CARLYLE - As the number of cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant appears to be waning, the lasting effects of long COVID will remain in the news for a very long time.
A local Carlyle family, Tim and Jenn Sedor, spoke of their experiences with long COVID.
Tim is employed by the South East Cornerstone Public School Division as a facilities technician. Jenn wears many hats and is both the town librarian and Cornerstone Family and Youth co-ordinator.
She has been on town council since 2012 and has been Carlyle’s mayor since 2020. The Sedors have three children, Lily, 14, Tayo, 12, and June, 3. They have lived in Carlyle since 2005.
The Sedors provided the Observer with an emotional and personal story on their ongoing battles with COVID-19 and the lingering effects of long COVID. These are Jenn Sedor’s own comments.
“In April of 2021, my entire family was infected with the Alpha variant of COVID-19. Vaccination wasn’t yet a possibility for our age groups. From the first notification of exposure to the last infectious period of the disease in our household, was a total of 31 days.
“My youngest daughter, (then aged two) came down with nothing but a few sneezes and sniffles. My two older kids (then ages 13 and 11 and who both became ill much later in the quarantine period) came down with moderate flu-like symptoms.
“I suffered severe bronchitis, extreme fatigue, mental fog and of course the loss of my taste and smell. Tim, my husband, had the same symptoms as myself plus an uncontrollable fever and COVID pneumonia in his lower left lung. At one point in our illness, while Tim was unconscious, not waking, chest rattling, I could picture him in hospital hooked to machines.
“It was scary, but we were lucky to be able to access the right care and treatment before Tim’s symptoms reached a critical point.
“While in quarantine our family relied on the kindness of extended family, neighbours and community members. Groceries, meals, medication, mail and even Slurpees were delivered to our door. We are still humbled and grateful to all that helped.”
“Even at the point where our household was considered ‘recovered’ from COVID-19 we were all still feeling very sick. Energy to do routine activities was at an all-time low, cognition of simple tasks was difficult. Breathing was harder, anxiety attacks, blood pressure and heart rate changes – fatigue was impossible to shake. Tim came home from work after his first few days complaining of leg pain that turned out to be a COVID-related blood clot. My hair fell out for months. It just seemed to drag on and on.
“Now, 10 months post infection, my husband and I are considered ‘long-haulers’ still battling a variety of symptoms that can both improve and flare up at a moment's notice. The brain fog has been bad for both of us. Like some strange combination of temporary dementia and attention deficit. Thankfully, this does seem to be improving.
“I struggle with joint pain. More than just sore – for months I was unable to dress myself and I have a new appreciation for slip-on shoes. I have since been diagnosed with a post viral auto-immune type arthritis that may resolve in time. Until then I move with all the vigour of someone much older than I should be.
“Our healthcare providers have been great supporters, but unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of answers yet. Until then life revolves around managing symptoms, follow-up appointments, a few important lifestyle changes, sleep, and hoping for the best. But it sucks.
“I turned to an online support group to connect with others who are struggling with a whole spectrum of different symptoms of acute and long COVID. It has been very helpful in knowing that these symptoms are common – and – in many cases are resolving. I hope that if there are others in the area that are struggling with similar symptoms after COVID to reach out and connect. Perhaps there are ways we can support each other.”
The condition of long COVID continues to frustrate those diagnosed, baffle scientists, and alarm people who are concerned about being infected. It is a catchall phrase used to describe persistent symptoms that can range from mild to severe and last for weeks, months or even longer.
The Sedors are well known in the Carlyle community and continue to remain upbeat and positive. Jenn concluded the interview with this observation, “Health wise, it has been a trying year. But family wise, it has made us stronger. Our family is more connected to each other, we are really appreciating the little things in life, and all of us can see the shining light at the end of the tunnel. We are ready to take on 2022.”
