Help Tommy Battle Long Covid

Hi Friends. My name is Tommy. I never want to share personal things about myself. It’s anathema to my nature. However, I share this now because the burden of not sharing it is overwhelming, and I have reached a point where I am out of resources, urgently in need of assistance and have no choice but to ask for help. While battling ongoing health problems, I have been crushed in every way possible. I have spent everything I have financially trying to survive, and still, I keep fighting. I can no longer do this on my own. I appreciate you taking the time to read my story.

I became immunocompromised due to a long health battle that started with Graves' disease, which led to thyroid disease, resulting in a complete thyroidectomy. Knowing I am immunocompromised, when Covid-19 hit the US, I limited my exposure to the outside world with very few exceptions and only when necessary. Despite my extreme efforts to stay healthy, I unfortunately contracted Covid-19 in December of 2020 and my world was turned upside down yet again.

As someone that is immunocompromised, Covid-19 significantly impacted my overall health. As a result, I developed long Covid, pneumonia, hyperinflated lungs, and now, suspected pulmonary hypertension. I also battle CPTSD, so the isolation, inability to work, decline in cognitive skills and constant physical pain have taken a significant toll on my mental health, which was already suffering before my Covid-19 diagnosis.

As a result of long covid, my entire life has been upended. My extensive health problems combined with my lack of control and the uncertainty of my future are constant burdens that I carry with me 100% of every day.

Doctors have not cleared me to return to work because of ongoing pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological, GI, and emotional issues, in addition to countless other physical problems, all of which have been brought on by Covid-19 in December 2020 and continue to plague me.

I am fully vaccinated and received my booster shots for the immunocompromised.

As a result of everything brought on by Covid-19, every day is a constant struggle. It's difficult for me to complete basic physical tasks for many reasons, including difficulty breathing. In addition, I have substantial neurological issues; my thoughts can be hazy, indistinct, fragmented and disordered. My fatigue is crippling. I sleep anywhere from 2-16 hours a day or can go days without sleeping because of the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with my drastic lifestyle change due to Covid-19. Covid is not merely a "get it, survive, move on with life" problem. It can kill you. It can ruin your life.

I’ve learned a lot so far during this period:

- Life can change in the blink of an eye.

- Who I was is not who I am.

- Nothing is certain. Tomorrow isn’t assured.

- Give everything right now. Everything you have to being a good person.

I have learned not to take anything for granted. I will continue to fight for myself every day, so I can get back to my life and get back to helping others. It is a humbling experience to be in a position where I have to share my story and ask others for help. Still, I am committed to getting better, and I am sincerely grateful to anyone willing to offer support during this difficult time.

Since I am extremely active on Twitter, I set my goal to match my number of followers. My dream would be to raise $1 per follower, but I will graciously accept anything anyone is willing to contribute. Between price inflation and being unable to work, it is difficult for me to care for my basic needs. In addition, the financial and emotional stress of everything I have lost due to my diagnoses' has had an extreme impact on my life. I will be putting 100% of donations towards medications, doctor's visits, health treatments, bills, debts, groceries and living expenses.

In honor of everyone that has battled Covid-19, and in support of my ongoing battle, please consider donating on or before March 11, which is the day the World Health Organization initially declared Covid-19 a pandemic.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am honored that you have even considered supporting me during such a difficult time. I appreciate each donation, no matter how large or small, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to share this with others. I have several upcoming appointments with specialists this month and I hope that I am able to receive a treatment plan to help me feel better physically so I can get back on my feet. Please keep me in your thoughts as I continue this journey to wellness.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.

Tommy

#longcovidrecovery #resistcovid