The Top 3 Tips for Managing Long Covid Symptoms

This film is an extract from Chapter 9 of the audiobook of The Long Covid Handbook. It contains the first section of the chapter, including the first 3 tips for managing symptoms. The full chapter contains 8 of the top tips learnt through hard experience, research and dozens of expert interviews!
The Long Covid Handbook (Feb 2023) by Gez Medinger & Professor Danny Altmann (and published by Penguin Books) is now available in paperback, ebook and audiobook. A singular resource that brings together everything patients, clinicians and academics have learnt about the condition to date, as well as lessons from sufferers and researchers of ME/CFS and other chronic conditions. It offers world leading expert advice on understanding, managing and treating Long Covid. It is available from the following links.
US: a.co/d/0gvkJCU
UK: amzn.eu/d/9KjurGb
For more information on the Overcoming Long Haul and CFS Summit, taking place from February 7th through to the 14th, 2023, click this link:
drtalks.com/long-haul-syndrom...
It is all free to watch live, however if you’d like an all access pass - which means you can watch any and all of the presentations any time, forever, as well as having access to all the transcripts, then that is available for $97, or about £80. If you use this link, then I get a helpful percentage - which of course is very gratefully received!
drtalks.com/long-haul-syndrom...

[@lauriebanton4900]

You picked the perfect chapter to let us hear. It made me cry because you totally understand what I am going through and describe it so accurately. My journey with Long Covid began the same time as yours. Thank you.

[@RUNDMC1]

Oh, gosh. Wishing you the very best in your recovery Laurie

[@jocooper94]

Same 😩❤️

[@baazooka2]

As someone who has struggled for nearly 2 years with this long COVID, I gotta say Gez you're the fuckin man. For making these videos and the book and putting in so much time and effort to share the research. I just found the channel and wish I had sooner. I think you deserve some serious recognition.

[@REALAIEMPIRE]

any improvement

[@baazooka2]

@@REALAIEMPIRE yes! Back in October I returned to the gym, wish I tried to get active sooner, specifically weights because you can do them sitting down. Still not 100%, and it's up and down so very non linear. That's the frustrating part. Helps to eat healthy stuff , and recently started taking allergy stuff the anti histamines , and meditation is under rated, I'm stubborn but I wish I had the discipline before to do it, stick to your recovery habits like your life depends on it. You'll get there I'm rooting for you

[@REALAIEMPIRE]

@@baazooka2 I'm only at 7 or 8 months and I'm having the hardest time. My fatigue is scary intense, I can barely move and feel like I'm crashing all the time from doing next to nothing. I have severe anxiety and insomnia and dpdr and nueropathy and so many other awful symptoms. Every day I'm just barely surviving. I hope I can make it to where you are.

[@RUNDMC1]

Very kind of you Andrew!

[@RUNDMC1]

The first year is so, so tough. Patience is the hardest thing but it will pay off.

[@oaybar007]

Excellent choice for sharing, Gez. I purchased the Kindle version and read it twice over. Prior to Covid I was on my way to an ME/CFS diagnosis after a long period of extreme stress and infections, and pacing is what kept me going from 2017-2020. After Flu A and Covid in 2020, I had to double down on it even more. The journey is unique for each of us, but self care, pacing, education and support is vital. Trauma is a huge part of this as well. It is traumatic. Your channel has had such a positive impact and I think I can speak for all of us when I say your generosity is appreciated. Thank you so much. Onward!

[@RUNDMC1]

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

[@mathieusynnott8915]

I watched the summit yesterday. Dr Patterson and especially Dr Jordan Vaughn had a very optimistic approche. With a 100% of his over 300 patients 80% are 100% healed, and the other 20% are feeling much better and find out underlying causes. I really liked the point he added to your interview with Dr Pretorius and Dr Laubscher. I really would like you to interview him from your stand point in the near future.

[@joshh4005]

Where can I watch the summit

[@mathieusynnott8915]

@@joshh4005 link in previous video

[@SibyllaBB]

This audiobook has been so calming and validating for me. Thanks for being an amazing voice for our community.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you!

[@debbielunsford3116]

Where do we find his book? Thanks

[@RUNDMC1]

@@debbielunsford3116 Just search for The Long Covid Handbook on Amazon!

[@debbielunsford3116]

@@RUNDMC1 does your book or work cover the brain confusion issue? Or how it’s related? I’m confused since I got Covid 5 months ago. Thanks. I have the other part too breathing ect watching your work.

[@RUNDMC1]

@@debbielunsford3116 Yes it talks about brain fog!

[@hollycrofts3150]

This is all so helpful!!! much more information with an explanation than I got from several of my doctors.

[@kyron42]

You lucky lucky bastard. What I'd give to have the energy to wash my car. I used to hate washing my car but now I lay awake at night dreaming of having the energy to wash my car.

[@alisont308]

I’ve found the book so helpful and recently took a copy for my GP who was really pleased with being given this book, hoping it gets passed round all the doctors at the surgery.

[@RUNDMC1]

That’s fantastic Alison!

[@cindyengel5670]

I had post viral fatigue after a flu in 1991 which took four years to reduce. Now post covid I feel dreadful all the time :(

[@kathyforeman5603]

Thank you Gez for all that you do!! Pacing and resting is the Only way!! I appreciate how you break things down into simple terms. Sending positive healing vibes your way!! 💕

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Kathy :)

[@joeblack7841]

First of all, Congratulation on the book!! Judging by this little excerpt it sounds spot on. I will be buying it for sure. You published a book and you are helping people too. Bravo! I'll also be waiting for the book in the series when there is a cure and everything is known about this syndrome. That'll be a best seller. Congratulations again.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Joe!

[@stephenbradshaw5311]

Thank you, your advice and research over the last 6 months for me have been life changing as Im slowly getting back to closer to a normal life using your advice. I have found that a veggy Protien powder drink mixed with Milk every day has reduced the fatigue but not the inflammation that comes if I do not pace.

[@MinouMinet]

Your validation to long haulers, is the very best and first important medicine! Thank you so much.

[@vanjacalantropo]

Thank you Gez, pacing and PEM is so important I wish there was a course we could all take.

[@deethompson3592]

Your book absolutely nails Long Covid so much so I bought a copy for everyone involved within my health care and their feed back is equally as positive as mine . I love the audio clip - Thank you for sharing this clip 🙏

[@RUNDMC1]

Wow - that’s so good to hear! Thank you Dee :)

[@deethompson3592]

@@RUNDMC1 you're more than welcome especially after all the good work that you do for all of us long haulers and by helping them I'm actually helping myself- The gift that keeps on giving 👏👏👏Thank you 🙏

[@rebeccajphall]

Thanks Gez. I work in the Somerset Long covid clinic and recommend your book to all our patients. And Suzy Bolt yoga. Well done with the book and for learning how to manage such a challenging condition. ( the hard way)

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Rebecca! So glad to hear you’re able to recommend the book (and Suzy) - I wish we could get more clinics thinking this way:)

[@Oldmaninthestream]

Thank you I'll be purchasing your book.

[@kellyberry4173]

Well done Gez, well done!!! I am so glad I have you!!! Pacing is so hard for me, but, I have no choice!!! And I have to write everything down, or it's completely forgotten..... I'm so proud of you and your book! Thank you Gez. Thank you so much!!!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Kelly!

[@granialockley127]

Thank you, this was so incredibly validating and just what I needed to be reminded of today. I'm ordering the book now 😊

[@claudiaempacher3875]

Gez, I am so grateful to you. You gave me my life back. Thanks to your research and all of your efforts to spread knowledge on this syndrome, I am leading a normal life again. You deserve all the best! Greetings from Germany!

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Claudia! Wishing you the best in your continued recovery :)

[@EricDBruce]

What helped you the most out of the management and treatment modalities?

[@claudiaempacher3875]

@@EricDBruce I had been taking a lot of supplements before without real change. For me, it was the B3 in the form of nicotinic acid. When I started the nicotinic acid in high dosis (beginning with 100 mg three times per day, up to 500 mg three times per day for three days, then only 500 mg once per day) around 80 % of my symptoms disappeared. Especially the weakness, the brain fog and the depression and anxiety. I did not mind the flush it produces, I also think it is a good thing, keeps the blood flowing to the peripheral arteries (but nicotinic acid in high doses may affect the liver, so it might not be for everyone). I continue taking 250 mg of nicotinic acid about 3 times a week, together with NADH and Tryptophane. The NADH alone also helped a lot of people with the weakness. I have not had an energy crash for more than a year. I continue to have other symptoms, but they are managable.

[@merrynhopkins1162]

Thank you Gez I’ve struggled with it for 7 months Will be looking for this book Thank you

[@bubblebakingbunny3258]

Long Covid since March 2020 and this is very true and helpful❤keep fighting everyone 😊

[@KokayMate]

You are a gem Gez!!!

[@loradorado]

Thank you for this wonderful reminder that your book is out Gez. Fabulous narration by yourself 🙂 . I had ordered the book when it was first released in the UK, but Amazon canceled my order because you weren't shipping to the US. Your voice is so soothing to listen to, that I ordered the book and the audiobook! Thanks a bunch! From your biggest fan in Texas 🤠

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Laura - I really do hope you find it helpful! Best wishes to you in your recovery :)

[@NK-dl2nc]

19 months in and have followed you throughout. I have been back in full time work for 11months now. It is all consuming and leaves me nothing in the bank for evenings and weekends. Currently been unable to work for the past 2 days following a tough week where I could only manage short days. I crash every day and no matter what I do I feel the crash coming on from about 2pm and I finish work at 3pm. I thought I was managing my symptoms but clearly it can catch you out. I find it so hard to rest in the way you suggest. When at home iam surrounded by jobs that need doing and I hate being inactive. A catch 22 situation. Acceptance of the situation is key but easier said than done in my case. Thanks for all your efforts Gez. You have helped enormously.

[@andreanewman9104]

Thank you Gez. Your work has been so helpful over the last 3 years, and this video was, as someone else said, calming and validating. Very much appreciated. I'm currently writing an online course for yoga teachers on how to best help their students with long covid - and avoid making unhelpful comments with the best of intentions! I will be recommending your book and channel as a source of sound and up to date information. Thanks again.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Andrea!

[@mundayfamily4886]

Thank you Gez, incredibly helpful. No more 'doom-scrolling' masquerading as rest for me! 🙂

[@jonathans1595]

Thanks for this

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Thank you!

[@astrocatcity]

Thank you Gez, and Congratulations on the book 🙏🏻

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Catherine!

[@JackAntony1]

Thank you.

[@katiakatiakat]

Thank you. This was really helpful.

[@Dimich1993]

The quality is amazing.👌

[@junechristie2497]

Thank you

[@perreinhartjohnsen9281]

This is just great! my book is on its way!

[@leannatimmerman9922]

Gez, you’re looking so much better! Glad to see it.

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Leanna!

[@HelenLoshny]

So helpful! Thank you as always Gez😅

[@RUNDMC1]

It’s a pleasure Helen!

[@antoniopalabricaii6792]

Honestly sir. Ur infos comfort me. Thanks for giving us hope

[@jimmyvincent123]

Gez. My physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist put me on low dose Naltrexone 2 weeks ago for my long covid symptoms. Although I feel like I have a long way to go, I can tell that it's helping very much. I have more energy, and I'm slowly getting back into shape! I am surprised that more people in the long covid Arena are not talking about low dose Naltrexone...

[@RUNDMC1]

Lots of people are talking about it! But not everyone responds to it unfortunately

[@brendabrenner2891]

Dr David Sinclair , Harvard, is taking it away from on line sites, and wants to make is a controlled drug approved only by FDA, where he will get kickback.. sad situation.. I've gone to nad +/or serratapase

[@MrDogonjon]

You have been my guide and role modle for my own long haul experience there is nothing really new here. If you continue to follow this pattern it is one of long active enjoyment of life.. that fits my optimum lifestyle profile.

[@didoufree]

Yuhuu! Awesome! Ordering!!

[@RUNDMC1]

Great!

[@kellyschroeder7437]

Thanks Gez !!! 💙🙏🏻👊

[@RUNDMC1]

Thanks Kelly!

[@scripturethroughancienteye1509]

Many of us will be served by the release of the book on Audible, especially those of us buried in work and research projects that own our reading time (and the narration sounds great!). My question: Since our knowledge of LC is quickly changing do you foresee the necessity to release updated editions of the book in upcoming years?

[@RUNDMC1]

Absolutely!

[@audreyflett8719]

This is so very helpful, thank you! Got the Audio book too.

[@RUNDMC1]

Awesome, hope you find it helpful Audrey!

[@carolenmarch7445]

Such a soothing voice ...should have been a psychiatrist !😄 Seriously, excellently collated and presented, must give Long Haulers great hope for recovery if they identify with the symptoms and can begin to adopt these simple life - style adjustments.👍

[@crystalwebb5725]

I was wondering how the book was coming along.! Yay..

[@karlkraftpower]

Hi Gez, thanks for sharing this. Regarding treatments: I'm about to convince one of my specialists to provide me with triple therapy. Can you please share if you had it, how long and if you saw benefits? Would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[@jaseinclee]

Thanks for the tips. I tested positive for COVID last October here in England. Had 6 symptoms and 3 of them are still lingering nearly 4 months later. Am asthmatic too. It's affected my breathing when out running and have a tight chest as well. Feel very tired

[@Portia620]

I hope you’ve had cardiac check you out too.🙏

[@stephangauthier911]

​@@Portia620 regular cardiac tests often dont seem to pick up the issue. It's subclinical and most GPs and cardiologists wont investigate firther when basic tests show nothing.

[@jmact1977]

This was so bang on and helpful. Is anyone else over the 2 year mark? Has anyone any experience with Oxygen therapy? Thankyou Gez. You deserve a medal.

[@beknight9399]

Yes, 2 years and 11 month, sadly. Double anticoagulation (ASS and Rivaroxaban) helps. But still at home, not working, rehabilitation programm actually in progress (still searching for my baseline there - luckily my neurologist has knowledge about PEM and ME/CFS).

[@jmact1977]

@BE KNIGHT My goodness. That's tough going. Have you had gradual improvements or still lots of ups and downs

[@cindyharigel4991]

3 years next month, and still fighting insurance to be ALLOWED to go to a long covid clinic.

[@RUNDMC1]

I’ve spoken about HBOT a bit on twitter. It helps!

[@jmact1977]

@Cindy Harigel That's awful Cindy. I will say I waited 9 months for the Long Covid Clinic only to find out there was no treatment on offer . Just some loose advice and the potential for maybe so.e physio or some counselling..both of which you can get ( if you need them) without attending a 'long Covid Clinic'.

[@janieruby2lips]

Gez you look amazing!! Have you totally recovered? I didn’t think ME/CFS along with PEM was curable yet and scientists are in the works for one now.

[@RUNDMC1]

Not fully out of the woods yet :)

[@longcovidwarrior]

Just bought via your affiliate link - thank you!

[@RUNDMC1]

It’s not actually an affiliate link - I don’t make any money out of it :) But it’s the sharing of the knowledge that’s important!

[@longcovidwarrior]

@@RUNDMC1 Thanks for taking the time to write this - I'm in the process of writing something about my own experience too!

[@njblzep84]

Hope you are doing well as I know you have been struggling with severe long COVID for probably 3 years now. Saw your movie After Death. Very cool. Great idea..acting.. plot. Awesome

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you Nick!! That’s a crossover that doesn’t happen much on this channel :) glad you enjoyed it!

[@rev.rachel]

I can't wait to purchase this! Which will be as soon as I have a month where spouse and I are not both crashing at the same time and exceeding our dining our budget :P

[@redfield2013]

Thank you for everything you’ve done Gez. Just wondering if those of us with dysautonomia and orthostatic intolerance should stay lying down more in the hope we might be able to stand up more one day (pacing style of pull back to spring forward) or try to stand up more and exercise a bit in line with traditional POTS treatment? Makes it incredibly difficult to do anything when you can’t stand up!

[@RUNDMC1]

The general rule I live by is to be as active as possible without worsening symptoms - so if you can’t get up without worsening symptoms, then unfortunately you do have to stay horizontal more of the time

[@hugoingelhammar6163]

Gez, how is your health status now? Would be interesting to hear how well you have recovered after all the immense work you have done to figure this Long Covid shit out

[@RUNDMC1]

Going to be doing an update in due course!

[@grovermartin6874]

@@RUNDMC1 I am SO HAPPY to have found you again! I have been helped so much by your investigations, then wanted more, but managed to misfile your channel. But miracles/serendipities do happen, and for some reason, this video followed close on the heels of an Aaron and Claire cooking video! I am delighted to learn about your book -- and that you'll be reading it for the audio! So much easier to absorb now. Speaking as one who has not seen you for over a year, I must say, it looks like your life force has greatly "returned." I didn't see you before, so everything is relative! You look so healthy, I had to look carefully to be sure it was the same person! Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best of luck in future.🙏

[@RUNDMC1]

@@grovermartin6874 that’s so kind of you - thank you!!

[@Vangela1]

Just ordered the book. I hope it’s worth it.

[@RUNDMC1]

I hope it helps! :)

[@authenticshift5515]

Great video. I bought your book & found your chapters good, but I missed insight from more clinicians. The other author didnt speak to me, so the book hasn't become the LC Bible I had hoped it would be. Still a big theme 3 years in, thanks for your many awesome videos

[@RUNDMC1]

Thank you for the feedback :) Sorry it didn’t give you quite what you were looking for!

[@authenticshift5515]

@@RUNDMC1 you are welcome & thanks for all your inspiring & valuable input over the last few years

[@vivianv8574]

Gez, a heartfelt thanks for all your work. Do you manage to fit in any skiing now within your energy envelope?

[@RUNDMC1]

Yes! Will be talking about it shortly

[@eghie]

What I'm curious about is the effects of Fasting (dry fasting or water fasting) on long covid and on PEM. There seem to be really good experiences on that (heard a epise on The Dry Fasting Club podcast) regaring long covid.

[@leogarnan2080]

Hi, thanks for your sharing. Could you please make some contents about losing smell after covid-19?

[@RUNDMC1]

It’s quite a common symptom - some people find it comes back after weeks or months - others are still struggling

[@cindyharigel4991]

We treated our loss of smell with Flonase, and it worked for us.

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

I'm at 13 months and my senses of smell & taste still aren't fully returned. But compared to POTS and insomnia, it's a minor issue.

[@chanchan5349]

I found zinc+Quercitin +regular (flushing type) low dose niacin helps. I just have to remember to take it.

[@MsApags]

Is Audible the only app that carries this audiobook? I don't have a Kindle either.

[@RUNDMC1]

No I think you can access on any audio programme

[@victorianalin5885]

@gezmedinger how are you doing now several years out? What worked for you over time?

[@RUNDMC1]

Still working hard on recovery tbh! The best medicine is rest, but it seems I’m eternally terrible at it 🤣

[@eddiemustafa6105]

Hi Gez any info on Stem cells?

[@RUNDMC1]

No evidence, a few very mixed anecdotal reports. Not recommended

[@piccalillipit9211]

I'm not bad today with my long Covid that I can hardly move my arms. This is being typed by dictation. three years I've lived like this.

[@stephangauthier911]

The left side of my body is noticeably weaker. I lose muscle mass very quickly, which tells me something is wrong either with cell energy, oxygenation or neural stimuli. My partner at work has a very bad posture since the jabs. Muscle weaknesses are scary af.

[@stanleysteamer3212]

There was a small case study on using nicotine patches for post covid syndrome..have you seen this?

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

Wondering this too.

[@tonybadalamenti9361]

What about ivig treatment? Not sure if you have talked about this before. I know it's expensive and not usually covered by insurance. Has there been clinical trials?

[@RUNDMC1]

No clinical trials unfortunately!

[@tonybadalamenti9361]

@@RUNDMC1 I really believe that this treatment might be the best chance to get our immune system back to normal.

[@prantasaha1337]

Where can i listen to the full handbook?

[@RUNDMC1]

Links in the description

[@Anonymous-hi7oh]

I have to start a full time job 40 hours a week. - any advice ??

[@RUNDMC1]

Try to simplify the rest of your life as much as possible. It may well require serious compromise in your social life and obviously no exercise. You will likely need to spend most of the time you’re not at work resting - including weekends.

[@adperez7]

Will it be available in spanish?

[@RUNDMC1]

I’m not sure on the translations just yet!

[@lordasaki]

Hi Gez! I noticed a new trend lately where people are using nicotine patches to treat LC/symptoms. And an unrelated LC study I read this morning said that 78% of participants were non-smokers. Is there something to this? Are non-smokers more susceptible to LC? Do you have any insight?

[@RUNDMC1]

Nicotine is an interesting subject - need to look into it more but the theory holds up. Not sure on the correlation with non-smoking!

[@lordasaki]

@@RUNDMC1 I asked in one of the FB groups, and mixed results so far.

[@johncissel1385]

Do you have any specific tips for muscle weakness / fatigue? Maybe myositis from Covid / possible booster vaccine.

[@RUNDMC1]

Counter intuitively - for both, it’s rest. But also try créatine and (flushing) niacin too.

[@joshh4005]

Has anyone fully recovered back to normal excercise sinxe having long covid?

[@skipbarker9662]

Hi - I developed Long Covid a year ago and after discovering something called Buteyko Breathing (see Patrick McKeown - The Oxygen Advantage - lots of free content on KZbin - works on the vagus nerve) I slowly began to increase my energy levels to the stage where I was able to do Pilates, swim (around 20 lengths of a 50m pool) and longish walks (around 6-8 miles a day in two sessions). I was chuffed to bits and felt around 80% of my normal fit self. But I took one exercise class I hadn't heard of which turned out to be pretty physically challenging. I did a swim afterwards to wind down. Then the following day I had a catastrophic return of all my LC symptoms and since then have struggled to get back to any sort of normality. So I'd recommend extreme caution in terms of what you do and how much of it. I've recently had a cold virus which took me back to a very dark place and I'm recalibrating once again. This time with the help of the Alpha-Stim device which I'm finding extremely useful for pacing and addressing my low mood. In the space of a week I've improved pretty well and have some hope that I might at some point get back to where I was in my recovery and not trash it with doing too much exercise! I hope you're doing well in your recovery.

[@mindymontez9013]

Has anyone taken paxlovoid for long covid? If so did it help

[@chanchan5349]

Not taken it but a friend did. Beware, it wrecks your kidneys! I’m sure not everyone is the same but there is a warning on the label.

[@rogersommers3721]

I took after infection #2 and didn’t wipe out the long Covid from the 1st infection

[@louiscervantez1639]

Thanks - Thanks - NOW - please address “how the heck do you get people to change and use these techniques religiously”

[@rockywigg7882]

How do you get rid of inflammation

[@RUNDMC1]

$64,000 question

[@rockywigg7882]

@@RUNDMC1 lol 😆 true

[@MaryinOmshanti]

Gez, please ~ not viral persistence but toxic persistence.

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

Heavy metals and toxic molds in the body can indeed contribute to lingering effects of the virus. But so can viral persistence right?

[@MaryinOmshanti]

@@teddybearroosevelt1847 the virus is merely a vector (non novel coronavirus).

[@dominiquelock8117]

Does anybody has a solution for Tinnitus?

[@beknight9399]

No, not really. I had Prednisolon oral for acute therapy (helped nothing). Since double anticoagulation (ASS, Rivaroxaban) I think the tinnitus has a little bit improved. It is constant noise now. Before it was always changing in sound and volume like having a freaking out orchestra in my ears.

[@jamesbuckler971]

Does it come and go ?

[@sofikat22]

Rest! Improves every symptom (I see symptoms as a warning I am overdoing it and need to pace better)

[@dominiquelock8117]

@@jamesbuckler971 it’s constant

[@jamesbuckler971]

@@dominiquelock8117 is it ? Or do you only tune into it when its present notice it then string all those experiences together. Worth exploring as the solution is different if it switches on and off.

[@mindymontez9013]

Anyone experience spine pain?

[@pesmith669]

Horrific back pain

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

Go see an osteopath.

[@righthxvh6111]

Upper and lower, yes. Most likely, this is the answer with the large list of symptoms of COVID 🤣

[@stephangauthier911]

My spine cracks and hurts all the time. Is it degeneration or inflammation?