic as I was back then and with all my new year's resolutions set in stone, I figured that this would only be temporary—next week, in 2–3 months, this would all be over, and I would be my energetic self again. My Covid symptoms changed, and any attempt to push through the migraines, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction failed, often exacerbating their intensity. By late April 2021, one thing became clear: Covid-19 was not going away, and the road to recovery ahead would be a marathon, not a sprint. I would have to pace myself accordingly. I devised a daily schedule. I'd rest as much as possible and allow myself hours to complete my morning routine. Activities like making breakfast had to be done, with time allotted for rest afterward.

What helped me?

Of course, stories of patients' recoveries, including mine, should be taken with a grain of salt. What works for one patient does not work for all, and this is especially true of "long Covid"; a generic term.

As a recovered long Covid patient, I receive messages from fellow patients asking me for recovery tips. Their questions are often the same: Did you recover? How did you do? Of course, stories of patients' recoveries, including mine, should be taken with a grain of salt. What works for one patient does not work for all, and this is especially true of "long Covid"; a generic term.

It's difficult to provide answers for various reasons. First, recovery from long Covid isn't a light switch, one can just flip. It is a novel virus, and it may take years to understand the long-term impact on those infected. I struggled with debilitating symptoms daily from mid-December 2020 until last summer, and during that time, I engaged only in rest and pacing. In October 2022, a marked improvement set in, allowing me to resume most of my old way of life. I could return to my full-time job, walk or bike around town as needed, and resume regular exercise. Today, I can easily work full-time and exercise five-six times a week. My few remaining symptoms are minor and manageable. I believe this recovery was only possible because of my early access to care and 24 months of intense, sustained, radical pacing and rest.

Second, I am not a doctor. However, I feel confident in suggesting pacing and rest as crucial first steps for anyone who contracts Covid-19. For those who have only developed long-term symptoms, I believe it can make the difference between swift recovery and long-term chronic disability.

Through my journey, I've discovered various methods that have helped me improve my health, and I want to share them:

Self-Care: Taking care of myself, physically and emotionally, has become a top priority. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Taking time for hobbies, interests, and activities that bring me joy has also improved my mental well-being.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness has been another crucial aspect of my mental health journey. Taking time to be present and fully aware of the present moment has helped me reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve my overall mental well-being. As a result, meditation, deep breathing, and other mindfulness techniques have become part of my daily routine.
Walking: Physical activity has been a game-changer for me in promoting good mental health. Whether going for a walk or practicing stretching, exercise helps release endorphins, known as the "feel-good" hormones, not only improving my mood but also reducing my symptoms of anxiety during that journey.
Support System: Building a support system has been crucial in my mental health journey. Talking to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist has provided me with the support and guidance I needed during difficult times. In addition, connecting with others who understand and validate my feelings has been invaluable in my healing process.

While the road to any recovery may not always be easy, pacing, mindfulness, and acceptance are powerful tools that can help build up a resilient path for anyone who overcomes the challenges they may face.

I am back and remember, you're never alone. Please take care of yourselves and leave a comment if you like.

Martin Vogt

✭Explore. Dream. Discover.✭

www.martinvogt.ch

The *SCHWEIZ AM WOCHENENDE is the highest-circulation weekend newspaper in Switzerland. Together with their partners, "Schweiz am Wochenende" reaches a circulation of around 400,000 copies and more than 1 million readers in the distribution area of northwestern, central, eastern and southeastern Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Valais.

I rested my way to recover from long Covid

My symptoms continued to persist, which was frustrating.

What helped me?

Shedding lights on unseen wounds

Long Covid -No one has the answers