Last night I went out for bingo, beer and a burger. ๐บ Itโs the first time Iโve been out in months, except a few dr appts here and there, and the most normal thing Iโve done in forever. It was nice. ๐
Michelob Ultra is 2.6 carbs per bottle (I had one). I also had a large glass of water, and ordered a house burger (no bun, please) with sweet potato fries.
A great night out and still relatively low carb. ๐
Everything about it was hard for me. Just getting showered and getting dressed is a serious challenge. Iโm in a lot of full-body joint & muscle pain. Any little thing wipes me out and brings on nausea, tremors, cognitive dysfunction, abdominal distension, swelling of the hands & feet, etc. But I did it! It just takes a lot of extra time (all day) then additional recovery time (usually 3 full days). ๐
Sometimes just the thought of going out is too exhaustingโฆ or I have to prioritize more important things during my few good hours: a little work, paying the electric bill, doing laundry or dishes, researching solutions or supplements during the limited hours I can actually comprehend (or handle screen time), dealing with the endless stack of medical bills ๐ณ etc.
I was a little nervous given it was my first time out in public in awhile. I worried I would fall, or get a bad case of the tremors, or otherwise embarrass myself or my daughter, but I did okay. I paced out the day with frequent rests and also took advil before I went.
I was still really stiff, my feet were already swelling by the time I got there, my head nodded involuntarily off and on, I got confused a few times โ but I made it through the 2 hours and I donโt think anyone really noticed (or cared).
It wasnโt until I got back to the car to go home that I started to freeze up and the hard shakes hit me (like a violent tremor). Then I was in agonizing full body muscle & joint pain the rest of the night.
I donโt usually take advil (or anything for pain at all) but I took it again and elevated my swollen legs & feet, and watched TV until I felt โsafe enoughโ to go to bed.
Living with Long Covid is really hard โ and incredibly isolating. I canโt do things on a whim or on the fly anymore. Everything requires planning and preparation + scheduling in recovery time.
A simple outing (or vet appt, or Dr appt) can cost me up to a week of time.
I enjoyed my burger & bingo though ๐ฅฐ and especially the change of scenery! It was really nice to get out of the house, and to be invited and included again too.
I want to tell you something though, that really bothered me. Something that has been a constant topic & trigger for me lately. Something that hurts โ worse than my body does.
As I took in the scene and the sounds, enjoying being around a group of people having fun, kids laughing, couples smiling, families & friends chattering, and servers gliding between tables with trays of food & drinksโฆ I felt a ping of hurt โ and over the silliest thing.
It wasnโt because of how lonesome I am, or how long it took me to get taken out somewhere and how hard and hurtful thatโs been. It wasnโt because Iโm so unwell and life is so much harder now, and that I miss being carefree and healthy and happy โ or any of those things you might guess.
It was the food. All the way around me trays of fried pub food, friends sharing big platters of appetizers, the lady across from me diving into a (whole) burger with both hands wrapped around the oversized bun. Slurping sodas and the crunch of chips with salsa, plates piled high with carbsโฆ and everyone smiling, laughing, healthy and happy, having a great time enjoying a night out, able to get up from their chair freely without assistance, moving about without obvious pain etched on their face โ but with easy smiles, and not the least bit short of breath from all their buzzing around.
Yet every day (yes: every single day) I get blamed for having long covid or for my central nervous system malfunctioning, for all my current health strugglesโฆ because โI eat keto.โ ๐คจ
There has always been food/diet stigma, and definitely โketo stigmaโ โ and of course now: the stigma around getting covid or having longcovid is just as bad, if not worse.
Iโm sure Iโm not the first person that eats very low carb thatโs heard something exactly like this, an excerpt from a letter I got this week:
Itโs worth noting that this person does not eat with me, does not know what I do or do not eat on any given day, and is making assumptions about what and how I eat. I havenโt even been sharing many meals or food diaries for awhile now โ for another reason entirely, which Iโll tell in a minute.
Itโs also worth noting that Iโve had a heart ultrasound, worn two heart monitors, had a heart stress test, and that my heart is great & fine โ my blood pressure and cholesterol are good, etc etc etc.
What she said is a common misconception, and I know it was written with good intentions. A lot of people donโt know the science behind eating very low carb or how it works, even though itโs been around for many decades.
But we have had ZERO communication about my meals, my medical test results, etc โ and I didnโt ask her for advice. Long Covid is serious, and it is real, and to state the obvious: it is not caused by anything you eat. ๐
I was SO excited to get a letter (!!) but that one bit canceled out every other thing she said. I just shut down when I read that part. Only because Iโm getting BOMBARDED with this messaging from โfriendsโ (and strangers) incessantly โ literally NONSTOP. ughโฆ
Unless you have a severe case of Long Covid like what Iโm dealing with, Iโm sure itโs hard to understand. But Iโm pretty sure you could eat pop tarts for every meal and chase them with liquor & coke and STILL not cause your entire nervous system to malfunction. ๐
Itโs silly that I allow it to bother me at all, notes like this (others have been WAY worse), or that I even noticed what other people were eating or doing while I was out. I never have before. Iโve always been one to โmind my own plateโ โ and I know through 17+ months of trial & error what I can and cannot eat or do, and how to best manage my symptoms.
Itโs justโฆ I watched them enjoying life and food, without consequence and without judgment, and I suppose I envied that a bit โ that and their happiness.
It cuts deep to have the severity of Long Covid be so dismissed, when Iโm the one living with it. As if I caused it, or Iโm not doing ALL THE THINGS to get well.
I sit in the sunshine almost daily, eat sugar free and gluten free and very low carb, โcarb upโ with healthy carbs, research & test things, take supplements, reach out to friends, do things that give me a sense of purpose & satisfaction, etc.
And Iโm doing all of these things even though it is HARD โ itโs hard to shop, eat, talk, keep up with ordering & taking supplements, get myself down to the lower deck or even just up and down to sit on the top step in the sun. But I keep going, I keep finding solutions, and Iโm SO proud of myself for how well Iโm managing and handling everything!! So yeah, it hits me right in the gut when people assume โIโm making myself sickโ or that Iโm not doing EVERYTHING in my power to get well.
Here are two of my most recent keto friendly low carb meals, by the way: salmon & broccoli and grilled chicken with green beans. Healthy dinner choices by pretty much any standard, right?
I was lean, healthy and fit when I got sick in November 2020, almost 18 months ago. I spent YEARS getting in the best shape of my life. Even now, my labs are still great, and my doctor is happy with how well Iโve maintained and managed good numbers through all of this.
And thenโฆ all the way around me at the pub people are indulging, drinking, eating, whatever, while I make a good โindulgent to meโ choice โ yet Iโm the one whoโs struggling so hard with a myriad of bizarre symptoms and debilitating health issues.
* note: They were out of ribeye, which is what I wanted (Selenium, Zinc, B6, B12, etc) and I didnโt want to risk eating anything green while out in public (like a side salad, or that leaf of lettuce under my burger). Usually I just get a double burger with no side, but the sweet potato fries were a nice treat (beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, etc) and โฆ something that made me feel โnormalโ and happy.
Truly, itโs silly that I even feel like I have to defend or explain my food choices. If anything a night out of stuffing my face full of empty carbs and a whole pie would be considered just fine after what Iโve been through. But I know how much worse I feel out of ketosis, because yes: Iโve tested that. It causes all of my symptoms to flare up WAY worse ๐จ and itโs really hard to recover from.
Having longcovid is not my fault, and has nothing to do with what I do or donโt eat. I just have it, period. What I do or donโt eat at this point is simply about managing symptoms for the best quality of life. And yes, I have and am still cycling through various elimination diets, figuring out what helps and what makes things worse, etc.
I am not alone. ๐ 38 million โ๏ธ is nothing to sneeze atโฆ
Still, as I sat there enjoying my burger, and the first beer Iโve had in ages, and only one, I couldnโt help but notice how everyone else ate whatever they wanted, as much as they wanted, and that they were all well and fine โฆ (and that I was not).
It felt unfair, considering how diligent & consistent I am about my health and nutrition. Unfair because of the notes & comments I keep getting, I mean. I think itโs GREAT that other people can live life so fully, without a care in the world, and it was beautiful to watch that.
I accept that my feelings are a little irrational or misplaced. I acknowledge that these triggers are mine to own, and to sort through and fix. I remind myself that my thoughts and emotions arenโt as easily manageable with the neurological issues and cognitive dysfunction Iโm struggling with.
It just really hurts to feel unseen, unheard, and so misunderstood. ๐ข
There are other things going on as well for awhile now that are affecting my mood and feelings, contributing to my state of mind โ feeling down and such. Mostly with family & friends. I take responsibility for that too. My feelings are my own to fix.
Usually I step out on the deck and play WordScapes, as thatโs one of the suggested therapies to help with longcovid neurological issues (mind stimulating games or exercises). Itโs a great way to take my mind off things for awhile too.
Of course, that comes with itโs own set of triggers. ๐คจ lolโฆ
In addition to notes about how and what I eat (without even knowing how and what I eat, or if Iโm even eating at all), four times (4!!) over the last year, Iโve been sent articles about long covid suicide. Those always make me cry in such deep sadness for the person that gave up โ because I know her pain, the depth of her hopelessness, just how much she felt unseen and left behind.
Iโm not sure why people send me those. The last one, a week ago, I showed to my daughter when she was here. I said, โdo you suppose this is meant to be suggestive?โ She replied, โWhy would someone send you that?!โ โ I donโt know, I whispered quietly, and shrugged, holding back tears.
This is hard.
I take a deep breath in, close my eyes, exhale slowlyโฆ and close the notes that hurt, and rest. I know people (usually) have very good intentions, and are reaching out in kindness and with hope or hopefully answers.
The thing is, I have hardly ANY other social interaction outside of these comments and emails and messages. So it gets a little overwhelming, and adds to my feelings of isolation and exclusion.
Itโs getting hard to even get online, or interact or engage socially anymore.
Iโm not exaggerating when I tell you it is almost EVERY day and coming at me from every direction. Last week I shared a recipe for very simple keto wraps. This comment, was totally unrelated to that recipe post & video, so itโs not like Iโm asking for advice โ or even bringing up the topic:
Here is my reply to that note:
Thank you. โค๏ธ That article needs a lot of fact checking, just fyi. Regardless, Iโm not buying it. Iโve heard โdiet blameโ countless times since I got longcovid. The millions of other people with it are on no particular diet at all, with a small percentage eating low carb or vegetarian โ or doing elimination diets to manage symptoms (a very small percentage). Thereโs no way eating grilled salmon and broccoli, blueberries and macadamia butter, grilled chicken & spinach, etc has made me sick or is making me sicker โ period. I could eat pop tarts and Dr Pepper for every meal and not cause this slew of symptoms or severe illness. I just have longcovid. For 35 years before I started eating low carb, I ate pizza and drank coke and binged on fried foods and sweets, could eat an entire pan of brownies, ate a lot of crap fast food, etc etc etc โ and never had any major health problems. So I canโt see any logic in blaming salmon and avocado, or any other great variety of healthy whole foods I eat. My labs are great btw, and my tests come out clear.
โ
Blah. I donโt even know the point of sharing all of this with you, exceptโฆ Iโm getting more and more withdrawn, and Iโm trying to break out of that. People say, โI miss your posts!โ and then when I do have a good day and share somethingโฆ this is the kind of response I get. ๐คฆโโ๏ธ
It was just garlic steak and roasted sweet potatoes (30 net carbs). ๐คทโโ๏ธ
That plate was the first time Iโd eaten in days. Iโm struggling with eating at all lately, but I finally had an appetite and that was delicious!
I know better than to take rude social media comments personally, but like I said earlier โ itโs the ONLY social interaction I even have anymore.
I have been making efforts in that department, of course. Iโm taking personal responsibility, and taking action. When someone says โletโs catch up, how about Tuesday?โ I am up and ready and waiting all day that Tuesday.
This note ^ was 104 days ago. The text and call never happened. If plans are left open ended, Iโll follow up or touch base. I know people have busy lives and โthings happenโ โ but this particular relationship is one I donโt feel very secure about (my sister). So I let that one go.
Last month, in April, two different โfriendsโ offered to come spend the day with me โ then never called, canceled or showed up. Or when they did finally call, in both cases, just casually chatted about their full week and how busy they were. I felt forgotten, and it felt awkward to bring it up.
That was really frustrating because I canโt just โshower & goโ like I used to. Itโs a process I have to pace out, and even more so if Iโm going to have company here. Something as simple as a shower is so crippling that I have to do that in advance then recover. Iโm sure itโs hard to imagine unless you could be here and SEE what Iโm going through. But nobody is or has.
For the most part, Iโm fine with being alone. Itโs a little unsettling at times, but honestly โ I donโt get lonely when Iโm alone, and Iโm taking care of myself very well. I really only get lonesome when I feel forgotten or avoided, or when Iโm looking forward to something and it falls through.
Itโs been almost a year since my daughter wanted to do an outing with me, and sheโs made herself pretty scarce here at home too. My son, who lives out of state and hasnโt even seen me in this condition (he refused my recent video call attempt), and has hardly spoken to me in months, used this word on me last week when we finally talkedโฆ I had to look it up:
Why would anyone want to ACT or be as sick as I am?! I am getting absolutely nothing out of it โ except tens of thousands in medical bills, lost work & income, NO social life, no calls or visits, no financial assistance, no help, nothing. That one just BLEW MY MIND. * He was upset that I was responding slowly or struggling with train of thought โ I think.
I get why my kids are avoiding me and being weird about it. Iโm all they have, and all theyโve ever had. We have no other family. Iโm their one and only constant. This happened once before I think 13 years ago when I had a surgery go bad and ended up on extended bed rest (they split).
Denial is better than facing the possibility of losing me, and Iโm sure also theyโre just used to me being there for them, and donโt know how to handle any of this. I get that. Iโm trying to work with them on it, but that gets emotional โ and getting even the least bit emotional lands me back in bed with horrific flare-ups for days. So itโs all justโฆ hard.
My son hung up on me and blocked me (geez). My daughter goes back and forth between trying to be there (and sheโs great when she is) and being as scarce as possible. She says itโs hard to see me like this. I get that.
Itโs not just my kids though. My friends donโt call, no one stops by or checks in, no one has come for a social visit (and yes: I have tried to reach out, make plans, etc). Iโm kinda used to that by now. Itโs hard some days for sure, but I do okay on my own. Iโm doing great actuallyโฆ
Iโve kept a good mindset, make my health and well-being a top priority, have had a good sense of humor through it all too. Iโve just hit a wall over the last few weeks, the last month or so, after several incidents & conversations in a row that were just incredibly hurtful & dismissive.
So, right now, Iโm trying to pick myself up, dust myself off, and try again, or try some new things, some different things, focus on what I can control and let go of what I canโt, etc. One day at a time.
When I said, โlast night I went out for Bingoโ I meant Monday night. I think itโs Saturday already now. Things take me awhile these days. ๐ I also keep second guessing whether I should publish this note, or whether it even makes any sense.
Iโm still not sure on that. I tried to get myself together to do a live video chat the other day, but that didnโt pan out (I ended up back in bed). I think you would have to see me to truly understand whatโs going on, and even that wouldnโt be the same โ because I can do pretty okay sitting still for a bit most days. Itโs the days I canโt โshow upโ that define most of my life right now.
Iโm doing well, all things considered. Iโm hanging in there. ๐ And most days Iโm happy and well, content and fine, keeping busy with projects that give me purpose and satisfaction.
Things have just been a little hard lately, and Iโm making some difficult choices and changes. There will always be rude comments on the internet, and well-meaning friends (and strangers) with good intentions and big assumptions. Iโve always handled all of that pretty well I think.
Iโm just a little extra sensitive lately. Probably because I desperately need a friend, over a fix. I could really use a good laugh, instead of a lecture. I would love someone to talk to, not just to be talked AT about what I should do or what else I should try. I suppose really, Iโm just exhausted.
Not to end this on a negative note, yes โ Iโve been proactively looking for solutions. I think Iโve found a car service, and that will be really helpful. Iโm aching to get out and see the outdoors, but I havenโt been able to drive much since August. Iโve found some other options and resources to explore too, soโฆ Iโm on it. ๐ As for friendships and social stuff, Iโm taking a break on that for awhile. Itโs just too hard, and I need to figure out how to make that work โ and get back in a better headspace about it.
And hereโs a cute picture of my sidekick, Luna Rose. I call her โshort stuffโ because sheโs quite small for a great dane. ๐ She is patient, she is affectionate, and she doesnโt mind at all if I donโt have the energy to shower โ or to wash the bedding after she came in muddy from playing outdoors. Sheโll curl up with me just the same. โค๏ธ
I want to get back to publishing my food diaries, but I get discouraged when I share something real quick and get comments like โyuckโ or โthat sounds grossโ โ or no response at all.
Itโs hard too since Iโm not eating much right now, cycling through supplements and elimination diets, and testing different things to manage all my symptoms.
I want to get back to working more too, but every time I have a good hour and sit down to catch up on messages and emails, thereโs always that ONE that totally deflates me โ and I just go back to bed. Thatโs not about depression, although Iโm feeling a little down lately for sure. Itโs about limited mental energy and crushing fatigue. I just donโt have the brain bandwidth to watch a one hour video, or to even come up with the words to respond most days. If itโs work related, thatโs easy! (and a really nice distraction). So Iโm behind, really REALLY behind, on everything.
I miss writing though, and I especially miss sharing stories and motivation & inspiration. Itโs just rare I can function or concentrate long enough to figure out what to say, and make it make sense. Like this note for example, which Iโm sure says way too much โ but also leaves SO much out.
If you hang in there with me, Iโll get back there. I feel sure I will. Iโm not okay lately but Iโm going to be just fine. This has just been a TOUGH phase. Iโm still hopeful, still hanging in there, with patience and grace, and very much looking forward to better days ahead โ writing good things, sharing good shares, with an attitude adjustment (lol, Iโm working on it!), and hopefully some hours outdoors with a gorgeous view or my feet in the river. ๐ฅฐ
I think I got so far away from the bingo night topic, that I donโt even know what happened. It was nice to finally get to go out. It was hard for so many other reasons.
I hope your good is better than your bad, and that if itโs not right now, that youโre hanging in there (too) and working on turning things around. ๐ xo
Hopefully Iโll have something enlightening to share when I get on the other side of this funk.:) Ha! *cheers*
For now, Iโm off to have some chicken salad and find a good movieโฆ
Through all of this, the people in our low carb community have been the kindest and most supportive. That plus my business coaching group. I am incredibly grateful to have those two places to โconnectโ when I can โ and appreciate the kindness & understanding so very much.
I think it would do me a lot of good to โquit trying at whatโs not workingโ and show up LESS in the places that are making things harder, and show up more in the places and the ways that light me up. I think it would be nice to do more live video so I have some fun positive interaction at least once a week, so Iโll keep you posted on that โ as soon as Iโm feeling up for it. Maybe just something fun & simpleโฆ Iโll work on ideas for that. ๐
Best,
Lynn Terry
aka @LowCarbTraveler
p.s. Next, see Part Two: One Week Keto Food Diary (And What I Would Change) What I ate this week โ and what I would change (and why). Or: the advice I would give if I was analyzing this food diary for someone elseโฆ
Plus: Video Update โจ๏ธ Candid Chat with Lynn โ Youโll get to see me on a โgood dayโ ๐ and get a better feel for what Iโm going through and how Iโm doing. xo




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Terry, this post was so open and honest, and had to be hard for you to write. Reading Jon Katzโs blog, Bedlamfarm.com, he wrote about his 15 life commandments. This one he writes from being constantly assaulted online by people who donโt know him: โ I will never accept the big lie that strangers have the right to intrude on my life, try to hurt me, and tell me how to live. Only people who love you and who you know and trust have the right to do that.โ I think wanting people to understand us is a normal need for us humans. Sometimes we need to build a different army around us; a change in our life path causes us to see who can remain in our army, and who needs to go. Self-care is different for everyone, and is THE most important thing in my life. My counselor gave a mantra to me, โFor me, not against you.โ When others donโt get you, thatโs about them. Some canโt (unable) and some wonโt (unwilling). I love reading your posts, and you have helped me many times stay the keto course, come back to it, and see it as legitimate science. Thank you, Terry.
Oh dear Lynn โฆ my heart aches for you. My husband and I talk about you a lot โ your health, your struggles and your inspiration. I have been following you for years now, probably 6 or 7 to be honest (maybe longer). You have such a unique perspective on life โฆ just so inspirational! I totally understand where youโre at/how you feel right now. I went through a devastating period in my life where I felt many of the same things that you are feeling now. It seems like when we strong women can no longer support all those around us, our friends and family just canโt handle it. I found it so incredibly sad and isolating. What helped me was understanding that those closest to us just have no clue of how to deal with us when we arenโt/canโt be strong for them. I think that it just makes them too uncomfortable. So, having said that, we strong women must be there for each other because we just get it! Please PM me if you would like someone to talk to, someone who has much in common with you. I love hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, animals, good food and I am retired so I am available any time that you are having a good few hours! Take care strong woman and remember that you are so well loved within this community.
Lynn, you are so open and so honest and my heart is breaking for you. Feeling โrejectedโ or misunderstood or invisible to family and friends is horrible. I, of course, canโt begin to understand your health situation, but Iโm a very good, non-judgemental listener. If I could, Iโd call and listen to you/check on you. PLEASE reach out to me if you want to vent, share a laugh, or just hear a friendly voice.
Because of you and your posts Iโve been keto/low carb for almost nine years. Meeting you and having a one-on-one conversation while sharing lunch several years ago in Austin was a highlight of my journey. You mean so much to me and to many, many others. Please try to remember that and ignore the โhaters.โ
Youโre a strong lady and you will triumph over Long Covid. Email me and Iโll send you my phone number if you wish to chat. Praying for improved health and peace of mind for you. Sending hugs your way!
Cindi
Donโt ever stop writingโฆever. oh my God you are so amazing and help so many people. Iโm so sorry to hear to hear how much heartache and pain you are going through. I wish that I could I could help in any way. You are absolutely right to have those triggers, And you should be proud of everything that you have accomplished please donโt ever give up! I have some of those same symptoms as you have, but you beat me at your level, not a great thing to beat me at! Just take one day at a time. Love yourself, honor yourself, donโt take it to heart what a stranger tells you, they donโt even know what works for you. You are in my thoughts and I will be checking in on you!
Xxoo
Nettie
Iโm so sorry Lynn for all youโve been going throughโฆyes, please stay positive n as my mom would always say โthis too shall passโ (yeah but when!) sending hugs n good thoughts n Iโll keep you in my prayersโฆ
Hi Lynn!
Wow! I donโt know how I missed you being sick?! I am so sorry! I stopped low carbing for a while and was pretty much ignoring it all in my shame and somehow skipped over your illness. I wish I could help in some way.
I am in no way comparing my illness to yours but I have fibromyalgia and after several years on FMLA I accidentally went over my allotment and got let go last June. I am just now coming out of that alcohol and sugar packed depression. I laid in bed for 9 months and subsequently have disuse syndrome too. I tel! You all this to explain how I could understand the isolation and frustration. My best friend of a lifetime and I had a huge fight because he could not understand my illness and bombarded !y with accusations. Of all the people in the world I thought he would know I am not โfaking itโ.
I think I am telling you all this because I always said that I would never wish my illness on anyone and I read about you having something even worse. I am so sorry. Whatโs really awful is when COVID first came about I thought you were being kind of paranoid,honestly and apparently you got sick anyway. It has to frustrate you that the anti-maskers didnโt do anything and didnโt get sick. (Well, some of them anyway)
I still read your posts and I am two weeks back on keto. I stopped drinking in November. I sure hope you have more good days than bad and I think your steak looked awesome!
Take Care,
Kerry
You will be in my prayers daily . Praying for good health and sending you much love. Stay strong and know you can beat this.
Lynn, my heart aches for your suffering. You have uplifted so many of us.
I wish that I could help. I understand isolation from family and friends.
Itโs not just your family that does this, but it donโt help your pain knowing you ainโt the only one.
I hope the medical professionals comes up with away to help long term Covid before long.
I honestly donโt think keto has caused any of your problems you are experiencing with long term Covid. We know that sugar/carbs are bad.
If you ever need to talk just letting you know I am available I may not can help but I can listen.
We love you Iโm one of your biggest fan even though I an quite a few years older than you.
Please add me to the list of people who would love to talk with you and support you! Your struggle has been weighing heavy on my heart for months, and I really want to be there for you however you need it. You have helped me so much over the years. When I read your posts, I am often taken aback at how you know so much about me. I learn so much about myself, and I feel seen. You are kind, loving and relatable, and I appreciate you so much. If you feel inclined, email me and Iโll send my phone number. If you donโt, please know that I support all of your self-care decisions โ they are yours and yours alone to make.
Oh Lynn, thank you for being so transparent in this post.
I appreciated this blog due to it being real. This painted such a picture that resonated with me. The majority of social media appears fake, everyoneโs happy, โlivinโ the dreamโ, perfect lives. Reading this blog caused me to feel like โIโm not the only oneโ, on so many things, the emotions, abandonment, loneliness, missing out. I can relate to some of what you are going through, although my various issues are not a result of long covid. I have a daunting, seemingly insurmountable compilation of circumstances, physical, emotional, mental, stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, pain, numbness, limitations, abandonment of family and friends, isolation, emptiness, lack of purpose and fulfillment, being excluded, no one caring or interested, old age, while seeing posts of happy people living happy lives, on vacations, in restaurants eating great carb foods, active, social, surrounded by family and friends.
Oh Lynn, my heart goes out to you! I wish I could do more than just offer a few words of encouragement, but here goes. I think you are one of the smartest, nicest and certainly bravest people I know. Not that I actually know you, of course, but I feel like I do. Iโve followed your posts for so many years. Youโve been, and continue to be, an inspiration to me. You did NOTHING to cause this illness. Unfortunately, the world is full of know-it-alls who like to show off how โsmartโ they are under the guise of being โhelpful.โ I sense that you are a sensitive person (like me) who takes these slights quite personally. I know itโs easier said than done, but please try not to let these ignoramuses get under your skin. They are just trolls and busybodies who try to build themselves up by being judgemental and (maybe unintentionally?) cruel. These people are toxic. They donโt deserve to take up residence in your brain, rent free. So try to save your energy for whatโs most important right nowโฆrecovery. Lynn, so many of us love you, miss you, and are rooting for you. I hope you continue to post, if and when you feel up to it, of course. Wishing you all the best! โDora A.