I am a Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse who contracted COVID-19 in July of 2022. I was diagnosed with Long Covid in September of 2022. Long Covid is also known as Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

I suffer from profound fatigue, brain fog, unsteady gait, inability to walk more than a block or so at a time, tremors, joint pain, tinnitus, 24-hour headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and intermittent chest pain. I have been unable to work since first becoming ill in July of 2022.

I have tried many, many treatments - including supplements, various medications, participation in research studies, mindfulness practices, breath work, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc. Most with little to no improvement.

I have been approved for workers' comp/temporary disability. This is approximately half the income I was making as a nurse, but I have made do. Workers' comp covers some of my medical expenses but denies coverage of certain medications and treatments. They will also approve a medication/treatment but then refuse to reimburse me for months, sometimes years. I do have a lawyer who helps me with this.

I have recently had three different doctors suggest a procedure called "Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block (SGB)" I also have two friends with Long Covid who have very much the same symptoms as I do. They are both nurses. Both have undergone this treatment. One of them, as a result, has been able to return to work on modified duty.

Workers' comp has denied my request for this treatment. Below I have put links to research studies that have shown the benefit of this procedure, not only for Long Covid but for chronic pain and headaches, all of which I suffer from.

The doctors who have recommended this treatment are those who have been involved with my care from nearly the beginning of this journey. I have witnessed the benefits of the treatment via my two friends.

The cost of SGB is $550 for the initial consultation and $2000 per treatment. Usually, treatment is needed every 6-12 months (hopefully not long term!). I am anticipating getting two treatments over the next year.

I have no resources to pay for this treatment, so am reaching out for help. I have exhausted my savings, and 100% of my disability payments go to my mortgage and basic daily living expenses.

I love being a nurse. I miss working, hiking, hanging out with friends and family without limits, volunteering in my community, and all of the things I did before becoming ill. I am not looking at this as a "miracle cure." Just simply something to aid me on my path to improved health.

Thank you so much

Suzanne

Effectiveness of Dual Sympathetic Blocks in PASC

Stellate Ganglion Block reduces symptoms of ME/CFS

Reduction of long COVID symptoms after SGB

Stellate ganglion block reduces symptoms of Long C