From the files of – who would have thunk it?
Most of you know that there are significant numbers of folks around the world that have theoretically recovered from COVID-19… except they still have symptoms- mental confusion, crushing fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain, soaking sweats, etc. To date, we have not determined why these specific folks have the “pleasure” of continued COVID-19 suffering.
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) has been working on the assumption that somewhere between 10 and 30% of those infected with COVID-19 manifest the long-term symptomology. (And, as a result, a four year, $ 1 billion study began on 23 February 2021 to learn more about these patients.)
But, now a small study effected in Bristol UK (Drs. DT Arnold, A Milne, L Stadon, NA Maskell, and FW Hamilton of the North Bristol National Health Service Trust, along with patient representative E Samms from Gloucestershire UK) brings a ray of sunshine to the LTC (long-term-Covid) patient sufferers. The study included 44 folks who were vaccinated and 22 who weren’t.
When compared to the unvaccinated participants, the LTC folks manifested small improvements in their symptoms, regardless of the vaccine employed.
These results match those found among US residents who were inoculated. (These results were uncovered by Survivor Corps, a voluntary group monitoring those with LTC.) When these LTC (long-term Covid) patients got their inoculations- the symptoms seemed to disappear. We don’t know if that is because the vaccines revved up the immune system, and that swept away the hidden pockets of coronavirus stored in their bodies. Is it a placebo effect? We have no clue. (Dr. Saurabh Mehandru, NY Mount Sinai gastroenterologist) found that many SARS-CoV-2 virus are harbored in the lining of the small intestine, where they persist for a few months. But, it is unclear if this is the cause of the long-term illness.)
Survivor Corps, a group of over 150,000 Covid survivors surveyed some 577 respondents to find that 225 reported improvement, 277 manifested no change, and 82 were feeling worse.
Dr. Daniel Griffen (Columbia University) has found that 40% of his LTC patients have improved and their sense of smell is returning.
This could be a very good thing for those suffering from Long Term Covid.
Getting inoculated cures their long-term travails.
I’m hoping that this does lead to a “why does this happen” discovery and relief for all long haulers. (One of my Facebook friends is a long hauler and it’s a terrible thing to live with.) It’s also interesting to me that the original long haulers were not believed by many doctors, something that seems to happen with other chronic conditions such as those suffering long term effects of Lyme Disease. Perhaps the medical profession needs to rethink some of their attitudes towards patients sick for reasons doctors can’t seem to figure out.
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Well said, Alana. Thanks for adding that to our ocnversations.
That’s great hope for those with long term Covid.
I’m with you on this,Martha!