Long Covid Podcast 171 - Light Switch Recovery: Aaron's Story of When Reinfection Leads to Healing
Aaron West shares his remarkable two-and-a-half-year journey with Long COVID and his unexpected path to recovery. From being a highly athletic cyclist who once rode across South Carolina in a single day to becoming bedbound with debilitating symptoms, his story demonstrates that recovery is possible—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
• Previously an avid athlete who competed in triathlons and rode 237 miles across South Carolina in one day
• Contracted COVID in Fall 2021 during the Delta wave
• Developed severe symptoms including persistent cough (500-1,000 times daily), neurological issues, and "electromagnetic pulse" sensations
• Forced to go on disability due to inability to work while coughing
• Found some relief through antihistamines (Zyrtec, Pepcid) and beta blockers
• Practiced pacing using "spoon theory" and heart rate monitoring to manage symptoms
• Experienced a "light switch" recovery after contracting Omicron variant in January 2024
• Post-recovery, rediscovered creative abilities and is now writing a book and running a business
• Emphasizes the importance of community support during illness and recovery
• Doctor described him as someone who came back after being "far gone"
For those still suffering with Long COVID—there is hope. While everyone's recovery journey is different, healing is possible, and sometimes it comes in unexpected ways.
Links:
Aaron's website: https://www.cinejourneys.com
Follow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awest505.bsky.social
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For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com
(music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life)
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