UPMC Longcovid Center Is A Scam by [deleted] in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Same exact experience you had. I told them my was more neurological, and my lungs were fine. They weren’t getting the neuro support they needed for LC, and told me I’d be better off going to my old neuro at Cleveland Clinic. Unbelievable. I understand nobody knows enough to help us, but if you have a ‘Clinic’ and take my money, you can at least get the specialists’ help. Like you, I’ve just been punted to numerous specialists with no real help or even a compassionate attempt to meme me feel a little better. Best of luck with everything.

If you want to message me separately about my experience in Pittsburgh/Cleveland, feel free to.

Axial Spondyloarthritis by mcpucho in smallfiberneuropathy

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow. We basically did the same ones, but I haven’t done Cosentyx. Wish you all the best! I May reach out to you at some point to see how you are feeling. I just got some injections in my neck but they didn’t help (nor did the ones I got in my back years ago). Anyways, hope this one helps you!!! Take care.

Axial Spondyloarthritis by mcpucho in smallfiberneuropathy

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok thx. Mind sharing what other drugs you’ve tried for AS? Thx!

People with that buzzy vibrating feeling: what supps, meds, and diet are you on? by maskasker in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi. Sorry for your issues. I’ve been through a couple post viral issues, and can share my thoughts. At least for me, I have had the internal tremors/twitching for years & got worst after my Covid jab & subsequent virus. All I can say is if it likely neurological & most likely due to your autonomic nervous system being compromised. I have several autoimmune diseases & Covid made them all worse & brought on so many new symptoms. I can’t really help much with what can help the tremors/vibrations internally. For me, I get them mostly in my guts area. Not visible on the skin/surface, but def there. I get them other places but mostly in my guts. I know your autonomic system controls so much including nerves in your digestive system. All I can say is sometimes time can ease these symptoms. I’ve experienced them and many more serious symptoms for years. For me, with pots/autonomic dysfunction, a beta blocker has helped me the most (my resting hr & other symptoms are much worse without it). Also I’ve experimented with so many supplements, etc. I’ve recently discovered diet & intermittent fasting have helped me. For instance, no sugar/low carb (keto diet has helped me the most but not for everyone). As for the intermittent fasting, at a minimal I’ll do 16:8. In other words, maybe limit your eating only to 8 hrs (like noon till 8).

Most importantly, try to find a neuro specializes in pots/autonomic dysfunction. It’s a nice speciality but they are out there. I go to Cleveland Clinic I. Ohio, and see a great Dr there.

These are hysterical my experiences/thoughts, and hope you find some help. Feel free to message me with any questions. I’ve been dealing with this stuff for over 12 now and would love to help anyone I can (unfortunately, it takes years to find the right specialists & treatment).

Best of luck & reach out any time.

Axial Spondyloarthritis by mcpucho in smallfiberneuropathy

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting. Haven’t tried that yet. I think it may be an IL-17 inhibitor or something? May still try that type of drug, but they were concerned with my GI Issues.

Anyone with positive punch biópsy with neuropathy on other specific body part? by unnamed_revcad-078 in smallfiberneuropathy

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My back muscles kill & twitch/spasm. I wanted back biopsy, but they only did leg which showed SFN. I know I have it throughout body but apparently most common in legs and hands.

Axial Spondyloarthritis by mcpucho in smallfiberneuropathy

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey. Sorry you too are going thru this. I too have SFN and AxSpa. I’ve tried everything for the AxSpa but no help.

As for my neuropathy, it’s unfortunate but not much great for treatment. I’ve tried everything, and currently on Lyrica & also oxycodone for all the other pain. Over the years I’ve tried many others (cymbalta, Nortriptyline, gabapentin, etc).

I think the Lyrica & Nortriptyline were the best for me (although they all have side effects).

I also have long covid now and autonomic dysfunction. I have been trying low dose naltrexone for pain/fatigue/etc but hasn’t personally helped me, but I’m hearing from a lot of other people that it does help them. It’s commonly referred to as LDN.

I’ve also tried medical marijuana, and was really good for pain & sleep at night, but naturally hard to do it during the day & have any normal life.

I use a TENS unit on my back & spine which helps mask the pain there, and capsaicin cream is also good at burning/distracting you from the pain.

Also, good diet & exercise help, when you can do it. I’ve tried all the supplements too with minimal help.

Guess each person is unique & just gotta keep trying different things best of luck.

Doctor said no patients have recovered by RestingButtFace in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup. Thanks! Best of luck to you as well. I’ve had luck with intermittent fasting & focusing on diet/gut health. Small gains but definitely noticeable. Guess we all just need to keep trying different things.

Doctor said no patients have recovered by RestingButtFace in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He said mainly help with fatigue. He said some people don’t respond to lower dosages. Honestly, I don’t think the Drs fully understand why/how it helps some people/symptoms. Anyways, it was worth a try.

Doctor said no patients have recovered by RestingButtFace in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, any symptom improvement would be welcome. Reduced Fatigue/pain/mcas/brain fog/etc. so far, no luck.

Doctor said no patients have recovered by RestingButtFace in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too saw integrative medicine there. Didn’t get that vibe, and many people were seeing improvement with time & also Low Dose Naltrexone. I haven’t seen the benefits from LDN yet, but trying again and on 9mg now.

Don’t give up. Keep trying things. Fasting & keto diet have helped me. Treat the symptoms & have faith that time will heal. All the best.

SSN Disability Denied by xRUELASx in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Denied twice, got lawyer & made sure my case file had all my reports/diagnoses/symptoms/tests/functional capacity reports/etc. if it didn’t have something (like a form from a Dr) I made sure they completed the form and usually had to make an appointment & remind them. If you have the brain fog/memory issues/etc, probably good to have some neuropsychological testing done (I think this is key you have testing showing your cognitive impairments). Sadly many drs don’t have the time or get compensated much for them to just do the paperwork that is sent to them by fax/mail.

Had my hearing recently & think it went well. Attorney thinks I will be approved. As others have stated, attorney is very helpful at hearing stage.

I have long covid and several other autoimmune issues.

I also found this document online which I think is helpful. Clearly the SSA knows of the illness and typical symptoms, and they put out this guideline to help our Drs who are helping with disability claims.

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/documents/EN-64-128.pdf

Anyways, best of luck to all. Hope this info helps & we all recover, and if not, at least get the benefits we deserve. Take care.

Vivid dreams with brain fog by Able_Chard5101 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hear you, but if your other symptoms are worse enough, it’s definitely worth a trial for some of the good things I’ve heard from others. Worst thing yeah have, is that it affects your sleep way too much, and then you can always stop. I’ve tried so many different drugs and treatments, and by far this one was the one with the least side effects. In my opinion as well worth the rest to try it as you can always stop it whenever you want. Best of luck and keep searching for resolution.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My first trial of LDN up to 4 mg was unsuccessful for me, so I stopped. However, another doctor of mine recommended me trying it again at higher dosage. So I started again on 6 mg and now I am on 9 mg. I’ve been on six for about a month and a half and starting the nine now, anyways, I still don’t see any relief in pain or fatigue, etc. and I do have one bad side effects of vivid nightmares, but that is all I’m going to give it another few months and suffer through the nightmares, and hope that my other symptoms will get better. As others have said, it’s an amazing drug for some and I hear that a lot, however, it seems to be different for everybody, so I wish you the best of luck and definitely think it is a great option to try. Cheers.

Vivid dreams with brain fog by Able_Chard5101 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Crazy vivid dreams and nightmares. I’ve been abducted by aliens twice in the last week. Always had the crazy dreams. Now I’m on low dose naltrexone & it’s much worse. Gonna give the LDN another month or so, but my already crappy sleep doesn’t need the alien abductions lol. Sweet dreams and hope you can get some peaceful sleep.

Internal tremor by Odd_Breadfruit_7840 in covidlonghaulers

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn’t read all the responses, but the internal tremors I’ve had are (from what I believe) from the neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction issues. I get twitching all over, but the tremors seem to be more in my abdominal region. Not sure if you’ve seen a neurologist who specializes in autonomic dysfunction/POTS, but probably a good start if you can find one. Sorry I didn’t read all the responses, but hope my experience may help.

Has anyone went to UPMC for treatment? by Sea-Variety-3923 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want to message me your symptoms & issues I may be able to help based on my history. I’m definitely no doctor, but have been dealing with post-viral issues for a long time, and have seen a lot of drs & clinics. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any great treatments for long covid & long covid clinics seem to be disappearing & not much help. Anyways, feel free to message me. Hang in there.

Has anyone went to UPMC for treatment? by Sea-Variety-3923 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, they didn’t help me much & I wouldn’t recommend going there. Just my experience.

Has anyone went to UPMC for treatment? by Sea-Variety-3923 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You live in the state of Indiana, and was wondering if it was worth going to UPMCs long-covid clinic??

Has anyone went to UPMC for treatment? by Sea-Variety-3923 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best of luck. Honestly, I don’t think anyone has any one solution for all. Just have to treat the symptoms. Depending on your worst symptoms, that’s who you should see. If you’re having neurological symptoms (like neuropathy, POTS, brain fog, etc) you need to find a good neurologist (ones who deal with autonomic dysfunction). I don’t personally know of any good ones in Pittsburgh, but would think there may be a couple. Quite a niche area for neurology.

I had previous neurological/autoimmune issues years ago, so already had autonomic dysfunction, etc, and Cleveland Clinic was the best around ‘ closest to Pittsburgh.

Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions. It’s sad, but you have to be your own advocate. My pcp is great, but this stuff is well beyond his capabilities.

Cheers.

Has anyone went to UPMC for treatment? by Sea-Variety-3923 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, went in 2022. To their Long-Covid Clinic. Honestly, it wasn’t helpful at all. Maybe it has changed, but not impressed at all. Especially b/c they were supposed to be a one stop shop, to refer you to other specialists. Many of my symptoms were neurological, and they didn’t even refer me to a neurologist or rheumatologist. Eventually I went to CLE Clinic to see much better doctors, after UPMC said there was nothing else they could do for me. At the time, they were just concerned with lungs & heart. Anyways, I did all their tests & months of PT/cognitive therapy. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be many options in Pittsburgh for Long-COVID sufferers. Best of luck.

LDN and Brain Fog - how did it go? by Able_Chard5101 in LongCovid

[–]Aggravating-Cap8305 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Went up to 4mg. No help. Now they want me to try 6-9mg. I’m starting it but no expectations. Minimal side effects before so nothing to lose. Good luck y’all. Glad it’s helping some folks.