TLC Sessions - Living with Long Covid

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Betty Raman, an Oxford researcher studying the effects of Long Covid on the body, joins Bill Hinshaw, CEO of Axcella Therapeutics, who is developing innovative mitochondrial therapies. They dive into how mitochondrial dysfunction might drive the debilitating fatigue associated with Long Covid. The conversation highlights groundbreaking MRI findings revealing organ abnormalities and explores a promising treatment trial, AXA1125, aimed at restoring mitochondrial health and potentially alleviating fatigue for countless sufferers.

Professor Alex Richter, Clinical Immunologist at the University of Birmingham, looks at post Covid both through patients and microscopes.  Her work into the role of autoantibodies in acute and post-Covid has found very specific patterns.  She believes that Long Covid may be similar to ME / CFS and whilst she admits that we have not made the required progress into the science of those conditions, she believes that we can approach the treatment of them pragmatically and use clinically tried and tested methods to manage our symptoms.Living with Long Covid? How was your week?Website - https://www.tlcsessions.net/Twitter - @SessionsTlc https://twitter.com/sessionstlcInsta - @tlcsessions https://www.instagram.com/tlcsessions

In this discussion, Prof. Resia Pretorius, a distinguished professor at Stellenbosch University, sheds light on her groundbreaking research into microclots found in the blood of Long Covid patients. She explains how these microclots can impact health and the significance of identifying them. The conversation dives into potential treatments, including anticoagulation and apheresis, with insights into success stories from Germany. Additionally, the need for comprehensive clinical validation and the complexity of managing Long Covid symptoms are emphasized.

Robin McNelis, a respiratory physiotherapist and long Covid sufferer from Wellington Hospital, shares insights on how breathing techniques can alleviate various long Covid symptoms. He emphasizes the unexpected link between breathing and gastrointestinal health, while also recounting his personal journey from being a marathon runner to managing breathlessness and fatigue. Robin offers practical advice on pacing, the importance of lifestyle changes, and effective self-care strategies that can enhance recovery for those living with long Covid.

Michael Rosen, a renowned author and COVID-19 survivor, shares his harrowing journey through severe illness, including a 40-day coma and the lingering struggles of Long Covid. He candidly discusses the emotional toll, societal misconceptions, and advocates for peer support. With humor, he reflects on memory challenges affecting his writing and explores the therapeutic power of storytelling, including his upcoming children's book inspired by his recovery. The importance of community and shared experiences shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.

An extra  bite from The Long Covid Sessions with top tips from our experts.  Dr Katy Munro details the supplements she recommends for migraine sufferers, and most importantly talks about the specifics and dosage.  Interestingly all of these 'nutraseuticals'  had been recommended to us for aiding in Long Covid recovery but we were both taking the wrong quantities.Living with Long Covid? How was your week?Website - https://www.tlcsessions.net/Twitter - @SessionsTlc https://twitter.com/sessionstlcInsta - @tlcsessions https://www.instagram.com/tlcsessions

Dr Katy Munro is a GP headache specialist at the National Centre for Migraine.  This week she talks us through one of the most prevalent conditions intertwined with Long Covid – migraine.  We discuss this complex neurological disorder and its manifestations in both adults and children.  From mildly annoying to extremely debilitating the fluctuations of a migraine brain mirror that rollercoaster we experience with Long Covid.  We can learn much from Dr Munro’s practical advice for migraine management – discussing triggers, lifestyle and medical intervention – with top tips on things to consider when it comes to talking to your doctor.Living with Long Covid? How was your week?Website - https://www.tlcsessions.net/Twitter - @SessionsTlc https://twitter.com/sessionstlcInsta - @tlcsessions https://www.instagram.com/tlcsessions

Dr. Corinna Geiger, a gastroenterologist specializing in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, shares insights into the surge of patients seeking help post-Covid-19. She explains how gut issues may be linked to Long Covid and discusses various diagnosis methods. The conversation highlights that these challenges are treatable, emphasizing dietary changes and stress management. Dr. Geiger also addresses fructose malabsorption, revealing safe dietary choices, and underlines a holistic approach to improving gut and neurological health for recovery.

Dr Amy Small is a GP and a Long Covid fighter.  She's fought a personal battle with the disease and it seems like she's won.  She's fighting for support for patients with Long Covid in Scotland where she is a locum doctor in Lothian, having lost her job as a partner in East Lothian due to her illness.  She is a mother, a wife of a Long Covid sufferer, and advocate for those suffering from the condition.  And she is a ray of hope for all those of us who don't know when this will end - she talks us through what she did to get herself well and once again we hear it is all about pacing. Living with Long Covid? How was your week?Website - https://www.tlcsessions.net/Twitter - @SessionsTlc https://twitter.com/sessionstlcInsta - @tlcsessions https://www.instagram.com/tlcsessions

Guy Leschziner is a professor of neurology and sleep medicine, leader of a sleep disorder clinic, sleep author, BBC Radio 4 'Mysteries of Sleep' broadcaster... this man knows a lot about sleep.  He is also part of a Long Covid clinical team.  This week we use the breadth of his expertise to talk through the impact of Long Covid on sleep and the impact of sleep on Long Covid.  He shares his knowledge of the potential therapies for sleep disturbances, giving practical advice on how we can start addressing our sleep issues - simple steps we can take at home and help  that is available via your GP.Living with Long Covid? How was your week?Website - https://www.tlcsessions.net/Twitter - @SessionsTlc https://twitter.com/sessionstlcInsta - @tlcsessions https://www.instagram.com/tlcsessions