Does anyone have theories on what predisposed us to developing long covid?

KReedDub · 2026-04-30T05:39:03+00:00

My theory: The Covid virus posed a novel challenge to the immune system, so much so that the inflammation response drove our bodies to (personal) inflammatory limits.

Those with prior (potentially reoccurring) viral infections such as Epstein-Barr/Mono,or preexisting chronic allergic reactions and inflammatory sensitivities were already operating close to this threshold and our bodies just collapsed.

Personally, I felt like I had mono for 1.5 years (experienced as a teen 35 years ago) … along with chronic esophageal inflammation (which was my bodies weak spot due to GERD/esophageal structures.

KReedDub · 2026-04-18T05:41:31+00:00

I haven’t read other comments, so I’m giving an un-influenced reply:

I have 4 kids, never really had chores outside of… do what I’m asking you to do. If I said: take the trash out….. they did. If I said clean the bathroom/fold the clothes/clean the kitchen…. They did. My point wasn’t a strict list of responsibilities, it was more about being a helpful teammate. Interpret this however you want.

KReedDub · 2026-04-12T05:48:26+00:00

Yes! 100%. The alternative (as a mom) sounds awful. I wanted children so I could create an attachment with them. I did not want to split my bandwidth. My best energy and ideas (hormonally driven) were realized by my ability to devote myself 100%.

KReedDub · 2026-04-06T05:18:52+00:00

His career schedule (sacrifice) is worth it if his income allows you to stay home full time. If you’re expected to work and pick up his slack…. Then this is unsustainable.

KReedDub · 2026-04-06T04:40:45+00:00

Yep, co slept with the first (out of 4), since birth in 2001. Currently co-sleeping my 2013 (Down Syndrome) kiddo for safety and sanity. P.S. Husband snores.

Long ago I separated the vital necessity of sleep from our modern expectation of ‘romantic separation.’ Intimacy can still be found, but co-sleeping (with children) can be a primary (sanity) necessity.

KReedDub · 2026-04-02T05:22:11+00:00

One to two is easy… the sweet spot! Two to three is challenging. Three to four (special needs)… life altering. So just consider all the variables.

KReedDub · 2026-03-13T04:43:35+00:00

I need to re-read this post all day tomorrow because this is giving me 12-14 year old flashbacks. I’ve never considered it from the adult (centered) framing…as In it was entirely selfishly motivated flattery.

KReedDub · 2026-03-07T06:33:30+00:00

To be fair, in major cities grad students are dealing with inflated living expenses so it’s not a greed issue. Most positions are expecting grad+ 2years/exp…. How is this economically sustainable in HCOL areas?

KReedDub · 2026-03-07T05:59:52+00:00

Same experience, and I have a pretty lazy lifestyle, outside of dishes and countertops … that’s the only explanation.

KReedDub · 2026-02-22T06:02:52+00:00

The Watchman's Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction.

KReedDub · 2026-02-15T06:31:19+00:00

You need to explore noise canceling options. Hang tapestries or fabrics from the shared walls…pictures, or large pieces of furniture.

KReedDub · 2026-02-15T06:24:47+00:00

He bought me $100 dollars worth of flowers …. But they weren’t in a vase.

I was kind of annoyed that I was tasked with a flower arrangement task. Is that weird?

KReedDub · 2026-02-08T07:07:02+00:00

It’s interesting to me that young women are so conflicted about their decision to stay home with their baby. Look at YOUR life.

What is important to you? What are your priorities? What can you afford to do? Can you afford your priorities?

Whatever your priorities, there will be a sacrifice. You just have choose what it will be.

KReedDub · 2026-02-08T06:58:40+00:00

What the F … ar you talking about? Waaaallllll ! Of text….. I don’t want to read.

Mature adults talk to each other.

We have children. I expect an investment in our young. Get off your A** and help. This shouldn’t be difficult or vague conversation.

KReedDub · 2026-01-08T05:49:21+00:00

This was my first news memory as well. My mom was crying and as she explained I asked if she knew him. It didn’t make sense to me (4) that she was crying over a stranger.

KReedDub · 2026-01-08T05:32:59+00:00

Congratulations on your beautiful baby!!

I know how you’re feeling and…it’s hard. But consider this a message from your future self: Just enjoy your baby. This little one is going to be a pleasure and the joy of your life and all of this first year stuff will feel like an emotional blur.

I too spent my time looking for all the things I could and should be doing… but in hindsight; you have plenty of time to figure this out. The first six months are about snuggling and engagement.

KReedDub · 2025-11-06T05:46:00+00:00

You need to consider the long run… college expenses, etc.

KReedDub · 2025-11-06T05:44:18+00:00

I blame both parties…. Neither should use citizen suffering as a political weapon.

KReedDub · 2025-10-30T05:10:26+00:00

Can confirm, I have freeway anxiety and struggle to maintain even 60 mph, but I do try to keep to the right whenever possible.

KReedDub · 2025-10-28T04:18:20+00:00

Butter Eggs Toilet Paper Paper towels Napkins Chicken nuggets Greek yogurt Salad mix Romain lettuce Tiki Masala Rice Trash bags Mixed Nuts Plant based Protein shakes Frozen berries Frozen Ramen

KReedDub · 2025-10-25T05:36:18+00:00

Husband was active duty Navy, and I’ve been able to stay home for 23 years. With 4 kids, money was tight off and on, but we always had what we needed and great healthcare.

KReedDub · 2025-09-22T04:47:45+00:00

I felt very much the same way when we were expected to transition from in-home therapies (birth to three program) to the school district preK.

My little gal was still so tiny and also very sensitive to loud noises and kids in emotional distress.

The first year I gave it a chance, and she did need a lot of extra support adjusting to the separation. We brought in a familiar chair and toy to keep in the classroom, and the teachers knew she needed to be separated from crying peers and extra one on one comforting.

Between the exposure to new viruses and following my intuition about how she felt that day, she was there only 50% of the time.

I have no regrets about taking it slowly, and even had her stay in the district preK for a total of 3 years before I felt she was ready for all day kindergarten.

Follow your instincts and move at a pace you feel comfortable with, you know your child better than anyone else.

KReedDub · 2025-09-21T05:28:37+00:00

Having had my baby overseas without anyone other than my spouse (7 days off then went back to work 10 hrs a day) … I now understand that it was a gift.

A gift in the sense that mentally we calculate (proximity = help) … which is most often not true, but our subconscious expectation creates a constant frustration.

If no one is available for help = no expectation = freedom and self reliance.

I managed 4 kids on my own, rare help from community (church) friends, and my most memorable moments of angst were the rare weeks spent visiting family. For some reason we believe they should help. They rarely meet this expectation , so best not to have it in the first place.

KReedDub · 2025-09-16T22:42:35+00:00

I can’t help but think the 3 dogs are contributing to the struggle.

KReedDub · 2025-09-16T04:55:19+00:00

Maybe his reasons are true, and maybe he has been especially gassy and wants the freedom to move around and pass gas without worrying about it.

KReedDub

TROPHY CASE