Returning to the comforting familiarity of Disney movies is soothing to my anxiety.
Author Archives: Carolyn Ristau
Managing Anxiety
Last week, I shared how anxiety increases the severity of my Long COVID symptoms and how sometimes medical practitioners mischaracterize the relationship between anxiety and Long COVID. My current primary source of anxiety is my upcoming surgery. Like when I had a virus in August (2024), my anxiety is due partly to knowing too littleContinue reading “Managing Anxiety”
Anxiety and Long COVID 2
Medical professionals can overemphasize anxiety in Long COVID cases, when the best help for the anxiety is to address the root cause — the Long COVID.
Anxiety and Long COVID 1
I have an upcoming surgery, which means I am anxious, which means my Long COVID symptoms are worse.
Teenage Influencers
As I described earlier this week, I consume a lot of fluid. On average, over 3 times the amount recommended for someone my age and gender without Long COVID. This is a topic of conversation with every medical provider I’ve seen over the course of the last year, as well as a general topic ofContinue reading “Teenage Influencers”
Hydration
Hydration is tied with rest for the number one thing that enables me to be partially functional with Long COVID. Like rest, I get sick of medical professionals reminding me to hydrate. Unlike rest, I have a good comeback. When whichever provider I happen to be with starts on the hydration lecture, I cut themContinue reading “Hydration”
Circumstances Matter
The strain of illness is less for those who are fortunately circumstanced as I can attest from experiencing debilitating health impacts when fortunately and unfortunately circumstanced.
Pacing for Life
Pacing is crucial to avoid burnout during Long COVID and throughout life.
Poor Health and Great Works
I’m encountering a pattern in my reading where pursuing great works with a passion correlates with poor health.
Shifting Perspective
Ten months into Long COVID, I revisited a book I read at month 4. My perspective on recovery and hope has shifted significantly since then.
Carolyn Ristau 