Help Natasha Recover from Long COVID

Natasha’s Story

During the early spring this year, Natasha was living in Burbank California while she was recovering from a serious back injury. She was leaving a building and slipped on snow covered concrete steps after a rare storm here, breaking her back in two places: L4 & L5. Afterwards, she had several symptoms from the fall for a few weeks with pain throughout all her extremities and numbness around her facial area.

Natasha was still recovering from the fall when she tested positive for Covid-19 for the 3rd time on March 28th, 2023; she had gotten it from her fiancé even though she was vaccinated. After a week, she wasn’t getting better. Natasha had a multitude of initial daily symptoms that included severe headaches, anxiety, vision problems, vertigo, GI issues, burning skin, swollen veins, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling of being poisoned, immobility, constant muscle twitching and joint pain.

Since then, Natasha has been bed bound for 8 months, is unable to work, care for herself, or engage in basic activities of daily living. She had to move back home for care and recovery with her companion support dog; “Shasta.”

It's difficult to put into words how Natasha’s life has been destroyed by Long Covid and the aftermath of various diseases that she now has from it. In the spring, she was leading a normal life working as a Model and beginning a new career as Lyricist for various EDM (Electronic Dance Music) artists. She enjoyed her social life, friends, traveling, attending live concerts and music festivals like any other young adult. Her future looked bright while she was planning the wedding of her dreams. In an instant, her life changed into a nightmare which now entails living in isolation from the world and the four walls that surround her. Because of Natasha’s immobility, she lays in bed most of the hours each day.

Natasha’s Fight!

Long Covid presents differently for everyone, but for Natasha, it has been extremely debilitating. She has been diagnosed with the following illnesses from Long Covid:

ME/CFS - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a highly debilitating disease associated with neurological, immunological, cardiovascular, and endocrine dysfunction. ME/CFS can last for years and sometimes leads to serious disability. Natasha has been overwhelmed from ME/CFS with extreme fatigue that is not improved by rest. People with ME/CFS are not able to function the same way they did before they became ill, making simple tasks seem impossible like taking a shower, preparing a meal, or just walking to the bathroom. Her energy level is extremely diminished while other severe symptoms ravage her body. She can only take a few steps at time. If she pushes herself too much, she will be sick for days or longer.

PEM – Post-Exertional Malaise. In ME/CFS, even the smallest amount of physical, mental, emotional, or social activity can trigger PEM, resulting in a worsening of symptoms. This has caused Natasha to experience severe painful days with long-term burning headaches, difficulty thinking and sleeping, muscle and joint pain, light, sound, and eye sensitivity. This experience is called a “crash” or “relapse.” During PEM, any ME/CFS symptoms may first appear or get worse.

POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a blood circulation disorder. Natasha has this condition of the Autonomic Nervous System. This regulates heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and body temperature. When standing, her heart rate can increase up to 150 beats per minute, so she is limited to walking. She can’t exercise or exert any movements which makes her feel terrible.

Natasha’s Words of Strength

After the first few months in bed, Natasha had revaluated her life because it changed dramatically. We suggested that to keep her mind active, she should try writing down things she wanted to say to her family but didn’t have the strength to speak. Each day she would write down a few words. After five months, she gathered those words and sent it out to her family and friends. Here’s what Natasha wrote even after her fiancé decided he didn’t want to get married or care for her.

“For the past five months, I've been grappling with the relentless grip of long COVID, and I feel compelled to share my story. This condition has proven to be utterly debilitating, casting a shadow over the entirety of this year, and shattering the sense of normalcy I once knew. Yet, amidst the darkness, I refuse to relinquish hope. Each day presents its own unique battle, a struggle that tests the limits of my strength and endurance. While I long to provide a more positive update, the reality is that every sunrise brings a fresh wave of challenges. The weight of the new symptoms that have emerged, piling upon those that were already present, has created a surreal and nightmarish existence. Trapped within the confines of my own bedroom, I'm left with no option but to endure the torment that courses through my body. It's a surreal experience, akin to living through a personal hell on Earth.

I find myself listening to the stories of mutual friends who have also faced this ordeal, a stark reminder that I'm not alone in this fight, yet their journeys reveal the diversity of timelines and experiences within this relentless battle. A painful reality emerges as well—one of individuals who continue to be overlooked by medical professionals, enduring this affliction for years without the support they desperately need. Each day becomes a journey of introspection, wondering whether I'll ever regain the semblance of the person I once was or if a new version of normal awaits. The uncertainty is hauntingly disconcerting, casting a perpetual cloud of fear over my thoughts. But through it all, I've come to recognize the immense strength it takes to navigate this uncharted territory. It's a strength that resides within every individual who finds themselves entangled in the grasp of long COVID—a strength that, even in the midst of profound suffering, serves as a beacon of resilience and hope.”

Treatments Going Forward

While Natasha has seen a variety of doctors including entering Cedars Sinai Long Covid Program in Los Angeles, the over whelming costs associated with the different illnesses she has, and the necessary treatments needed for all her physical and emotional ailments have been extensive. Our family stepped in and has helped her since the beginning and is willing to do anything to get her better. However, additional help is needed now.

Treatments are very expensive. Natasha’s current Stanford educated CFS Specialist doctor is one of the most experienced in the country and does not take insurance. Her first visit alone was $2,400 which included evaluation and testing. To date, over $20,000.00 has been spent on health care and other related costs out of pocket.

Natasha has and will continue to be seen by a variety of Specialist doctors to create separate treatments plans and recommended tests.

*Neurologist

*Cardiologist

*Internist

*Psychiatrist

*Psychologist

*Physiotherapy

*Osteopath

*BSR for Back & Circulation

*Anti-Viral Medications & Specialized Testing

Our Goal

Long Covid is a complex disease. There is no cure. However, during the last 3 to 4 years, treatments, medications, testing and doctors experienced with it have evolved. Natasha has a severe case of Long Covid according to Cedars Sinai, which will be the most challenging to overcome. But with your help, we will get closer to having her get healthy and feeling well again. The costs going forward will most likely exceed at least $38,000, that’s our goal.

Donate & Share Natasha’s Story

Our hope with this fundraiser is to get Natasha’s health back to a life she once knew. Any amount is appreciated. No gift is too small. Donations will be spent exclusively on Natasha’s doctors, treatments & testing.

Please help share our daughter’s story to reach our goal so she can return to a life of normalcy.

Thank you,

The Eklove Family