After 5 months of explaining my #COVID19 symptoms, coordinating w/ fellow WOC long-haulers in NYC/BOS, and ordering my own labs to rule out other ailments, my PCP confirmed that my symptoms since April align w/ ‘Post-Covid’.
Why? A @edyong209 article.
A #LongCovid thread. 1/18
Why? A @edyong209 article.
A #LongCovid thread. 1/18
My PCP is a well-respected, Harvard-trained practitioner who specializes in millennial women.
She was “unaware” until July that fit/healthy young women could exhibit long term COVID-19 symptoms despite articles from the Atlantic and NYT in May/June...or her patients. 2/18
She was “unaware” until July that fit/healthy young women could exhibit long term COVID-19 symptoms despite articles from the Atlantic and NYT in May/June...or her patients. 2/18
When I originally displayed symptoms in early April in Boston, I tried to obtain a COVID-19 test but couldn’t until 4 days later.
They typical ideal testing window for when someone becomes symptomatic is 4-5 days. Hence, I already knew the likelihood of a false negative. 3/18
They typical ideal testing window for when someone becomes symptomatic is 4-5 days. Hence, I already knew the likelihood of a false negative. 3/18
A week later, I received my test results via my PCP indicating I tested negative for COVID-19.
After explaining that I wasn’t sure the test was accurate given my partner was displaying symptoms, I was told it was possible we were stressed. We needed fluids and best rest. 4/18
After explaining that I wasn’t sure the test was accurate given my partner was displaying symptoms, I was told it was possible we were stressed. We needed fluids and best rest. 4/18
Later that week, my health began to quickly deteriorate.
I quickly found myself unable to breathe, walk to the bathroom or up a flight of stairs by myself, my nerves were forcing my body to jerk randomly.
This was not stress, I KNOW stress.
This was my body shutting down. 5/18
I quickly found myself unable to breathe, walk to the bathroom or up a flight of stairs by myself, my nerves were forcing my body to jerk randomly.
This was not stress, I KNOW stress.
This was my body shutting down. 5/18
Frantically, I called my PCP’s office everyday I was able to sit-up and breathe for at least 30 min in hopes of getting through.
After several weeks, I finally heard a voice.
Between breaths, I stated I needed to be seen.
The response? If it’s an emergency, go to the ER. 6/18
After several weeks, I finally heard a voice.
Between breaths, I stated I needed to be seen.
The response? If it’s an emergency, go to the ER. 6/18
It was the first time I heard anyone, let alone someone who fit my health profile describe her experience w/ #COVID and recovery.
I learned a term; #Longhaulers
As I scanned below her tweet, I saw hundreds confirming similar symptoms. I was shocked, in complete disbelief. 8/18
I learned a term; #Longhaulers
As I scanned below her tweet, I saw hundreds confirming similar symptoms. I was shocked, in complete disbelief. 8/18
I started sending DMs to individuals who shared their stories under her tweet and began to gain a clearer picture of what millennial WOC in NYC/BOS were experiencing attempting to recover from COVID.
I was not alone.
It was a strangely comforting thought.
9/18
I was not alone.
It was a strangely comforting thought.
9/18
Once @TheAtlantic released @edyong209’s original article, it allowed me to put more pieces together.
Finally, I had tools from reputable sources to use in order to talk w/ my loved ones as well as business partners regarding why I wasn’t recovering from COVID in 2 weeks. 10/18
Finally, I had tools from reputable sources to use in order to talk w/ my loved ones as well as business partners regarding why I wasn’t recovering from COVID in 2 weeks. 10/18
As we built a community and shared recovery methods, I started to hear similar stories to my own;
PCPs refusing care to patients no in need of ‘acute care’.
Refusing to follow-up w/ patients after discharge from the ER w/ even a virtual appointment. Especially from WOC. 11/18
PCPs refusing care to patients no in need of ‘acute care’.
Refusing to follow-up w/ patients after discharge from the ER w/ even a virtual appointment. Especially from WOC. 11/18
My anger regarding my situation and my peers was building as America found itself forced to reflect on systemic racism in its institutions due to BLM.
In June, as my health began to slowly improve thanks to the advice from our #longhauler group, I began to write. 12/18
In June, as my health began to slowly improve thanks to the advice from our #longhauler group, I began to write. 12/18
Little by little, I began finding my voice to explain, after 3 months of no treatment or follow-up, it wasn’t COVID which would take me away from my family, my team, or my students at any moment.
COVID wasn’t the reason I couldn’t breathe...it was America.
13/18
COVID wasn’t the reason I couldn’t breathe...it was America.
13/18
An America that continually asks for our labor but not aid in our recovery.
After putting my ideas on paper for several weeks, they appeared in the @BostonGlobe as a @GlobeOpinion article in late June regarding the burden of being Black in America. 14/18
Bit.ly/BurdenofBeingB…
After putting my ideas on paper for several weeks, they appeared in the @BostonGlobe as a @GlobeOpinion article in late June regarding the burden of being Black in America. 14/18
Bit.ly/BurdenofBeingB…
During this time, I continued to combat healthcare systems and assist others as we attempted to obtain care for our post-COVID symptoms.
We ordered tests and treatments for ourselves.
We conducted follow-ups if one went to the ER.
We nursed and cared for ourselves. 15/18
We ordered tests and treatments for ourselves.
We conducted follow-ups if one went to the ER.
We nursed and cared for ourselves. 15/18
Now, 4 months later and 4 weeks after my latest ER visit, I’ve received a virtual appointment, a official ‘Post-#COVID19’ diagnosis along w/ these words;
“There is nothing more that I can do.”
This is the system we expect WOC to survive or die in America.
This is America. 16/18
“There is nothing more that I can do.”
This is the system we expect WOC to survive or die in America.
This is America. 16/18
As we prepare for a second wave, this is no longer our burden. It’s yours.
“If the burden is too heavy for you, then help us fix the system. If it cannot be fixed, help us dismantle it in order to ensure equal opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 17/18
“If the burden is too heavy for you, then help us fix the system. If it cannot be fixed, help us dismantle it in order to ensure equal opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 17/18
While my journey continues, I appreciate the love, care, and energy of those who’ve supported me and others recovering.
Obviously, I’m not at the end, so I’ll continue.
Keeping my head up because as we learned in #BlackisKing;
“You can’t wear a crown with your head down.”
18/18
Obviously, I’m not at the end, so I’ll continue.
Keeping my head up because as we learned in #BlackisKing;
“You can’t wear a crown with your head down.”
18/18
