Post-COVID: The Long Haul

On June 29, 2021, the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with Disability: IN Alabama and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, hosted Post-COVID: The Long Haul, "The Medical and Psychological Aspects of Post COVID-19 Syndrome in the Workplace."

This virtual webinar focused on the medical, pathophysiology and psychological aspects of Post-COVID syndrome. Featured panelist included: 

Michael S. Sagg, M.D., Associate Dean for Global Health, Director of the UAB Center for Aids Research, and Professor of Medicine
Gitendra Uswatte, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Physical Therapy, UAB
Kristine Lokken, Ph.D., Director of Psychology Consultation-Liaison Service, Associate Professor, UAB 
Watch the live video here.

[jessemiles]

30 year old male. Former athlete. Mild TBI, and adult ADHD diagnosis.

I just want to thank each of you so much for raising awareness and sharing relevant information.

I contracted Covid-19 in April of 2023. At the time, I had no idea why symptoms continued to persist in the weeks and months following the initial infection.

I work as a health coach and personal trainer, and enjoyed powerlifting. First thing I noticed was that my heart rate and blood pressure would elevate beyond my normal when standing and my RHR jumped from 63 to 80-85 range.

I could not stand for longer than 2-3 minutes at a time because my pulse rate would jump to 150-160 and I’d get lightheaded.

This gradually improved, but even a full year later I struggle with positional changes and slightly elevated HR when standing. RHR normalized within 3 months but standing HR is still 105-115. And that’s after doing recumbent exercises and building my aerobic base back after becoming a bit deconditioned.

If someone could point me towards any relevant books or literature of either a physician who has gone through a similar experience or just books on how to live with and overcome post-viral POTS, I’d be eternally grateful.

Again, thank you all so much.