The Nevada Independent shared the story of Crystal, a Nevada resident who contracted COVID-19 in 2021 and was left with long-term, debilitating symptoms. What began with loss of taste and smell later developed into long COVID, with chronic symptoms including “fatigue, memory fog and a dramatic 85-pound weight loss”.
“The toll on her physical and mental health has been profound. To this day, she still cannot eat and enjoy chocolate or drink a cup of coffee, and many fruits and vegetables taste different from what she remembers. She has been left to navigate years of insufficient treatment, natural remedies and isolation — while holding onto hope that her health, and her joy in food, will one day return.”
The article further highlights gaps in access to care in Nevada, issues that many people living with ME/CFS and long COVID experience worldwide:
“Nevada lacks a robust health system and infrastructure to consistently provide quality health care and respond to public health challenges — an issue that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“With providers overworked, patients are often left waiting months for appointments or forced to seek care far from their communities.”
“The number and geographic distribution of health care professionals and specialists adds to the strain.”
The article goes on to describe initiatives aimed at helping bridge the gap created by the lack of dedicated long COVID clinics.
Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4mw9frc6
