Success Stories
My Journey Back from the Fog: A Long COVID Story by Ryan Hickman
In the summer of 2022, a seemingly mild case of COVID-19 during a Hawaiian vacation turned into a months-long battle against debilitating Long COVID. Like many, I initially dismissed my symptoms as a simple flu. A few days of fever, a positive test, and then, seemingly, recovery. I even celebrated with a margarita, thinking I was in the clear. Little did I know, the real fight was just beginning.
The weeks that followed were a gradual descent into a fog I couldn't shake. The exhaustion was profound, a constant weight that made even simple tasks feel insurmountable. By 6 PM, my brain felt like it was 3 AM–utterly drained. I'd wake up feeling unrefreshed, and by noon, I was already struggling to function like it was the end of a long day. My new job at NVIDIA, which I was excited about, became a daily struggle.
Then, the physical symptoms began. My once active lifestyle–running, swimming, cycling–became a distant memory. I couldn't even walk to the local pool without feeling my heart race and my body give out. My brain and body were failing me, and I felt utterly lost.
A neurological exam revealed slowed reaction times and significant inflammation. Blood tests showed low platelet counts and a dramatic drop in testosterone. My doctors suspected my body was still fighting a lingering infection, even though I consistently tested negative for COVID. My limbic system, overwhelmed by stress and the persistent fog, seemed to be shutting down vital functions.
My doctor prescribed Dexedrine, hoping to stimulate my frontal lobe and break the cycle. It worked like magic, clearing the fog and giving me back my cognitive clarity. However, it wasn't a complete solution. My physical strength remained weak, and the inflammation persisted.
Then came Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Within days of starting LDN, I experienced a remarkable surge in energy and strength. I felt a "flushing" sensation, paired with extremely dark urine, giving me a sense that my body was finally releasing something that had been holding me back. I was suddenly able to run again, to move, to live. My cognitive function continued to improve, and gradually, I began to reclaim my life.
By the summer of 2023, I was nearing my pre-COVID self. The fog had lifted, my energy had returned, and I was back to exercising regularly. While the stress of the situation and a new job likely impacted my full recovery timeline, I believe I achieved a full recovery by late 2024.
Today, I manage residual ADHD symptoms with a low dose of Dexedrine and have discontinued LDN. However, I've noticed a lingering sensitivity to certain inflammatory triggers. Smoky flavors, tequila, and even campfire smoke can bring back the fog and fatigue, reminding me of the long road I've traveled.
If you have successfully recovered from Long COVID and would like to have your experience featured here, please email info@helpforlongcovid.com