Covid & Depression

It's been a few weeks since my last post and just over 7 since I caught Covid. I would say things are progressing well and I'm recovering slowly. My list of symptoms is smaller and usually more consistent which is helpful for trying to plan around my fatigue more which is great. Apparently most symptoms are based off of the fatigue for most people so the better I can deal with that the better I will feel overall.

Current symptoms

• Fatigue
• Neurological issues (Brain fog, Concentration issues, Sensory processing (light and sound can overwhelm me), Unable to think as clearly/fast)
• Circulation issues
• Weak left arm
• Weak grip
• GI/stomach issues
• Sore eyes/weaker vision (I've apparently developed the need for reading glasses since getting Covid which seems a big coincidence)
• Constant ringing in my ears

Those are the main ones that affect my day to day the most. Other things will flair up randomly or aren't too much of an issue such as chest pain.

I'm also suffering more with my depression at the moment and so mood things such as little patience, lack of empathy and just general depressive stuff is probably a result of that. Covid has probably played a part in that in that I haven't been able to get out as much. I hadn't realised how much I had been using running as therapy and treatment before it was taken away.

I've started back on anti-depressants this week and I'm on the waiting list for therapy. Things obviously aren't great but they aren't too bad yet, I'm acting now before they are. I've also asked to be referred for an Autism assessment which is a very long waiting list (over a year). I'm not 100% sure I have it but the more research I've done the more it seems to fit with a lot of my struggles, especially around communication, relationships and other people/groups in general.

Exercise

Rest is super important for my fatigue but I need some level of activity to help me in other ways. The last couple of weeks I've done a walk that totals about 3.5 miles with my first stop being at 2.8 miles. This is on the edge of what I'm capable of but think it is now on the right side and helpful. I'm only doing it once a week and still using my running pole for support (I didn't the first time and that was a mistake). As I walk I have some trouble with my legs and feet which I think is down to the circulation issues and also my hands (especially my left) begin to swell, darken and become quite painful if I've been moving too long without taking a sitting rest. I may change my route for next weekend's bigger walk to include more benches.

I'm planning on adding in some more walks in the week but these will be shorter (1-2 miles) as work needs to be my priority for energy during the week.

Work

Work is improving and I managed some 5 hour days (split into 4 or 5 chunks) last week. I'm definitely lucky in that I'm self-employed and working from home so can be super flexible with how and when I work which helps me a lot.

Summary

Overall I'm heading in the right direction and despite the depression I'm feeling positive about my recovery. It's looking like this will be a long road of recovery and I'm ok with that, maybe my ultra running experience has prepared me well for the long slog and experiencing ups and downs along the way. I just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time.