Support My Long COVID Recovery

Quick intro

My name is Ilya, and this fundraiser is for my personal medical treatment called Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy and while I receive care for long COVID / ME/CFS-related symptoms in Vietnam. This is the very interesting and sad history of this illness.

In 2022, a mild COVID infection developed into severe long COVID with post-exertional malaise (PEM). Since then, I’ve been dealing with disabling fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, flu-like crashes, light sensitivity, and severe limitations in both physical and mental activity. I didn't understand the illness for about 2 years, so I was in a constant cycle of crashing, forcing myself to rest, feeling slightly "better" then over exerting myself again, which lead to another crash, each time making my baseline slightly worse.

I am currently in Vietnam receiving treatment that has started to help, and I am asking for support to continue that care. I was quoted $2200 locally per session of SGB, here in Vietnam it's $200. I am doing sessions for as long as I can physically be here.

**[UPDATE]**

The first few sessions didn't show much progress, and i was left extremely depressed, as this was one of very few treatments left to try, I didn't want to be here anymore, I did some questionable google searches, but as the treatments continued, I noticed some of my symptoms lessened. Now after number 7 and 8, I can say with little doubt that things are improving. I can read full sentences again, my HR doesn't jump to 140 just from sitting up from bed, I can remember things, and the most important, I have hope.

My Story

In June 2022, I got COVID. My initial infection was mild, but within a few weeks, I developed severe fatigue, brain fog, flu-like symptoms, and post-exertional crashes that significantly changed my ability to function. I was in constant fight or flight, I was filled with rage, I yelled at my wife, something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Every sound, no matter how small, would shock my entire body, like a gunshot went off near my head without warning. My mind was consumed with anger, I would daydream about committing violence against people. My entire personality changed, I became a doomer. I could not read, workout, swim, run, have more than short surface level conversations. I slowly Isolated, I did not want this new me around my friends, only when I was feeling capable, I would go out to visit friends or to an event, my visits would last abour 5-10 minutes before my symptoms would return, the mask would start slipping, and I would head for the exit.

Over time, my symptoms came to closely match a long COVID / ME/CFS presentation involving post-exertional malaise (PEM). Since then, my life consisted of laying in bed, wearing an eye mask with noise cancelling headphones, or watching pro level games of Starcraft, I think it somehow helped me escape my symptoms bc I played that game when I was 13-14 years old. Idk, dont ask lol.

At this point, I spend most of my day resting and have to carefully manage both physical and mental exertion. Activities that used to be normal for me, including work, exercise, social interaction, and even cognitive tasks, can trigger significant symptom flare-ups.

I run a small design and build company, and continuing to work at even a limited level has been difficult. My symptoms are triggered not only by physical exertion but also by stress and complex mental tasks. My team is amazing and knows in great detail what I'm dealing with, and

I am currently in Vietnam because my small company sources a lot of custom work from here. I come to oversee production, do factory tours, meet with reps, etc. I also take advantage of the exchange rate by doing all my dental and medical work here. When SGB was suggested to me by a fellow sufferer, I found a great clinic that could make it happen at a fraction of what it would be locally.

I am currently receiving treatment, testing, and supportive care in an effort to improve my level of functioning and quality of life, and I can say that things are improving, knock on wood.

Over the last few years, I have tried many approaches to recovery, including IV infusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, electrotherapy, wet cupping, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, dietary interventions, and a large number of supplements.

So far, the two things that have helped me the most have been extreme rest and the SGB treatment I am now receiving with Dr. Binh.

Why monthly support matters

My condition is ongoing, and my treatment and medications and medical expenses are monthly.

If you are able to contribute one time or on a recurring monthly basis, it would directly help me continue treatment and remain close to care.

Even small recurring support makes a meaningful difference.

Where the money goes each month

I want to be transparent about what this support is for.

Approximate monthly costs

* Housing near treatment: $500

* Food that supports recovery: $700

* SGB treatments (2x/week): $1,700

* Myers Cocktail IV infusions (4/month): $440

* Supplements: $400

* Transportation to appointments: $150

* Doctor visits / follow-ups: $250

* Lab work / testing: $300

* Medications / symptom management: $150

* Additional supportive therapies: $250

* Unexpected treatment costs: $300

Estimated monthly total: $5,140

If treatment needs change over time, I’ll do my best to keep this page updated.

Thank you for reading, supporting, or sharing.