I finally had the chance to try antivirals! After getting the protocol Michigan,USA, I took the experimental medication for 2 weeks. When I thought my prayers had been answered and I had a fix I quickly found out my body couldn’t handle many of the side effects of the medication in the protocol. No one said it was going to be easy. It blocked the effects of my other regular medications which meant I had to stop the protocol and switch those up. This wasn’t easy either but I managed to find one that worked. 

My mom drove my daughter and I see our family for a reunion and my cousins high school graduation party. We were fortunate to have our travel expenses covered by my aunts and uncles including a stay at the Hilton, which we loved! The hotel had a pool which my daughter spent lots of time in with her second cousin. Unfortunately, the day we arrived I overdid it and was sick, so I missed us all eating dinner together, which was a treat from my cousin, but the next day (after having lots of fluids, 🧂 salt and sleep) I felt much better. 

We enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, which my cousin treated us to again, and some more time in the pool. Then it was time to head out to my Aunts house for the party. Needless to say it was a day we had all been looking forward too.  

I took a really long time to get ready ⏰ with pacing myself so I didn’t feel sick. First sitting to style my hair and laying in bed to put on makeup.  Things you wouldn’t think you need to be mindful of but I’ve learned to adapt.

At the party I was given an ice cooling scarf to wear which my Aunt had ordered and paid for to help prevent me from overheating outside, it was perfect! I have been told by my doctor that my condition called dysautonomia stops me from sweating and to avoid getting hot. My mom sewed me a vest to add ice packs into as well.  Luckily, between these and trips to cool off inside I didn’t have any episodes of passing out and was able to spend time visiting with family. When resting inside my cousins wife came inside to talk so I wasn’t alone. 

The following day I was feeling spaced out from the exertion of the party so we then picked up my long covid prescriptions from my Aunt and Uncles house, she had gone to the pharmacy for me ahead of time which I was so thankful for, and headed home. My mom did all the driving for us. 

I also received funds from family members who had heard about my struggles to get treatment and wanted to help with the costs. My heart was full and the tears spilled out after finding out about these donations and everyone who cares so much about my well-being. We also loved spending time with everyone we hadn’t seen in a long time and getting to meet the newest little ones. 

❤️ ❤️ ❤️ 

Thank You. 🙏 

I’ve taken the antivirals for 2 weeks so far, sadly the side effects made it really difficult to be home and able to care for my daughter who’s off school for the summer, so I had to stop. Once school starts I will restart the treatment plan. 

I’ve now heard back from Vaccine Injury Compensation and the Special Immunization Clinic about my reaction so I’m working on those papers with my social worker. I also received information from the Canadian long covid rehab program I was referred to after my viral infection 🤞 

The love and support keeps pouring in and filling my cup, thank you so much. I received this get well card with a donation from my moms landlord as well. 

This past month has had its ups and a lot of downs. First I finally found a long covid clinic who accepts Canadians but I would have to travel to USA to have bloodwork drawn at $500 USA or find a Canadian doctor who could do the same bloodwork here. 

I asked my family doctor for their support and since I had some blood work done within 3 months, they declined. This left me to book an appointment with a private doctor who graciously signed the paperwork because they know I’m not physically able to drive 5 hours, nor should I have to pay when we have OHIP and I am diagnosed with long covid.  This private MD costs $360 per hour which is still less than the $500 USA I would have had to spend. As it turns out my bloodwork results did have some things wrong which, sadly, would have been missed if I didn’t go this route. 

I had my appointment at the long covid clinic they told me the covid virus was responsible for autoimmune attacks on both my thyroid and digestive tract. They have given me both prescriptions and supplements to intervene. Then the clinic supported me with antiviral medication which has case studies to show they can be effective for people just like me. These case studies are not enough for Health Canada to approve antiviral medication use where I live and have a private drug plan that covers prescriptions.

I am tired and want my life back, so I decided to pay for this all out of pocket. Your donations have helped me so much! I want to thank each and every one who has contributed and shared my givesendgo so I can afford to continue this plan. It gives me strength to know so many people care about me. 

The long covid clinic is optimistic I will recover with this antiviral protocol between 3-6 months. Not only that but my thyroid and digestive system (that absorbs vitamins) issues would have been missed if I hadn’t pushed and fought for myself. 

A special 🙏 thank you 🙏  to Bethel Community Church of Barrie for their generous $500 donation.  

More updates to come.