From walking dogs again to returning to work, music, sports, and family life – real examples of what functional improvement can look like for Long COVID and ME/CFS.

This newsletter is part 1 of a series exploring the impact of symptoms on people's lives, and looking at what has changed for them after they find an effective improvement pathway. The first two newsletters in this series (and next week’s blog) focus on personal journeys and in the last newsletter we talk about some of the practical hurdles people face when they try to put valuable recovery tools into practice, and how those challenges can be overcome to let them feel real benefits. 

We wanted to kick off the series by sharing the experiences of people we have worked with, to spread hope and help you to imagine what impact even small shifts can have in your own life. Shifts that reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, or even eliminate them. Every small change matters and can lead to the next shift and towards the life you used to live, and sometimes let you move beyond that to find the life you want to live. 

It has been wonderful to witness the path people have taken and the abilities they have regained. This has led them to feel more like themselves again while building resilience with tools and routines that fit their schedule, energy levels, and personal situation.

Before starting to work with us, one woman was in and out of the hospital because of her symptoms.
Within a couple of weeks after starting the Long COVID Symptom Management program, she was back walking her dogs and feeling more energetic. By the end of the 12 Units, she missed a coaching call with us because she was on a multi-day canoe trip with friends and ended up out of cell service range. At first we were worried, but that changed to delight when we learned the reason for her missing the call. She was very apologetic. We loved it! It’s exactly why we do what we do - to let people be able to do what they want to do. 

Another example is a husband and father who had been living with ME/CSF for two decades. As a former soccer player, starting a new role teaching physical education made him both excited and nervous. Using targeted tools as part of a daily routine to regulate and support body systems, and also using them as a resilience “top-up” in between classes, helped him to keep energy levels higher and reduce the length and duration of crashes. Over time his baseline improved, his mood was lighter and he had the ability to do more with his family. Not only did work become easier, but time with his energetic kids became more joyful too. 

These moments of accomplishment can be larger or smaller - but each has an impact for individuals managing symptoms, as well as for their friends and family. Another person we worked with started playing music with their partner again after only two weeks of implementing our recovery program. Prior to this they were impacted by both noise sensitivity and lack of motivation. After working with our  tools they found themselves naturally picking up their instrument after dinner - this reopened the door to a shared hobby and connection with their partner.

It is hard not to feel emotional about what’s possible when simple tools help someone who once struggled to get through the day return to running — and even complete their first 100km ultramarathon race. 

A young, ambitious woman living with significant PEM was back with her parents and considering whether she needed a place at a residential Long COVID clinic. Two months into using the tools, she was traveling and walking the El Camino de Santiago (“The Way”).

Some changes that are close to home can matter just as much as bigger adventures. A number of people we work with are grandparents and are overjoyed to be able to play and fully engage with their grandchildren when they come to visit. You can tell it had pained them in the past when they weren’t sure how much energy they would have or that they were very limited in what they could do - and it is wonderful to see the shift and the smiles it brings to their faces talking about it in our one and one coaching calls. 

On the other end of the spectrum, we worked with a competitive athlete whose career was impacted by Long COVID. They had already worked extensively with a breathing coach and psychologist but were still not able to train at the highest level. After four weeks of using our tools, they reported experiencing restful sleep again - and had returned to training normally.

When people share stories like these, what stands out is not just symptom reduction. It is the return of participation, confidence, joy, and possibility in everyday life.

That is why we get excited about every small step forward. Because often the changes that seem small at first become the foundation for much bigger shifts over time. One improvement creates another possibility. Momentum builds, health returns, and gradually, life starts opening up again.

Warmly,
Katie & Andrea

PS: Many of these stories started with very small steps and simple daily tools. If you want to explore what that could look like for you, Unit 1 of our Long COVID Symptom Management program is available free to try.