Amy's Incredible Journey: How She Recovered From Long COVID

Amy Engkjer, a successful entrepreneur and meditation teacher from Montana, battled long COVID for a year. Not only did she fully recover, but she also founded the global non-profit, Positively COVID, to help people stay hopeful on their recovery journey.
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MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
📖 The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge - amzn.to/421giNI
📖 Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient by Norman Cousins - amzn.to/3tYF0Sh
🌟 Brain-body training - lightningprocess.com
🌐 World Physiotherapy - world.physio/
🌐 Online resource for optimism, recovery stories, and guidance during COVID - www.positivelycovid.org
CONNECT WITH AMY:
✍️ [e-mail]
🔔 ‪@positivelycovid9804‬
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM RECOVERY INTERVIEWS ►►
💌 Sign up for my weekly newsletter to receive highlights from the latest recovery story -
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LEARN MORE:
📖 Check out my book! Finding Freedom: Escaping From the Prison of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. View on Amazon - amzn.to/2LtzBcl
👩🏻‍🏫 Join my course! Lifestyle Pacing: Tools for Optimizing Your Energy and Achieving Your Goals (join for FREE with this affiliate link) - skl.sh/3BMsuqk
🥗 Need help with food? Join my course Mastering Meal Planning: Stress Less, Enjoy More, & Thrive - bit.ly/40SDHyM
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Meet Amy, an entrepreneur from Montana
02:05 - Debilitating Fatigue: Amy's Initial Symptoms
03:09 - Holding Onto Hope Like a Life Raft
05:03 - What Worked and What Didn't for Amy
08:36 - The Importance of Self-Advocacy in Recovery
13:10 - Amy's Major Turning Point
15:49 - Why Pacing is So Tricky
16:43 - The Power of Belief: Cementing the Path to Recovery
17:15 - How Pulling Weeds Became a Measure of Improvement
22:50 - Turning Despair into Hope: The Birth of a Global Non-Profit
24:12 - 3 Phases of Recovery
29:28 - Amy's Morning Routine
32:48 - Joy Shocking: Counteracting Trauma with Florence and the Machine
…
NOTE: This description may contain affiliate links to products I enjoy using myself. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you choose to use these links, this channel may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!
REMINDER: This is for information purposes only and nothing I share should be considered medical advice. Please make your own assessment, do your own further research, and consult your trusted healthcare professionals before deciding if anything I talk about here might be right for you.
#longcovidrecovery #longcovid #chronicfatigue #fatigue

[@MsJessyBee]

I love this interview! It just solidifies that almost everybody gets better the same way. Over and over and over we hear that you calm the nervous system, slowly move into activity, work on your mindset, and be very very patient and consistent. Such a good interview and I love to hear the same thing over and over again!! it’s comforting, knowing that that is the way.

[@evandallas3599]

I agree! Have you started brain training?

[@theolivergirls]

On 18 months now working on overcoming long covid. I am getting there but the symptoms are so scary it puts me back.. i was also super active and an athlete. Whole life just stopped. Thank you for this video

[@criticalthinkingisessentia2402]

Has anyone else noticed that so many of us who go through ME/CFS type issues have experienced significant trauma, like sudden deaths of loved ones? I've also noticed many of us are type A perfectionists or people pleasers.

[@andrewstrakele6815]

I believe Chronic Stress from traumatic events and Type-A Overachiever Personality are PREREQUISITES for Long COVID.

[@brendabrenner2891]

This is so true.. I questioned what all my awards +achievements were worth now until I realized I was grieving + going thru the stages , denial, disbelief, anger, .. now working on acceptance🙏❤️

[@andrewstrakele6815]

@@brendabrenner2891 - LifeWithKyle and JUST ROB may be of interest to you.

[@andrewstrakele6815]

@@brendabrenner2891 - They are KZbin Channels that have information on Lifestyle Changes that may help with your Recovery.

[@tamikahill4778]

I've noticed that most people that are perfectionist and live busy lifestyles seem to suffer from long covid

[@rbdesigner725]

I like a lot of the approach which I think everyone gets to eventually but I think there’s a time component and everyone has a different start point. Meaning some are far worse than others so it is not a similar time frame even if it can be a similar process. I like the approach of seeing what recovered people did but I also think we have to look at those who are struggling the most because there are physiological processes and issues that cause symptoms, there are certainly enough studies now to show that. Keep up the good work.

[@nothingtofind9099]

I felt Amy's joyous orientation and can do mindset throughout the interview. Her attitude that it's a beautiful unfolding rather than a tedious burden demonstrates a better way to 'git 'er done'. The concrete ways of being healthy don't seem to amount to as much as the intention behind them... in that we're not punishing, shaming, guilting, or whipping ourselves back to wellness but rather inviting, coaxing, encouraging, staying curious, enjoying ourselves gradually back to a natural, inherent, expanded version of ourselves. Our Western society doesn't fully appreciate nor educate us about the nature of process in getting from A to B... so part of recovery is about taking steps, going through stages, accepting a 'beginner's mind' in every phase.

[@RaelanAgle]

Such a good point! ❤️❤️

[@Chelsea-mz4dn]

It is so therapeutic hearing this lady talk so lucidly about this condition. This is the story I needed to finally knuckle down on recovery, thank you 🙏🏻

[@RaelanAgle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justbecauseican1410]

Getting cfs is like nothing else, it usually comes suddenly. And you are totally hit by all of these weird amd painful symptoms. And the worse thing about is, that it is invisible and mostly no one understands how horrible it can get.

[@honorburza9110]

After having my first baby I was unable to meditate in the early days, I was so tense but due to severe sleep deprivation I couldn’t fall asleep due to a feeling of suffocation as I was falling asleep (some kind of sleep paralysis I think). What got me out of this was active meditation, not the laying or sitting one. The one where you have mindful movement, I felt and heard the tension stretch out physically and breathe properly, and I was grounded & it helped me recover. It wasn’t an illness as such but in some ways traumatic. The mindful movement saved me.

[@user-ox6vd9vg7p]

Thank you soooooo much. It my anchor right now, hearing you talking about recovery and what you did. Please go on with it. We really need that. Best regards from Berlin, Germany

[@caitlinleahy5571]

Great interview. I'm trying to tap into the "elated states" she speaks of in direct "defiance" or rather more softly put, in opposition, of the alarm bell. It is so nuanced. Today, I found saying "I'm so proud of you" and " I love you so much" had a very interesting effect against a big alarm bell. Anyhow, thank you so much for this 💖

[@susanbloemhof4391]

Such a brave intelligent woman...x x Thank you both for this amazing content.

[@ezza1236]

Her interview with dr schubiner should be watched by everyone . The best explanation of this thing

[@healingjourney722]

Such a helpful interview. Thank you!

[@RaelanAgle]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suzannax]

I agree, starting the day with meditation has been game changer. As well as being aware of the thought patterns that lead to stress

[@AlexMentalGrowth]

What sort of you meditation you do?

[@suzannax]

@@AlexMentalGrowth yoga nidra, though anything body based to feel present is good

[@CodStars1231]

Another great video thank you

[@hal511bm]

Thank you . God Bless.

[@jeanettekubon3766]

Thank you Raelan for this interview! I use the resources of positivelycovid a lot: e.g. the laughing video, the meditations, the happy spotify playlist. Such a good website. And I agree that everybody has to develop a personal toolbox, I also did two brain training programs and mix them both which suits me best.

[@Bachconcertos]

I found doctors don't have time for me - it's an assembly line -:if he does not know what is wrong with u he sends u to specialists _ still no answers.

[@briechilli4496]

Worse again, the specialist then offers antidepressants. Calls it all anxiety.

[@thizzyglider555]

Thanks guys

[@taragunn9400]

This was so hopeful and uplifting. I have definitely fallen into the over research mode. I gotta let go, trust and not pay such close attention to all the weird niggly symptoms. Changing the mindset is the game changer. ❤

[@michaelb1621]

Thank you, almost there! Gonna try her website.

[@sergiogomez6]

This interview was so great, thank you for doing this. I would love to start seeing some content regarding post vaccine 💉 injuries, that give all of the same long Covid symptoms. It’s such a big issue today yet no doctor wants to verbally discuss it or give their opinion. 😔

[@brendabrenner2891]

Follow Dr wes ely(cal ICU director) whose daughter is like us.. he's seen it ALL.. now has left western old school system + is naturopathic imclined toward vax injury + recovery.. also REMISSION BIOME, run by2 lc drs.. patient led.. im severe autoimmune /vaxinjured.. blessings❤️🙏

[@samuelraschella5764]

Love how she admitted to not being able to meditate for more than 5 minutes. I think many high achievers, like myself try too hard to meditate which defeats the purpose of it!

[@addiecoelman1996]

@samuelraschella - if you're a high-achiever, you should be able to achieve it, right. lol

[@brendabrenner2891]

Truism.. has to learn to let go to do it❤❤

[@wzupppp]

Its not a matter of trying too hard but a matter of not being able to get in a calm state due to this illness

[@samuelraschella5764]

I completely agree with you! Settling into a calm state can be difficult with a scared brain/hypersensitive nervous system, which is how I now refer to it rather than an illness. Our physical bodies are actually fine

[@AnrupB]

I relate to this SO much! Same books, experience with implementation, etc.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Thanks 😊

[@deelicious1610]

I believe long covid and CFS/ME are the same thing and long covid is finally giving people with CFS/ME the attention we deserved decades ago!

[@Bachconcertos]

This was a good video.

[@tangodancerSFO2010]

Thanks!🥰

[@RaelanAgle]

Much appreciated, TangoDancer! ❤️🙏 🌟

[@lynb87]

I also felt better a year in and then had a months long setback. Keep being careful about stress I would say. Keep the good routines up even when you feel great.

[@RaelanAgle]

That's the plan! ❤️

[@mariabarillas3425]

I totally agree about the undone research with recovery people, think they are the ones who can give important tools for recover. Second I know maybe this is not important but I insist in the less amount of people like me who have lc with other symphtoms, I'll just love to see recovery stories about people who doesn't have fatigue and brain fog I don't have it. And finally about pacing I think is like this as the lady already sayed: sometimes it's about give a little push to your self and incorporate new activities and some other times you just have to wait until your body tells you that you are already able to do something new or physical stronger, it's about you to learn or decide which one each time. Than you Raelan.

[@MrKelso85]

Omg this is so relatable now I think why didn’t I meditate in the beginning? But then this Woman reminded me “oh yeh I tried but my brain was so fried I couldn’t even handle 10 seconds with my eyes closed”

[@tangodancerSFO2010]

Thanks so much! And, it's hard for me to feel like I"m always hearing recovery stories from people who can go out into sun (I live in a very un-sunny place) and who have a partner, pet or other loved ones with them. I get worried, 'can I really get better when I live all alone in London?' It would be great to hear recovery stories from people that are single, living alone, in cold dark places, can't get a pet, and maybe for various reasons don't have an incredible social support network either.

[@RaelanAgle]

Did you catch Rachel's full recovery story? I hope you'll find her interview soothing! ❤️

[@HollyFurgason]

As for other people's perceptions, when I was dealing with Long COVID the first time, my house just fell apart, all my house plants died that I loved and cared for meticulously and my normally gorgeous veggie garden turned to weeds. Despite how my life fell apart, I don't think anyone considered how bad it was including my adult children and my husband but afterwards, I thought, if I had been going through chemo or had had surgery and was recovering, there would have been a brigade of family, friends and church members helping out. No one ever thought of it as serious. When I would tell people I couldn't join them or that I had to quit by job because of Long COVID, the response was like, "oh, I hope you feel better soon."

[@RaelanAgle]

I'm so sorry, Holly. It's disheartening how often we hear about the lack of understanding and support. Hopefully, you'll find some helpful resources on this channel to get yourself and your garden back to full bloom.

[@HollyFurgason]

@@RaelanAgle Thanks to your channel, I'm basically over my Long COVID! My house is back in order, my houseplants are healthy and happy and I'm rebuilding my garden. I'm also back to enjoying my hobbies. I continue watching because the stories of the people who join you are so powerful that they continue to motivate me.

[@Bachconcertos]

My family is abusive so I do not have any family or friends - I have tried for years to develope relationships but people are too busy & also too busy looking at their phones.

[@decafmocha211]

So happy for you Amy. I have had Post Vaccination Syndrome for about 3 years. It has many of the same symptoms as Long Covid : Dysautonomia, Brain Fog and Fatigue. I guess I will just have to keep trying new things because it has gotten worse. Thanks so much for sharing this. You make a lot of sense but I am not sure I understand how you do it. I have never meditated. Any suggestions ???

[@JTurner-zk4ix]

What was what was the red light therapy product recommendation. It was shown so quickly I couldn’t see the name. Thank you

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Excellent video again! Raelan, your voice sounds a bit covidy in this one. Take good rest!

[@RaelanAgle]

Thanks, will do!

[@AlexMentalGrowth]

What type of mediation is recommended, does someone have specifics? Many thanks

[@andrewstrakele6815]

Locations of Guided Meditations specifically for Long COVID: 1) Positively COVID 2) LifeWithKyle

[@drewmiller770]

Is there a recovery story about depression caused directly by covid? I have had depression my whole life, but this year with long covid, it has gotten very bad, and in ways that sound like neuroplasticity is bringing it around my brain.

[@danijeanes5078]

Look into dr Steven illardi the depression cure.

[@CBEACH]

Have you tried the ArtemiC Rescue and ArtemiC Support Combo? They are made for Covid and Longcovid and have been in medical testing to be a treatment.😅

[@briechilli4496]

Curious did this lovely woman experience insomnia during this time.

[@majahorvat7294]

Nice lady.

[@user-jy5jp2ny5j]

I have ME after covid 2020, it started like mild ME and because of lack of pacing and knowledge I systematically damaged my body, and for 2 months now I am bedridden, in dark room, my partner takes care of me.I want to start brainretraining and breathwork now, Im in panik of course. Do you think I can get better to a more moderate level?

[@Bachconcertos]

U must have hope & believe u can heal because u can - u have to get in touch with your mind and body.and discover in time what will work for u.

[@francescam.6999]

So sorry you have to go through this. Of course you feel panic. I also thought I damaged my body. But it is all coming back. I hope it helps to know, that you are not alone. A lot of us have been, where you are now. We know how brave you have to be and are. We found our way and you will too.

[@user-jy5jp2ny5j]

@@francescam.6999 were u also totally bedboynd? How did u come back?

[@Matt-3414]

It is horrible, I know, have bene bedbound myself but am doing better now in just a few months and am confident I will get to full recovery. From reading your comment I would say firstly, there probably is nothing damaged in your body, it feels like it, and of course make sure to have it checked out at the doctors but high probability there is nothing structural wrong. Secondly, don’t identify too much with the label of ME, it is mostly the same, ME, CFS, Long covid. Especially the root cause is the same, but people holding on to the label ME tend to view the illness most as structural damage and have the most negative outlook in the prognosis. A good way to start would be to read the book: Breaking free by Jan Rothney. If you can’t read, maybe your partner can read it to you, this book was a game changer at how I looked at this illness. Good luck!

[@angelic3450]

I've been there, sorry you are going through this now. Healing is inevitable. The body want homeostasis, it wants to be well. Don't panic. Just accept where you are and know you will get better. Your healing journey starts where you are, not where you long to be. If I were to give any advice to myself at that stage it would be: REST. Both physically and mentally. You do not need to figure this out. Your body is self healing. Spend your time resting, meditating, breathwork. Refrain from watching and reading too much at this stage. That is not what the body is asking you right now.

[@mai9355]

This lady must be an agent for the lighting process, I only know people that has gotten several worst after using this method that had Long Covid or ME

[@Mo-ws1fm]

I know quite a few people who improved following the lightning process including myself. And I gained absolutely no financial benefit from this programme.

[@mai9355]

Very nice to hear! Which criteria were was used to diagnose you?

[@fwdflashwebdesign]

The doctors don't give a shit about this type of condition, they are more preoccupied with what movie to watch on the weekend...

[@johnaymes]

Curious. Full recovery" here means 100% recovered?

[@Shannon_Robbie]

I think her daily morning routine would be difficult to implement for those of us who work full time jobs. I'm usually exhausted in the morning and rushing around to get to work.

[@briechilli4496]

You do not sound as severe as her if you can rush around to get ready for work.

[@Shannon_Robbie]

It's not a competition Brie! I have mild to moderate fatigue and have had to give up a lot of things I enjoy in life to cope. I have bursts of energy and then they're gone and I'm wiped out. Also you completey missed the point of my comment which was that it's not easy to do all the shit she suggested for those of us who HAVE to go into work!@@briechilli4496

[@glenanson6963]

When you walk the dog touch plants and trees 🌴

[@RailwayTavern]

Please can you make clear whether or not these 'Long Covid' recovery patients had had a covid vaccine before catching covid initially? This is very important. Likewise there are different strains of covid and a march 2020 patient is not the same as a June 2021 patient for example. A lot of reaearch backs this up and so your channel would be more useful if it made these distictions

[@stevegcq]

'Dr. John Campbell'

[@stevegcq]

The comments there tell us everything.

[@stevegcq]

Ed Dowd, not covid

[@shirin-md2539]

Calming the nervous systems definitely is helpful in recovery. However, we can’t ignore the power of good nutrition and supplements/vitamins in healing the body. Everyone who has healed from long Covid or ME/CFS tried supplements but only credit the brain retraining for their healing! I would really wanna hear from people who got healed from only brain retraining and never tried supplements and nutrition!

[@andrewstrakele6815]

I believe it is CHRONIC STRESS that brings people to chronic dysfunction of the Immune System such as Long COVID, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, Fibromyalgia, Post Lyme Disease, POTS, and MCAS. In the case of Long COVID, the acute COVID-19 infection is merely a Trigger, an additional stress on an ALREADY Compromised Immune System that causes a complete breakdown. Stress Downregulates both the Immune System and Digestion. Chronic Downregulation of Digestion will result in poor absorption of Essential Nutrients, resulting in Nutritional and Antioxidant Deficiencies. Poor Immune System function allows secondary infections of other viruses, bacteria, molds, protozoans, and parasites to come out of Remission. Autoimmune Diseases, Allergies, Comorbidities, and Environmental Toxins may further complicate the disease. It is difficult to address the Nutritional Deficiencies if proper Digestion is being affected. Increasing the amount of Supplementation may help on a Temporary Basis, but will fail to prevent a relapse if the Chronic Stress Root Cause is not addressed. I believe the 1st Step is to TRULY BELIEVE you can Heal, then set your INTENTION to do so. Be willing to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes. Next, Stress Management through Meditation, Breathwork, Light Yoga is necessary. Since Deep Sleep is the ONLY Time the waste products of inflammation and normal metabolism are removed from the Brain, you’ll need to become a Student of Improved Sleep Habits. The Deficiencies of Essential Elements and Antioxidants will need to be addressed by becoming a Student of a Healthy Ketogenic Diet with Intermittent Fasting and occasional Prolonged Fasting, along with Supplementation to Optimize the Immune System. Dr. Eric Berg offers a Free Course on this very subject. You can have Nutritional Deficiencies with an Autoimmune Disease and some Comorbidities and not experience Long COVID after an acute COVID-19 infection. However, I do not believe you can reach a complete breakdown of the Immune System without it being the end stage result of Chronic Stress. Recovery from that extreme of Chronic Stress will require a Change in Attitude, I.e. Brain Retraining.

[@DG-jm9dx]

Supplements, anti-inflammatory diet, yoga, lots of afternoon rests, and finally back to my Pilates practice..it took over two years to begin to recognize myself…prayers to those still recovering. Keep digging in, you will find your way back…❤

[@kellycusack5023]

I have seen videos on other pages where they healed without diet and supplements

[@shirin-md2539]

@@kellycusack5023Could you please share the link or the channel name, thx.

[@shirin-md2539]

@@DG-jm9dxI also believe that both nutrition/supplements/vitamins AND calming the nervous systems using yoga, meditation, breath work, and brain retraining TOGETHER can heal people. ❤

[@faithm9284]

Glutathione

[@rosemaryroman7756]

A lot of this is twee, precious BS for many of us. I cannot "talk my brain" out of the fact that physical exertion at a normal level literally makes me feel like I am going to die, between the heart palpitations, dizziness, acute neuropathy pain - "reteaching your brain" does nothing when PARTS OF YOUR BODY ARE BROKEN.

[@Mau365PP]

Positivity is not going to fix brain damage

[@m007mm]

But carnivore might! 🥩 🔥

[@suzannax]

Did she say it would. sounds like a straw man argument

[@Matt-3414]

@@m007mm Have you seen benefits eating carnivore with me/cfs/lc?

[@alicequayle4625]

I found catacrom / sodium Cromoglycinate helped brain fog.

[@alicequayle4625]

​@@Matt-3414I know someone says that organ meats helped them. And prebiotic sauerkraut etc. Though I don't get on with sauerkraut myself.