Chicago doctors provide personalized care for long COVID

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people, like Rosalynn Gingerich in Chicago, continue to struggle with long COVID symptoms. Gingerich, an artist and educator, followed all safety measures but tested positive in fall 2022. She now faces challenges like dizziness, brain fog, and extreme fatigue. Doctors are concerned about how to help patients like Gingerich. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 1 in 5 adults may have health issues linked to past COVID-19 infections. These long COVID symptoms can be life-altering, making treatment difficult. At Chicago's Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, specialists have created a program to support long COVID patients. This outpatient COVID Rehabilitation Unit opened in 2021, focusing on those who did not need hospitalization for their initial infection. The CDC has noted over 200 symptoms related to long COVID, complicating diagnosis and treatment. One challenge is that symptoms like "brain fog" can mean different things. Marie Saxon, a speech-language pathologist, explains that brain fog can affect people in various ways, from making simple errors at work to struggling to find words in conversation. Saxon and her team help patients manage their symptoms through pacing and personalized strategies. Doctors are slowly identifying patterns to improve cognitive function for long COVID patients. Saxon believes it is important for patients to know they are not alone in their experiences. Gingerich found comfort knowing that others share her struggles. After receiving physical and speech therapy at the AbilityLab, Gingerich felt relieved that her doctors understood her situation. She compared her energy levels to living with a phone that constantly needs charging. Although she does not know if she will fully recover, she remains hopeful. Gingerich expresses that optimism plays a vital role in her artistic work and her journey towards recovery. She aims to maintain that positive outlook as she continues to manage her symptoms.