Long COVID Survivors Share How Their Lives Have Changed 2 Years Later

Long Covid Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty It’s been exactly two years since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, and yet many of those first infected with the virus continue to wonder if they’ll ever feel normal again. “I considered seeking new employment in Maryland and was like, but I won’t be safe, and I know I’ll be safer in another country.” Joyner said she continues to endure a number of health issues from long COVID, including a more fragile immune system and post-traumatic stress disorder, which has been documented in other COVID survivors. “And for me, a big part of that was literally moving halfway around the world in order to feel safe.” Joyner’s long COVID symptoms today ― some of which she’s had since the start of her illness ― include neuropathy in her hands, disrupted sleep, body temperature fluctuations and photosensitivity. “Any sort of jumping makes my heart rate spike, and my walking heart rate is still pretty high for me, especially considering I used to run half marathons and now I’m walking at a 2.5 mile per hour pace.” Today, she said, she continues to have memory issues and now headaches every morning upon waking ― something that started in January. “For the last six months, he’s been doing breathing treatments like they do for kids with asthma, but it’s hit or miss if they help him day to day.” “I now know firsthand that in an instant life can change in so many ways, so I make an effort to practice gratitude every single day for where I am right now.” - Laura Long Long said she has largely adapted to long COVID’s effects on her and her family, but she remains hopeful that this won’t be permanent.