Lauren’s Long Haul Battle

Hey there! If you don’t already know me, my name is Lauren Neidenfeuhr! Nine months ago my health began to go downhill very quickly. I moved away from all my friends and family to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to The Mayo Clinic to try to get the help I need. With that comes astronomical bills and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We have yet to get solidified answers and I have been seeing specialist after specialist; everything from cardiologist to neurologist to internal medicine, brain and spine doctors, infectious disease, psychiatry, etc. As much as I would like to say otherwise, work is not feasible at this moment. I am bedridden easily 3-4 days a week, unfortunately. Every minor task that seems mindless, takes an incredible toll on my body. I truly never thought it would get to be this severe, but everyday is so unpredictable. I am invested in getting answers, not only to help myself, but others. One of the main culprits is Long Haul Covid, which is now accompanied by POTS, Small Fiber Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia. Everyday I deal with 30+ debilitating symptoms, despite how I may look on the outside. Some of my symptoms include constant fatigue, small seizures, numbness, tremors, not being able to regulate temperatures, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, migraines, memory loss, brain fog, loss of sensation, trouble walking, heart palpitations, central sensitization, passing out, weakness, shortness of breath; the list goes on and on. I am not asking for pity, but I am facing the hardest and most uncertain time of my life. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared for what’s to come. From the bottom of my heart I am SO thankful for everyone who has been and will be apart of my journey. I truly cannot express how much it means to me. I promise to keep everyone updated through this journey. Thank you, so much!