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Please practice empathy (covid & chronic illness)
“I do not know how else to explain that you do not want post-viral syndrome” @makelemonadewithlupus
My pots & chronic fatigue syndrome were the result of an unassuming virus. I was a healthy 21 year old w. a normal pulse and normal blood pressure. My feet didn’t turn purple upon standing up. I didn’t become lightheaded at the drop of a hat. I could run & dance & stand up for as long as my heart desired. My brain wasn’t foggy and & I wasn’t dizzy or disoriented. Lights and noises weren’t so overstimulating & I didn’t feel like I was walking through quick sand. nor did I struggle to open heavy doors or to hang up shower curtains. Trying on clothes in a dressing room didn’t spike my pulse up to 150 & I could go out in the summer heat without feeling absolutely dreadful. ️
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Thus, for me, a “casual” virus turned into a serious chronic condition ...& my life changed (drastically)...just like that. ️ ever since, life has been full of doctors appts, medications, headaches, food intolerances & lots of time on the couch. ️
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This being said, knowing that covid has the potential to dramatically change the lives of so many people (long term) is extremely frightening - particularly bc many are still brushing it off as an innocent virus that their youth or “good” health will protect them from. They aren’t considering that they too could lose their health long term. ️
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This is probably why I feel so sensitive about how lightly some people are taking this. I’m really scared for those whose lives may be permanently changed both while they have this virus & as well as potentially years after (if not for life). ️
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I’m disheartened by those who still refuse to wear masks & continue to go out w. friends. their choices reflect a lack of compassion for the lives & wellbeing of the people they may spread it to. ️
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I’ve accepted where I am in life, & I can honestly say that I am happy. but this doesn’t mean I wouldn’t rather be “healthy.” ️
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I just wish with all my heart that everyone would step up & take care of themselves & of each other so that fewer people will have to learn to live with the heavy weight of a (post covid) chronic condition.
