OpenHealth Q&A

Struggling with Unexplained Symptoms for Four Months: Could it be Long Covid?

I am a 31-year-old guy standing 6'02" and weighing 200 pounds. I contracted COVID-19 in mid-2022, which severely affected me for a fortnight. I was bedridden, experiencing intense discomfort, fever, and a persistent cough, needing ample rest to recuperate. After those two weeks, I returned to my usual state of health and vitality. Throughout my life, I've maintained an active lifestyle, engaging in weight training and cardiovascular workouts almost daily for the past 15 years, with a resting heart rate typically hovering in the 40s or 50s depending on my cardio routine. Fast forward to December 2024, I fell ill with a significant flu for about a week. Although I felt unwell, I managed to continue working as a police officer and only took a single day off due to my symptoms. I opted not to undergo testing for COVID-19, as this flu felt typical for me, unlike my previous experience with the virus. Following this bout of illness, I returned to my regular activities—gym workouts, work, and socializing—without any issues. In February 2025, while doing home renovations and preparing to lay new floors, I worked with a self-leveling compound. The following day, I spent several hours using an angle grinder to address uneven surfaces in an enclosed area. I utilized a vacuum attachment for dust control and wore a flimsy KN95 mask; however, I ultimately removed it midway through, resulting in significant exposure to dust. Even though I was surrounded by dust, I didn’t experience any immediate coughing or irritation, so I dismissed it, but in retrospect, that seems like a poor decision. The next day, I felt well enough to go to the gym, but after just one set of bench presses, I noticed an alarming shortness of breath. It felt as if my lungs were constricted and unable to expand fully, almost as though I’d been knocked the wind out of me. This sensation has persisted ever since. Concerned, I sought emergency medical attention the following day, as my breathing difficulties did not ease. I also experienced severe sleep disturbances that night, waking up every couple of hours and struggling to fall back asleep. This insomnia has continued unabated. Since that fateful day, I’ve experienced numerous other symptoms, including: - Shortness of breath - Ongoing insomnia - Hair thinning - Persistent tinnitus in both ears - Occasional tunnel vision - Numbness and tingling in my limbs - Rapid onset of numbness when lying on hands and feet - Longer-lasting skin imprints from pressure - Increased sweating - Intermittent night sweats - Bloating after meals - Overall fatigue (which has seen some recent improvement) - Hand tremors that worsen after exertion - Internal tremors during adrenaline spikes - Elevated resting heart rate (now between 60s and 70s, compared to my usual 40s to 50s) - Increased blood pressure - Variable oxygen saturation levels, predominantly between 95-100% but with occasional drops into the low 90s without intensifying other symptoms - Some exercise intolerance. Over the past four months, I have sought medical care repeatedly, undergoing several diagnostic tests, including four X-rays (one each month), a CT scan, a PET scan, and various blood tests—all of which returned normal results. There are no indicators of inflammation, damage, or any abnormalities. I have consulted several general practitioners, a couple of pulmonologists, and two therapists who considered anxiety as a possible contributing factor, as suggested by my primary care doctor. When I informed one of the pulmonologists about my potential silica dust exposure, he assessed that silicosis from a single event was unlikely, given my symptom presentation differed from typical cases he had encountered. I expressed my concerns regarding irreversible damage, but both pulmonologists reassured me that silicosis would not develop swiftly and would show signs in tests. Sadly, my medical team seems puzzled by my symptom cluster, having exhausted various treatments with no success, including Prednisone, multiple inhalers, benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine, trazodone, Zoloft, and Lexapro. None of these medications have alleviated my primary concerns: the shortness of breath and sleeplessness. I suspected sleep apnea but noted that my oxygen levels remain stable during sleep (measured by a smartwatch), and I do not wake gasping for air. Nonetheless, I have scheduled a sleep study for further evaluation. I also explored numerous supplements to address potential GERD or vitamin deficiencies, but none have yielded positive results. Repeatedly, at least three of my doctors have mentioned that my symptoms mirror those seen in patients with long COVID. I did experience fatigue during a specific period where I could barely get out of bed, but that has improved significantly, allowing me to resume some semblance of my previous activity levels. I’ve taken up cardiovascular and strength training again and was pleasantly surprised to find that around 70% of my strength remains intact. However, my endurance has drastically diminished; I could previously run 3-5 miles at a 6:30 minute pace, whereas I now struggle to cover 2 miles at a 7:30 minute pace. After these sessions, I am drenched in sweat and observe that my heart rate stays elevated in the 90s to 100s for a couple of hours, compared to the 50s it used to return to within an hour. When I raised this with my pulmonologist, he seemed at a loss, as his typical patients are often suffering from severe COPD and are not presenting with the specific insomnia I experience. I last consulted him a week ago, and he admitted uncertainty on how best to manage my case from here. Ultimately, I'm reaching out to find out if there’s a possibility that I might be dealing with long COVID or a similar condition. My pulmonologist seems to think it unlikely, especially since I did not contract COVID right before my symptoms began. However, through my own research, I’ve come across accounts of individuals developing long COVID symptoms months after their initial infection had resolved. I’m now contemplating whether my flu was, in fact, a milder COVID case that somehow triggered these issues following my exposure to silica dust, possibly sparking an immune response that reactivated long COVID. While I realize this may seem far-fetched, my medical team has largely exhausted their investigative options, and I’m exploring any alternative approaches myself. Since returning to my workouts and modifying my diet with intermittent fasting, I feel like there might be slight improvements in my breathing, but I’m unsure if it’s genuine progress or merely a result of the placebo effect. I yearn to regain control over my life. I would greatly appreciate any insights, advice, shared experiences, or even general comments on my situation.

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 12:11:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are undergoing a challenging and complex situation with your health, which is understandably concerning. Your symptoms, the extensive testing you've undergone, and the uncertainty surrounding the cause are truly frustrating. While it may be possible that you're experiencing post-viral symptoms akin to long COVID or another condition, it's important to focus on actionable steps you can take to manage your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Main Points:

1. There is a possibility that you may be experiencing post-viral syndrome, including signs consistent with long COVID, but further exploration and management are crucial.
2. Practical self-care strategies, monitoring, and potentially collaborative care models may help address your symptoms.

Explanation:

Long COVID is characterized by a range of persisting symptoms that can occur weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection, and it can manifest even after mild cases. Your experience with severe breathing difficulties combined with other systemic symptoms, even after what you initially thought to be a typical flu, can align with this. Since the medical team has assessed numerous potential causes and you’re still encountering bothersome symptoms, let’s focus on improving your everyday wellness and monitoring your progress.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Tracking: Continue journaling your symptoms in detail, noting their intensity, duration, and any triggers. This will help identify patterns and may provide insight for your medical team during follow-ups.

2. Physical Activity Gradually: Continue light to moderate exercises that do not exacerbate your shortness of breath. Incorporating yoga or breathing exercises may help improve lung capacity and promote relaxation, helping with both breathing and sleep.

3. Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule. Try setting up a calming bedtime routine—this may include reducing screen time before bed, engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and ensuring your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet.

4. Nutrition & Hydration: Maintain a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats). Staying well-hydrated is essential, particularly if you’re sweating more than usual.

5. Explore Specialists: Since conventional treatments have not alleviated your symptoms, consider seeing a specialist in rehabilitation medicine or a post-viral syndrome clinic if available. Such centers may have tailored approaches for managing your symptoms.

6. Continued Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare team. If your symptoms change or worsen, inform them, as adjusting management strategies may be necessary.

7. Support Systems: Engage in support groups or forums (online or local) for those experiencing similar symptoms. Sharing experiences can be immensely validating and may offer helpful coping strategies.

It’s commendable that you’ve resumed some activities and are actively seeking improvement. Be patient with yourself; recovery paths can vary significantly from person to person. If you have additional questions or require further resources, don’t hesitate to ask.