The Latest on Treating Long Covid | Viral Persistence & Long Vax

In this extract from an interview from the upcoming free online summit 'Cracking the Chronic Illness Code', I talk to Dr Eric Gordon about the most important research happening at the moment that will lead to effective treatments for Long Covid, the evidence for viral persistence, the latest treatment trials designed to take it on - and where Long Covid symptoms triggered by the vaccine fit in.
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References:
Davis, McCorkell, Moore Vogel & Topol, Nature Reviews Microbiology:
www.nature.com...
Yin et al, Nature Immunology (T cell exhaustion)
www.nature.com...
Liew et al, Nature Immunology (Phenotyping):
www.nature.com...
Remdesivir trial:
www.derby.ac.u...

[@mindynewman9362]

I wasn’t sure you were still in this game, I was thinking I was the only person from the first wave that was still struggling! Glad to see you again, sorry you’re still in recovery.

[@piccalillipit9211]

NOPE - I am as well - I had 2 good months over Christmas but its back to 5% energy levels again now

[@Spracklish]

I'm still from the first wave. There are still many of us, unfortunately 😕

[@hectorpikipiki]

Hi I'm first wave as well. I improved completely after a year and a half; then after a year I had a relapse for around 3-4 months and now I've been completely well again for almost a year. Who knows what will happen next.

[@aprilgarnett55]

First waver here, March 2020. Have done everything in my power, carnivore, all the supplements, little exercise,, no exercise, meditation...sometimes seem to be improving and ALWAYS a relapse back to bed/couch. Incredibly disheartening. It feels like every cell in my body is fighting for air, energy. Feels hopeless.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@aprilgarnett55 *Exhaustion on a molecular level* - like an old iPhone with a dying battery. Charg it fully - it works fine and then an hour later it just dies - black screen

[@matthewcolliander-smith8494]

I know a lot of people who recover disappear so you don't hear about the positive stories. I had long-covid for over two years but have made a full recovery. Hope this give some of you some hope. Recovery is absolutely possible

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share - hugely appreciated 😄

[@monag.769]

Thank you so much for sharing! Congratulations🎉Would you mind mentioning if you did anything special to get rid of it (diet, supplements)? Thank you, all the best to you, and enjoy evrything that comes your way🙏🏼🤗

[@matthewcolliander-smith8494]

@@monag.769 I think for me it was a combination of many things and I experimented with all sorts (HBOT, supplements, diet, hypnosis, meditation, Alpha-stim etc) but calming my nervous system was probably the key. It wasn't until I had all the puzzle pieces in place that I started to recover but this all began with my nervous system. I think my nervous system was on high alert and my immune system was surpressed. Once I reset my nervous system my immune system was able to recover. I genuinely believe I needed to give my body what it needed to fix whatever the underlying issue was. That's certainly how it felt to me. As we all know it's so annoyingly complex it's impossible to know exactly what helped and I had two major relapses. I've started writing a book about what I've learned in the hope that one day it can help people but it's no where near close to sharing unfortunately. I can say that I was an absolute mess and felt like an ill 90 year old for a long time (I'm 43) and now I'm recovered so please believe that recovery is very much achieveable. I also lost my job and we're selling the family home so I understand how horrificly stressful this illness is. The good news is that not only am I recovered but I'm physically and mentally stronger than I have ever been in my life.

[@monag.769]

@@matthewcolliander-smith8494Thank you from the heart! I am so happy for you and wish you a lovely new life after what you‘ve been through. Never give up and enjoy🙏🏼❤️

[@tonybadalamenti9361]

Lucky dog!! I'm happy for you. Hopefully we all get there. Some days I feel hope some days hopeless.

[@barbarateresarhiannonsreal1756]

1st Waver, OG here. Jan. 2020, I got Covid-19, already battling ME/CFS. I continued working while sick, coughing up blood, fatigue, body & headaches for weeks. I was an essential worker during lockdown with no restrooms open (ANYWHERE) it was a nightmare. By March, unable to work, I applied for SSDI. I spent 2020-2022 going to every doctor & specialist I was sent to. Finally I got an answer. My Doctor said he's sure I have Long Covid, ME/CFS & Post Viral Syndrome. But no cure, all of my tests, brain scans & ekg's were normal. Arthritis showed-up on my xrays & with all of my medical paperwork my Judge granted SSDI in April 2023. I fought like a wildcat to get better & back to work. In 2024, I can barely get off the couch. Thank god for Gez Medinger, Raelan Agle, my mental health therapist and the FB Survivor Corps Group and the free Visable App to track my symptoms, & my daughter. I honestly don't think I could have held on to my sanity without all of the above. 🎉

[@mojabaka]

Yeah, you're live is over.

[@sagemeline]

Sounds bloody familiar. Feb 2020 here. Fortunately I can work from home, so it hasn't reduced my income, but bloody hell has my life ground to a halt outside of work. Walking across the house is tiring; cooking is exhausting; grocery shopping can make me collapse for hours that day and most of the next day. I have a budget of 1-2 trips up/down stairs a day; a third trip costs me the rest of my day, and possibly the next day as well. I don't know how I'm still sane. and no, it isn't work keeping me going -- epic burnout there only makes things worse. ugh. With luck, there will be some miracle treatment. though really, I'd be happy with any improvement at all, on top of the few supplements I've found that help. There's an end to this, right? I'll feel normal again? Someday?

[@duneideann9241]

March 2020 and no end in sight Getting worse if anything possibly due to lack of activity Catch 22 😩

[@denisau3646]

​@@duneideann9241 If you can't move normally, I suggest exercises such as moving toes and fingers in bed, and gradually doing more movements in bed, always stopping before getting tired. For me taking aminoacids like bodybuilders help me with muscle strength. Without them I have very limited mobility. But this is me, we are all different.

[@shaktiillumination]

❤ me too

[@rlwings]

Yay, you're back! - Really missed you!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@joannastgeorge5499]

Good to see you! Get better * never give up!

[@barbarateresarhiannonsreal1756]

​@@RUNDMC1thank you for everything. You look great, & healthy (meant as a compliment because I know you're still feeling this like we all are).

[@amparomartinez6521]

Glad to see you again!!! THANK YOU!!❤

[@MultiKtm300]

Fully recovered here. Here’s are some of the things I did. I craved the sun and laid out with as much skin exposed as possible every day. I drank water only. No coffee, no tea, no caffeine. I had to eat a low histamine diet. No processed foods I walked slow outside as often as possible. Claritin/Loratadine and flush Niacin seemed to make a difference for me. If I think of anything else I will post it.

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s fantastic news - great to hear it. How long had you been long hauling for, and over what period did it resolve (ie gradual or suddenly)? Thanks!

[@matronofmercia5891]

I've only recently come down with long covid after getting it for the second time. I started taking Loratadine and after a few days started to fell so much better, but the packet said only take for 5 days, I took for 7 then stopped, now I feel so awful and exhausted again, so started taking again yesterday. How long were you on antihistamines for please? I will try to get the niacin that makes you flush. Thank you and glad you've beaten it. Thanks for taking the time to share what worked for you.

[@MultiKtm300]

I’m not aware of any limit on the once daily use of Loratadine?

[@matronofmercia5891]

@@MultiKtm300 I've just checked our box of Loraclear in the cupboard which my husband had on hand and used occasionally - it says one tablet daily, do not exceed recommended dose. I only just realized on checking it now that this is different to the smaller box I looked at in the supermarket! In the supermarket the small box (of the same thing) warns to stop taking after 5 days! My husband had picked up the 90 tab box at the pharmacy. Perhaps it is just a difference in labelling and what a supermarket can sell vs pharmacy? All I had remembered was seeing this warning on the box at the supermarket, but you're right, no such warning on the large box that we already had at home and I hadn't thought to compare that with the supermarket one. I'm booked in for the Dr early next week anyway (takes ages just to see a Dr). I'm hoping he will prescribe another antihistimine to complement the loratadine, and in the meantime, have started taking loratadine again in hopes it makes me feel better ...

[@matronofmercia5891]

@@MultiKtm300 I would add that since I've been online looking at this information, many people have mentioned taking several a day. I'm perhaps a stickler for following the instructions on the label, but if it works, I'll try it!

[@aimeeippersiel1764]

It’s truly remarkable how clearly you communicate these complex issues - all while managing with long covid.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Aimee!

[@joannarichards5813]

I agree! X

[@KokayMate]

Nobody knows nothing about healing LC, but the doctors I have met, my insurance company, workplace Chiefs and HR shure KNOW I can work and function 100%. Cant breath, speak, walk or function normaly 24/7 for over 4 years now. Lost my job, income, insurance....everything. Whent from superfit to now look like a maggot. Everything in society failed me when I most needed it except myself.

[@barbarawarren9443]

OMG ❤ Send you love and healing. - and I wish it were that simple, yet my thoughts are sincere.

[@KokayMate]

@@barbarawarren9443 Thank you Barbara! I really appreciate it 🙏 All the best to you as well.

[@olgasantiago-agirlfriendsguide]

@KokayMate ❤😊 I’m so sorry to hear this! I’m just over one year doing the carnivore diet/ lion diet. Watch Dr. Ken Berry and Laura Spath. I’m able to work but still need rest and need to pace myself otherwise I crash. All my pain is gone, as long as I’m eating carnivore. I recently tried to get back to paleo and my pain and fatigue came back not to mention my brain was going back to sleep. It did take my body 8 months of being carnivore to see all my symptoms go away except my lungs. In veto weeks my digestive system was sooo great, 5 months I began to notice a significant decrease of symptoms, and by 8 months all gone (except lungs). I also recently found out my rental had black mold and that made me immune compromised and with long covid. My landlord remedied the problem& I’m getting a bit better, not much. I suspect there’s still mold so I’m having the home tested. A couple of weeks; perhaps have your home tested for mold. Lots of long haulers have found out their home had mold. My natural path says the COVID virus and mold work hand in hand and we’ll never heal. Hope these two things help you! There’s always hope in Christ Jesus! ❤God bless you!!!

[@thetruth1734]

This helped my breathing problems: 1. Asthma inhalers, despite my tests for asthma being normal. x2 puffs morning, x2 puffs night, the orange maintenance inhaler. 2. Protocols for micro blood clots and spike protein (let me know if you want the protocols). 3. Gut Detox for 6 weeks (let me know if you want the protocol).

[@eugeniebreida]

@@thetruth1734 I would love your detailing your Item 2 protocols, please!

[@carolinemiles3324]

Great to see you back Gez, I think we've all come to be somewhat dependent on your vids over the years, always so helpful and hopeful 😀

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Caroline, much appreciated!

[@ninja2388]

You're back!! You have been missed - sorry to hear you are still struggling at times. I live east of Australia where no one talks about long covid or utters the dreaded v word. Thanks to the on going (hint hint) efforts of you and your colleagues and Dr John Campbell I am not left isolated in the dark uninformed and it truly makes such a difference in my attitude and approach to building coping strategies - warmest salutations!

[@mundanesquirrel8687]

You've been a beacon of hope for me the last couple of years.

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s very kind of you!

[@Debbie-lp2gm]

me too..... I hope God blesses Gez 10 fold

[@rev.rachel]

Same. You kept me sane during the first couple years when I desperately wanted to research and didn’t have the stamina to do it myself. I used to save up energy to watch your updates. ❤

[@KATEB33ful]

We all try to heal. I wish you, and all of us, a breakthrough.

[@B_Ruphe]

What a mild speaking manner the host Medinger has. Comfortable pace, clear enunciation, pleasant intonation.

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s very kind of you! Often I gabble a bit so have to slow myself down.

[@Loriejean54]

Happy to hear you are taking care of yourself with "radical rest".❤

[@lorainevanstaden1506]

Please Lord 🙏 that there is still hope for us first wavers …

[@karenhensley3069]

Amen. 🙏🏻

[@SafeEffective-ls2pl]

FLCCC

[@zz77zz777]

I was very sick with many symptoms that kept changing until I started smoking cannabis daily multiple times for a period of a couple of months. Then I was completely healed. I no longer smoke cannabis and I’m healthy again. I was sick for over 17+ months. There is hope.

[@jac1161]

What made it worse for us, it was the worse form AND the lack of intervention/care. Period

[@jacquidan01]

​@@zz77zz777wonder if taking it orally would do the same.

[@maebones-kw8jn]

I am a long-vaxer; I got tinnitus after the first Pfizer vaccine and POTS and other dysautonomia symptoms after the second dose of the vaccine (February/March 2021). I am much improved now, but not fully recovered. I cleaned up my diet, took supplements, got serious about my meditation practice, read one of Dr. Sarno’s books, and took a t’ai chi class. I also watched tons of videos on Raelan Agle’s KZbin channel. I wish I knew what combination of these lifestyle changes were the difference-makers, but then again, all of these things can help you get healthier overall whether they address the LC/long vax or not. Thank you so much, Gez! You’ve kept me hopeful for the past three years, and I hope you recover very soon.

[@larryc1616]

Did you get a covid infection?

[@maebones-kw8jn]

Eventually-in December of 2021.

[@banzaipiegaming]

Also look into vagus nerve stimulation. There is some supporting evidence emerging that pots may actually be connected to auto antibodies which have also been shown to be down regulated by vagus nerve stimulation treatments. I would check out Merogenomics on KZbin who discusses this in more detail and does plug a product for this treatment. However, it's really expensive so I found another called TENSpro that makes a device that does the exact same thing for 10x cheaper and works just as well. Doesn't work for everyone but worth a shot.

[@jac1161]

@@larryc1616 After the shot, which IS the infection. I didn't chose mine!

[@2manycatsforadime]

which suppliments?

[@retroprojections]

So glad to see you again! I was hoping your absence from social media was by your own choice, not a choice made for you by illness. 😊

[@RUNDMC1]

My own choice - thank you!

[@oliverbird6914]

I've had CFS for twenty years. They're almost identical phenomena. I hope some research turns into something that translates into treatment. Post viral illnesses have been around a long time

[@judymiller5154]

that's what got me interested in reading all the comments from people after covid. I didnt think I'd had it, but was down with CFS for 2 years 15 years ago and was noticing the similarities! BTW the doc is still practicing in WA and CA .

[@oliverbird6914]

@@judymiller5154 sadly I live in Britain but thanks

[@flagmichael]

AFAIK Long Covid is pretty much synonymous with ME/CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). One of the very few good things to come out of Long Covid is the interest in finding solutions.

[@larryc1616]

Ampligen

[@oliverbird6914]

@@larryc1616 not the answer.smthg more radical or precise needed

[@edytahorner6388]

So sorry to hear that you are still not feelig well. I am sending you and all those still recovering lots of love. I have managed to recover and return to my precovid activity level but the memory of it still haunts me. All the best

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s fantastic to hear - thank you for sharing :)

[@jacquidan01]

Can you share what you did to recover?

[@edytahorner6388]

@@jacquidan01 hi it was mainly pacing. Initially the first vaccine helped to get rid of the constant flu like symptoms but afterwards I stopped any sport, just paced for many months until I had no relapse for ca 6 months. Good luck

[@ianseaweed]

Very timely, four years tomorrow on the broken rollercoaster

[@RUNDMC1]

Just had my 4 year anniversary myself 🎂🎉

[@aprilgarnett55]

4 years on March 18 :(

[@sarahnd]

@@RUNDMC1 Me too... that infamous Friday the 13th of March 2020😟

[@karenhensley3069]

Four years for me too this month. 😣

[@victorianewton7922]

4 years for me too , March 23 rd

[@RailwayTavern]

Great to hear you've been taking a break to focus on yourself Gez, some positives there for sure, thanks for the update and fingers cross for further progress this year!

[@RUNDMC1]

Much appreciated!

[@nomebear]

Thank you so much for your effort in putting out this most important video. The investigations and your tenacity have made the trials of dealing with long haul COVID much easier to bare. And, the collective information has been invaluable. Today, I enjoy a new normal, where conditions aren't perfect, but I can pass for mainstream normal. There are limits to my physical participation in activities, especially with traveling. I'm still dealing with symptoms, but they are less debilitating, and less noticeable.

[@TeineUaine]

First-waver March 2020, not recovered from Long Covid, despite meticulous management of PEM and following all other advice. Some periods of partial remission but precarious and unpredictable, at best. Hearing lots about research but so far not translating into actual solutions for most of us, beyond what we're already doing. Grateful to be alive but.... just hanging on, really. Good to see you back!

[@jsmcclellan]

Great to have you back, Gez!

[@Anamaria-ew8lh]

I missed you, Gez! Thank you for this new discoveries!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Anamaria!

[@Oxbloodmage]

Thank you for acknowledging Long Vax as someone who feels ignored by the majority of the medical community it really means a lot.

[@strideroflilacts]

Hi, just wanted to let you know about an app called Turnto it's a platform dedicated to long covid/ME and it's a safe space for long va as well. It's got an amazing community full of wonderful people. You're not alone!

[@jimmyvincent123]

Hey Gez. You're videos give me hope that we're going to make it through this horrible virus. I pray that God gives you the strength to keep going. We need you.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@bradfreeman8149]

Great to hear from you Gez! I hope that one day be can all look back at this period of our lives from a much better place.

[@RUNDMC1]

I hope so too!

[@cynmalin5728]

glad you are alive and sound positive about moving forward. i caught COVID for the 1st time Aug 2023. i was paranoid about Long COVID, but crossed my fingers. still fatigued after not contagious (10 days). tried resting as my RN mom told me to, but almost worse. remembered this YT i saw in Jun, an interview of Leo Galland, one of the founders of Functional Medicine, 80 yrs old & still practicing, by Mark Hyman, ex-president of IFM & currently director of FM dept @Cleveland Clinic. i re-watched it. realized i was taking half the supplements recommended, but missed doing the one thing Galland insists on even if bedridden, move every day. it took me 5 days to realize i needed to move when i 1st woke up (walking & qigong) which energized the rest of my day. after 5 days, i was back to normal. Galland states that all of his Long COVID patients have recovered. do you have any comments on Galland? perhaps too basic.

[@edjack5on]

Gez, I've been thinking multiple times about contacting you since you haven't been around here. Glad you felt like coming back and excited about your upcoming projects :)

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@daniKtmY]

Easy identification and treatment by a GP would be a dream! Excellent layout, Gez, as always.

[@tonybadalamenti9361]

I also found no relationship between resting and crashing. I crash every 10 to 15 days regardless of what I do or eat. No medication has changed the severity or frequency. Whatever the solution is I certainly haven't stumbled on it in over 3 years. I really believe it's viral persistence in my opinion.

[@renaissance5300]

you are such a great person, gez. thnk-you for all your hard work so good to see you and hope you are much better and on the road to recovery you helped us so much so and even in your sickness you marched on

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s very kind of you - thank you!

[@GeorgeMonaghan]

Glad to see your return. Take care of yourself and I look forward to viewing what you do post. This is a long journey with no shortcuts.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks George :) Agree re no short cuts

[@CtDDtC1919]

That is one thing that a lot of folks don't understand... that Long COVID is a constellation of symptoms that vary from person to person. I contracted COVID on March 15, 2020. It was extremely difficult to get local Medical Professionals to even believe that I had COVID. The first visit to the ER I was told that it wasn't yet in our area, so they wouldn't even test me for it. My 2nd visit to the ER was because not only wasn't i getting better, I had developed severe abdominal pain. This time I was dismissed because "COVID 19 is a respiratory virus. It doesn't affect the GI tract, so it is probably just a viral gastroenteritis." The 3rd time I went in, I was hallucinating and my body temp was down in the 95 degree (Fahrenheit) range. They FINALLY tested me and sent me home. A couple of days later, I got a call telling me I had COVID 19 and that I needed to quarantine. Well, I never felt like I got better... just a little less sick, and it developed into a weekly cycle of feeling completely bed-ridden sick to only mildly sick. No-one could give me answers as to why I was going through this. My wife and a family friend BOTH had ended up with the same cycling symptoms, although theirs were slightly different in the individual symptoms. Our friend got better after about 6 months. On March 14, 2021 (a Sunday) I was in bed feeling as bad as I had many months before. I had a tele-visit with my primary care provider on Monday the 15th... my 1 year COVID anniversary. He told me that he wanted me to get vaccinated. He said that he suspected that a lot of the Long COVID cases were being driven by viral persistence. I stated that I should already have antibodies since I had the actual infection. He said that because of the stealth nature of the virus, he suspected that I probably didn't have the proper antibodies. I went in to have an antibody test, and sure enough, I showed negative... as did my wife. I reluctantly got the jab in the first week of April. and the subsequent jab 2 weeks later. I went from feeling as I did with the cycling, often severe symptoms, to near pre-COVID baseline within 12 days. I have since contracted COVID two more times. BOth were very mild and I have not seen a recurrence of my LONG COVID symptoms. My wife didn't have as dramatic return to health as I did. It definitely helped her, but she still had brain fog, POTS and body temp dysregulation issues... although at a much lower intensity than before the jab. 4 months later, her doctor treated her brain fog with Adderall. It helped her tremendously. Her POTS rears its head only occasionally now. Her main issue is that after COVID, she developed diabetes. I went from normal to pre-diabetes, which of course stuck around even after the jab returned me to near normal health. Point is, everyone is different, so I very much appreciate your video and the excellent explanation you have given. Thank you!

[@NamEspAce-ps4th]

Did you get a third shot in late 2022 or only the first 2 original shots ?

[@NamEspAce-ps4th]

Asking because i had a similar experience

[@CtDDtC1919]

@@NamEspAce-ps4th , yes... I received a booster in early autumn 2021. Omicron came out around that time, but the booster wasn't specific for that variant. I actually did contract Omicron in late December 2021. The symptoms were extremely mild and short lived this time, although my Long COVID symptoms seemed to come back a bit as I recovered. I was pretty concerned about this, considering how bad it was the first time, but they faded away within 3 weeks.

[@NamEspAce-ps4th]

@@CtDDtC1919 you didn't get the bivalent that came in late 2022 that targets the original and omicron variants ?

[@CtDDtC1919]

@@NamEspAce-ps4th The first booster I received in 2021 wasn't bivalent, but the one I received in 2022 was. I didn't have a reaction one way or another with the boosters.

[@kapaul1584]

Great to see you back, I was getting worried you were going to stop keeping us up-to date. God Bless.

[@anson.meadows]

Mid 30s, former Air Force officer (and police officer here). I developed a neuro-inflammatory cascade after a presumed Covid infection (2020), and I am now in a nursing home. I was incredibly fit in 2020 and was being hired as a special agent…I developed POTS issues and kept trying to workout-seemed a major mistake in hindsight. I was unfortunately heavily gaslit for years, causing my family support system to join in the dismissal. I have a pseudo-Lupus/Sjogren’s like inflammatory disease, hitting my CNS, that is still not fully understood. Chronic venous insufficiency and ischemia, particularly at the small capillary levels. It is my belief that my disease course is attributed to gut dysbiosis and an endo-vascular inflammatory matter. Adequate cadence, quantity, and quality of blood flow is at the core of my worst symptoms. But I must add, my connective tissue all rapidly degraded at my joints in a matter of months. Like a rapid, acquired, inflammatory EDS… I digress. I appreciate your videos. Thank you for trying to uncover more helpful information. While my prognosis is unfortunately not good, it is my hope that this epidemic gets blown wide open soon.

[@longshotcloseup]

Thank you so much for using your time, energy and leadership from so early on to continue to advance the research and spread the word.

[@jonnitrea]

So happy and relieved to see you still around, Gez!!!

[@DraganAlves]

Glad to see you again and that you’re still fighting the fight. Thanks for this update. 9 months LC for me. Trying LDN now.

[@AlH-i5v]

Good luck, I have been on LDN too for few months

[@malaika2940]

Great to see you again. Sorry you are also still trying to recover from LC. We are definitely in it for the long haul! I took my first holiday in decades to - Cyprus last year. I went for a month. The flights were more exhausting than I ever remember flying being (suspect it was more to do with me!). However, after some time in the sun I began to feel my batteries recharging. I can definitely say the dry heat and just seeing the sun helped me enormously (psychologically). So much so I want to sell up and move to the Med! Best wishes to everyone who is still struggling with LC. We will find a way through - just hopefully soon!

[@jac1161]

the 'flight was exhausting' is because you were hypoxemic. Being in the air does that.

[@brendataylor1794]

So good to 'see' you again Gez. I had my 4 year anniversary early March and still so disabled, housebound, wheelchair and lost my NHS job. Might you do another survey on us first wavers like before, or would that be too depressing? Look after yourself Gez

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Brenda - I think the issues with doing a survey at this point is the massive selection bias it would face that would negatively effect the results. I don’t think we’d learn anything new unless we can start doing blood tests on everyone!

[@RolandMcGruner]

Really great to hear an update Is there anyone else holding the torch of living with Long Covid or doing research updates+advocacy on KZbin?

[@gaylebardrick7725]

Dr Tamsin Lewis gives good advice on protocols and supplements. If you can afford her she can definitely help you.

[@RolandMcGruner]

@@gaylebardrick7725 cool i'll look her up. I really appreciate Gez's focus on free accessible information. ie the gupta program sounded cool, and i may yet look into it and pay for it, but i liked gez's focus on open information.

[@kathyforeman5603]

Thank you, Gez for another great video. It is so nice to see you again, although it would have been my wish to see you recovered 😊 Yours too, I am sure. I am so glad that you are taking more time for yourself to help your recovery, no matter what that may be. You have given so much of yourself to us all and you are truly wished the absolute best. May you find recovery soon...may we all find recovery soon!! Over 2 years now for me but honestly it feels like a lifetime, but you already know that. Sending love and gratitude your way!! ❤❤❤

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s so kind of you - thank you Kathy!

[@MilenaNunes-th7ii]

Still struggling 2 years😢 happy to see someone that still cares 🙏 speedy recovery 🙏

[@ninajb189]

Good to see you again Gez! If the strongest of well-wishes from the hundreds of us who so value all you’re doing could heal you, you’d be fully flourishing! Thanks for the new vid.

[@RUNDMC1]

So kind of you - thank you!

[@becomingapegazebracorn]

Commenting for the algorithm. Glad to see you're still at it and completely understand the time away. You come first.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@Debbie-lp2gm]

Thank you Gez , so good to see you and hear how your doing. Been thinking about you and hoped you were doing okay. Thanks a million for all you do. ! Healing prayers to you !

[@RUNDMC1]

Very kind of you Debbie!

[@footiemad9526]

Thank you for the work you are doing on long covid. From the views and comments you can see what a lifeline you have been to so many. I got Covid in March 2020 and took 7 months to recover. Was back to normal after that. May 2022 got covid again but was well after 4 days - was getting vaccine and boosters. January 2024 covid again, no vaccine/booster for a long time (not eligible) and have not recovered yet, though making some progress. Really bad, persistent upper and mid back pain has made last 3.5 months miserable. Currently acupuncture helping. Wishing you well and thanks again for your remarkable work. Claire

[@RUNDMC1]

Oh gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that number 3 has got you again. Really hoping that you can recover quickly this time 🙏

[@shawnmegela6107]

Please....do not inject yourself with this s spike bioweapon again.

[@keithmockett3810]

Thanks!

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s so kind of you Keith!! Thank you!

[@edunsavage]

Thanks Gez, welcome back.

[@sloth6247]

My neurologist is a alzheimers specialist and was very interested in studying long covid. He even worked on developing the diagnostic tests. He wrote a paper explaining his research, showing LC looks exactly like an active infection. He said that peolle who imrpove have better interferon response than thsoe that dont. He recommended antivirals and interferon treatments and not rehab for recovery.

[@RUNDMC1]

What’s your neurologist’s name? I’m on board with him!

[@sloth6247]

@RUNDMC1 Dr. William T. Hu at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. When is the world going to catch up?🤔

[@minavonwolf1681]

Pls could you cite which is the exact research paper or give a link to it? Thank you.

[@harryboby7563]

Nice to see your face again Gez! Never a need to apologise for not posting, your health comes first. I've also found it quite freeing when I did periods of total rest and realised that it didn't actually totally negate any symptoms. Sounds weird to say, but before I was convinced that the only way to recover was living in a stress, exercise and toxin free bubble, but realising that isn't the case has been quite freeing. Still doesn't change the fact that one shouldn't over do it, but realising that my everyday environment isn't necessarily the blocker has helped me focus on what I can control, and find a happy balance that allows me to do the movement and work I can, yet balanced enough to feel as good as possible.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Harry!

[@justinalberto7626]

Thanks Gez. I am still in recovery from Feb 2020. Symptoms have evolved over time but still debilitating. I have noticed that exercise even high intensity doesn’t always trigger feeling worse but lack of sleep, alcohol, stress etc certainly does. This fits with your experience of higher rest not always providing a ‘cure’. My gut feeling is that exercise is an important part of recovery and repairing respiratory damage. Thanks for all your research and help.

[@ThylakoidsRGo]

Thank you SO MUCH for this update. Really appreciate all your work and good you took a radical rest and found out for me that I don't need to as it won't make much difference. Thank you as I was sort of stressing about trying it somehow and it's impossible for me to organise. Thank you thank you thank you, you've really improved my LC drag-of-a-day!

[@RUNDMC1]

Haha, that’s very kind of you!

[@Krudley]

Long Covid (MCAS & POTS) since December 2022. Literally only just stumbled across you recently Gez. I'm going through your book with Professor Altman and seeing these videos on what is going. Your updates are significantly more information than I get from my health service. You must take care of yourself first, of course, but thank you for the effort you've put in. Your book is going to help a few people in my life really get their head around this. I've needed this is so badly.

[@miroslavatodorova2551]

Wish to all long haulers to recover soon! If it helps - I struggled with long covid for more than a year, but thankfully with time and self-care it got better and I recovered. I know how frustrating and debilitating this situation is, but do not lose hope ! ❤

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you for sharing! So pleased to hear of your recovery :)

[@jac1161]

I'm glad to hear this! I'm on year 4.it depends on your severity, when you got it, what you were doing, what other stressors like no love, support, fighting with insurance companies while you feel awful, doing a long walk puts you out for days.....

[@jac1161]

added to mine was heavy metal poisoning, mold toxicity, ptsd, concussions from passing out, etc

[@MyFriendPeter]

Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight Gez.

[@rev.rachel]

Welcome back! I’ve been hoping you were doing alright and that your absence had meant you were living it up and not crashing worse 😊

[@RUNDMC1]

Living it up! Doing my best :)

[@williamhayes6854]

I have had Long COVID since Nov. 2020. I had tested "critically high" for Covid-19 and I was in the hospital a couple of times with pneumonia and other complications. I was physically fit before getting the virus. I also had 2 Pfizer shots in Mar. 2021. The second shot nearly killed me. I had to leave my job of Industrial Construction. I thought I would get better over time. But, I have gone down hill quickly over the past 6 months. I now have severe dysautonomia, severe orthostatic hypotension, POTS, fibromyalgia, extreme fatigue, post exertion malaise, small fiber neuropathy, atonic bladder, large post void urine retention, I now have to wear a permanent Foley catheter, I have ileus in my intestines, my colon does not move my stool like it should, I have left ventricle failure, the bottom of my lungs are collapsed, and I have several other health problems. Unfortunately, I know of many others like me who have been fighting the virus for 3-4 years now and who are also getting worse. We need answers and help before it is too late.

[@jac1161]

the shot was NOT what you needed..I'm upset for you that you got that! What's "critical high" for covid?! I was positive for 4 months, but had pnuemonitis.but also other things like mold, heavy metals, blood vessels leaking, etc. I'm so sorry you have all of this. Acupuncture has been helpful..please continue that and also EBOO to filter the blood

[@williamhayes6854]

Do you have blood in your urine? I have had blood in my urine every day since mid May 2024. My doctors do not know where it is coming from. Some days i have just blood in my Foley catheter bag. I have been started on experimental IVIG treatments, which have made me even more fatigued to the point i now sleep about 18 hours a day and struggle to be awake at all.

[@2000disneyland]

Thank you for posting again. Best of luck in your continued healing. Radical rest for 2 months, gave me 2 good days, after the first month of rest, which gave me hope. Since then, I’ve tried to accomplish what I did pre-LC, and I’ve crashed again. I’m going to add antihistamines, in response to others success with them, and rest more.

[@christine41861]

Gez! So wonderful to see you! Still fighting this LC battle alongside you and the rest of us. You look fantastically healthy tho I must say! Still praying you make full recovery Gez. You’re an amazing person ❤

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s so kind of you Christine :)

[@davideag4588]

I was so delighted to get your update that, while listening, I put my coffee grounds directly into the boiling kettle. I particularly appreciated the Cyprus update - I often wonder if I should just stop, so it’s good to hear a suggestion of what that might look like. Thank you.

[@RUNDMC1]

Sorry to hear I ruined your coffee!!

[@davideag4588]

@@RUNDMC1 ha!! thanks - it was an entirely worthwhile sacrifice by the coffee! 👍

[@ocean4659]

Thank you for the post - take care of yourself! - From a Covid struggler

[@victorianewton7922]

Thanks Gez, I have appreciated all of your videos. It's been 4 years for me and I am exhausted. Too tired to research for myself and I don't know what to do x

[@szaw4452]

We all hope for that. Good luck everyone and thanks as always Gez.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@Flirtshop]

Lovely to see you again. Thank you for this treatment info. Very interested in your personal discoveries too. And that’s a nice jumper.

[@RUNDMC1]

Haha, thank you!

[@mathieusynnott8915]

Thanks for the update.

[@debsalvesalve7850]

So good to see you back! Thanks a lot for the video! I hope they develop this longboard Covid tests asap! My main problem is more linked to symptoms form the autonomic system - PoTS type of symptoms… 😢

[@lando2755]

I was worrying about you, glad your doing good. Been long hauler for year and 4 months we’re going to heal 💪🏼 just gotta heal and be the healthiest version of ourselves

[@piccalillipit9211]

*4 YEARS AND COUNTING FOR ME* I had 2 good months over Christmas, thought I was better and then it came back.

[@ArtTaggerr-223]

It may be that you were infected again! It’s hard to determine whether vaccinated people are contagious because they may show little or no symptoms. Best thing is to keep your distance from everyone, as hard as that sounds.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@ArtTaggerr-223 - I live in an apartment block with 86 families and 2 elevators...!!! I think i keep getting new bouts, but I think its in a place inside me and it flairs up. just my hunch

[@vickijohnson9367]

Every time it “comes back” you are being re-exposed. Blood tests confirm it in me. So I’m taking it into consideration, every time I need more anti-viral and microbial support. This man made crap is always the worst.

[@ArtTaggerr-223]

@@piccalillipit9211 that could be, I hate to say it but I would try to wear a mask. I do when I get to close to people, as much as it makes it hard for me to breath.

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@ArtTaggerr-223 I do wear a mask a lot fo the time actually - im my country this is a totally normal thing

[@lizraymond5621]

Thank you so much. Good to hear about trials 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@mundayfamily4886]

Thank you Gez for modeling taking care of yourself 👏👏 Bravo! I’m at 2 years and still feel guilty about resting/pacing/ saying no. If you can step back and prioritize healing so can I 👍😄. Thank you for your wonderful, informative videos, I always learn so much. ❤

[@alexandrecouture2462]

When it's been years and they are "still trying to find ways to diagnose long covid", you know they are laughing very hard at you in your face. Now I am almost completely recovered and it's with the wonderful work of Dr John Sarno. Nothing else worked for me. Now I can run, I can work and I don't feel like poop all the time, as I did for 3 years.

[@barbarawarren9443]

Can't wait to be able to run again. Better, but not there yet. 😅

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@johnlangner6179 I read The Mindbody Prescription.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@@barbarawarren9443 It's coming, good days are coming!

[@matronofmercia5891]

I got covid for the second time recently and have severe exhaustion. Do you have any recommendations? Many thanks if you do.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Lol YT or someone removes my comments. The book I read is called The Mindbody Prescription. Thank you!

[@kimharris6715]

Hello! I haven’t been on Twitter or Facebook for ages now- great to hear an update. A nicotine patch experiment in early summer 2023 has been a huge boost for me. I’m a first waver and have made incremental steps via several methods. Had a second infection recently and Paxlovid got me through. I’ve kept vaxxes up to date because I’m part of the percentage that improved with my first vax. I switched it up and went on to 3 Novavax- but alas the family all had a recent infection. So it’s here to stay it seems but the infection didn’t set me back. Still have to pace but I can work again. Sending all in the community hope and best wishes.

[@shawnmegela6107]

Please stop injecting yourself with the s spike bioweapon. I find it INSANE that anyone would continue a therapeutic that has been proven to be the cause of most long covid patients.

[@victorianalin5885]

Low dose naltrexone has helped me the most. At least I sleep well on LDN. Long term antihistamines seem to be no longer working, I seem very prone to drug resistance with MCAS. My mottled skin (and the tiredness that comes with it) is just as bad, most persistent frustrating symptom …

[@angelacrowley819]

Super interesting and also so pleased to hear an update on how you are!

[@marysalvi242]

Oh, Gez, so good to see you☺ - Yeah, figuring out what is or isn't helping is such a process. I have a rare disorder, with all the unknowns, that in itself is such a constant weight. Ex. One thing that helps me is mindfulness, & it helps with the anxiety aspect, though I'm still constantly chatting in my head thoughts, "yes I see the wide street I have to cross" "oh I'm gripping the rollator handles." Positive thoughts, yes, exhausting, yes. I just emailed this video to my son & the mom (in spirit I hold her as part of my circle) my grandson who has LC - he's in his 2nd year. They are into our channel though not sure if they have it set for notifications. Please, You do what you need to do - here's a tip: just smile in the mirror or walk around, you're apt. This sends great signals to mind body and spirit ~~wishing you the best ~ thank you for this video.

[@emmaberrow7648]

Great to see you again. Keep digging 🙌

[@RUNDMC1]

The shovel hasn’t gone away :)

[@jimmiegray327]

I used the Cycloferon myself. I've tried anything anyone has said may work. None of them work EXCEPT the Cycloferon. I gave myself the shots as the directions would have suggested to use. The first 4 day's of the shots I crashed horribly. The 5th day I seemed to be clear of all the brain issues I have. No brain fog, no exercise Malaise and my organizational issues were gone. I was normal for a short time. The directions indicate you can only take it for 15 day's then 2 weeks off then 15 day's again. 4 day's after the shots are done the crash comes back. BUT when I took the second round I experienced the same results. I considered taking the shots in small doses every day except my physician won't counsel or help me with any questions I have on possible long term effects using this product. So I don't take it any more, (But it did seem to help a lot).. Thank you for mentioning the product.

[@CMGUK1]

Thanks

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you so much!! Hugely appreciated :)

[@CMGUK1]

@@RUNDMC1 I learned so much from your channel! I sincerely wish for your recovery soon! 🙏

[@RUNDMC1]

@@CMGUK1that’s really kind of you, thank you :)

[@sharongibson7523]

Thank you for the update. Looks like the break has done you some good, you dont look as tired as you did a while ago. It sure is a long haul for you. It took me 18 months to recover, caught it the same time as you. You take care of yourself.

[@RUNDMC1]

So glad to hear you recovered! And still feel engaged enough with the subject to watch and comment - many don’t :)

[@sharongibson7523]

@@RUNDMC1 It was such an awful thing to go through and I want to find out why I was so ill. Keeping up with latest research helps understand what went wrong. Caught it again in Dec 23 but luckily no long covid this time. Phew.

[@jessemendoza2991]

Thank you for staying ontop of this.

[@Dimich1993]

I heal some more every time Gez makes a video. 🙌😏

[@RUNDMC1]

At least 0.001% :)

[@Dimich1993]

@@RUNDMC1 Every bit of happiness helps :)

[@RUNDMC1]

@@Dimich1993it does!

[@FionaCampbell-b4n]

As someone who had marked fatigue (& greatly reduced school attendance) after EBV/ glandular fever as a mid-teenager, i am now living again (but sadly more persistently) with fatigue after COVID in my young 50s. I am really intrigued that connections between these two are being investigated and i would love to think that this might lead to tests, treatments and strategies … but it’s hard to keep hope in this situation 😢

[@Bobthebuilder42069]

Thank you for your continued interest in long Covid. 🙏

[@RUNDMC1]

My pleasure

[@mrstudio8237]

Thanks Gez. You are amazing.

[@RUNDMC1]

Very kind of you!

[@budgejudge5245]

I appreciate you so much Gez ❤️

[@RUNDMC1]

Very kind of you ☺️

[@abigailseward4474]

Thank you Gez, I honestly don’t know what I would do without your videos and insight. First waver and still struggling. It sounds similar to you, I too tried radical rest and had the same outcome. I’m sure mine is viral persistence as I get swollen glands still.

[@tezeravorcabebe568]

Thank you so much for all your grand job! From all of us Long Covid Haulers

[@theancientsancients1769]

Great to see you again! Long COVID causes premature aging too I noticed in people. 100 percent cacao free from heavy metals I noticed helps with energy and less aching next day

[@tandwmerrill]

Hi Greetings. Would you be so kind to explain about the 100 percent cacao free from heavy metals? I didn’t understand it. Thanks in advance.

[@a.s.5170]

As usual, and excellent executive summary of the overall picture/situation. Thanks.

[@RUNDMC1]

Pleasure :)

[@deethompson3592]

So lovely to see you again Gez - I'm a first waver and still in recovery 🤭✨️🙏Nameste

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Dee! Wishing you the best, as always :)

[@deethompson3592]

@RUNDMC1 Thanks Gez - You've still a lot of followers and supporters out here - Thank you for constantly plugging away on behalf of the rest of us out here 🙏✨️Nameste

[@sallyweiner4180]

Thank you. Rough long covid day and appreciate your channel

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Sally. Hope you have a better day tomorrow!

[@zandvoort8616]

Gez, how do you maintain muscle mass and some semblance of fitness? Say limited walking and resistance training?

[@RUNDMC1]

I think the answer is you don’t. Not at the cost of PEM. If you can do some light strength work without causing it then great, but any cardio is to be avoided if you’re anything like an ME/CFS subtype (which I am, and about half of long haulers seem to be).

[@bleckansbocker8622]

Longhauler since four years, but recovered good enough for it to be kind of ok. Here’s what helped me: I take Ivabradin, midodrin, and mestinon daily. Also cetirizin antihistamin. Diklofenak for headaches. Meditation and watching what I eat help. Almonds are also very good for me I’ve noticed.

[@bleckansbocker8622]

And Melatonin had also been useful in periods to calm the body.

[@ankihelgor8491]

Nice to have you back Gez 😍 Can I ask you, have you been reinfected more than once, and how has that affected your Long-COVID symptoms?

[@RUNDMC1]

First time: March 2020 Second time: Feb 2022 Second time I recovered well initially. Then 6 weeks later had a v full on day. Crashed the next day and suddenly went right back to the start again, only with extra dysautonomia - and I’m still not quite back to where I was just before that second infection.

[@ankihelgor8491]

@@RUNDMC1 so sad to hear that 💔 I had the somewhat the same experience. First infection Delta sept 21. Sick for approximately 10 months. Then reinfected (omicron) in oct 22 and became more long-covid sick than the first time. Still not fully back. But Dec 23 I got reinfected yet another time and this time it didn’t set me back significantly. So there is hope, but I’m still irrationally scared of being reinfected again, which is inevitable I guess…

[@jacquelinerogers786]

@@RUNDMC1Same here March 2020 and March 2022 ,with an ongoing ME CFS diagnosis from 1989 , the feeling is that Covid kicked off my semi recovered ME again 🥴+ costochondritis, Fybromalgia, MCAS as well , can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel at the moment . Radical pacing ,low histamine diet ,supplements,yoga nidra and acupuncture to help symptoms 😉

[@stepheneden8625]

This is so vital, listen to 2 reporters chatting together......useless to patients struggling.

[@thesalesteamllc]

When my Long Covid Dr. met me , i had just been released from local care Dr. with a 30% of survival. After triple anticoagulant therapy and 9 months , my blood is flowing and heart afibs and tachs have slowed greatly however, the malaise has changed my whole life. I cant do anything of significance without taking a nap. In addition, I do not bruise or bleed. I know something is still wrong with my blood and my body. Praying something is discovered so I can get my life back one day. Thanks for your tireless research and information.❤

[@wickedandbadful]

Welcome back! You're looking well!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@sharonmacdonald1765]

Thank you for so kindly using your energy to share your knowledge so succinctly . It’s very comforting to know that I’m not alone and to hear another intelligent articulate person share their information and perspective on this life limiting condition. I’m still testing positive for Covid more than 2 years on from my original Covid infection. LDN has been a life saver for me. If I stop it I become ill again. Whilst I’m on LDN keeps it my long covid at bay however I still have periods when the symptoms flare up. Maybe when I’m exposed to other viruses and my immune system becomes overwhelmed this causes a flare up? Of course if I do too much physically as we all know then the symptoms return. Bottom line without LDN it would be bloody awful. I’d be a lot sicker for sure. Each time I try to stop the LDN I get sick again. As an eternal optimist, when I’m feeling better, I frequently convince myself that my covid has now gone from my body . So far that hasn’t happened. I live in hope. I hope if you’re reading this that you get well soon. ❤

[@RUNDMC1]

Oh gosh I’m so sorry to hear this Sharon!

[@tandwmerrill]

Hi Sharon what LDN stand for. Newbie here trying to find help for my husband.