Life-Changing Treatment for Long COVID

Back in August 2023, I was infected with COVID. I became very ill and tested positive for 16 days. After the initial acute infection, my symptoms never quite went away and I was diagnosed with long COVID. I started experiencing extreme fatigue, sleeping around the clock, but never feeling rested. A couple of weeks later, I developed POTS (Post Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). This caused my heart rate to increase 30-40bpm whenever I stood up, remaining that high until I laid down again. I was unable to stand for more than 10 minutes without feeling like I was going to collapse. I often became very lightheaded and dizzy and my muscles felt like lead. In addition to sleeping excessively, I would have crashes where I slept for 36-48hrs at a time, at least once a week. I could not function and needed help doing even the most basic tasks.

In April 2024, I underwent Stellate Ganglion Blocks. This was originally a treatment for PTSD (which I also have), but recently it has been found to be 85% effective in treating long COVID, particularly with POTS. Within a month, my symptoms had improved dramatically. The POTS had disappeared 100% and while I still had some fatigue, I was actually able to function again. I was even able to start hiking and exercising again and begin looking into employment.

The doctor warned me that some people require 2 rounds of injections. It has now been 3 months since my injections and my POTS and extreme fatigue/crashes have returned. So far, this is the only promising treatment for reversing long COVID/POTS. I am now in desperate need of a second round. If I cannot heal myself, I will be forced to go on disability. The injections cost $2,100 and are not covered by insurance. Since I have not been able to work and have blown through my savings, I can no longer afford to pay this. Any help that you can offer would be life changing for me. I just want to get my life back. Thank you for reading and please share even if you are not in a place to give.