If you have previously been infected with the SARS-CoV-2, you have a 10% chance of developing long COVID. Long COVID is associated with more than 200 identifiable symptoms and can adversely impact multiple organ systems.
What Causes Long COVID?
While little is known as to the causes of long COVID, some experts speculate that it is the remnants of the virus that remains in the tissues. This virus continues to cause inflammation and ongoing symptoms. Others suggest the latent virus is retriggered and the body’s immune system triggers an immune response (inflammation). It is the inflammation that can cause these 200+ symptoms and impair the organ systems.
What are the Symptoms of Long COVID?
The symptoms of long COVID have many similarities with other disease processes. This makes diagnosing it difficult. Symptoms can include:
· chest pain
· palpitations
· cough
· chronic fatigue
· brain fog
· autoimmunity
· diabetes
· abdominal pain
· nausea
· cognitive impairment
· memory loss
· tinnitus
· deep vein thrombosis
· pulmonary embolism
· blood clots
· organ injury
· stroke
· erectile dysfunction
· reduced sperm count
· irregular menstruation
· increased severity and number of premenstrual symptoms
There are also the non-categorized symptoms. One of these challenging symptoms is post-exertional malaise (PEM). This symptom is described as an energy crash or a worsening of other symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain and brain fog, even when minimal exertion is used. Some people can take a short walk and then spend the next 2 days in bed. Some report the inability to leave their home for fear they will pass out at the wheel of their car or in the grocery store. They have little trust on their body’s ability to function at all.
Long COVID symptoms are often debilitating and can last months to years. In some severe cases, the symptoms or conditions can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, there are no validated or approved treatment options. Patients are often referred to multiple specialists including Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, Neurologists, and Gastroenterologists. These doctors are treating symptoms which often include prescription drugs that have multiple side effects. Patients are often left frustrated and confused with no real coordinated treatment plan offered.
How Does Utopia Address Long COVID?
Utopia Wellness uses a multi-prong approach to address the virus and the underlying causes that allows the virus to remain active in the body. This begins with strengthening the body’s immune response.
Fortify - Utopia Wellness offers several therapies that enhance the immune system and allow the body to heal naturally. One of these treatments is immune-enhancing IV vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that feed a deprived immune system. This fuel allows the immune system to do what it was designed to do, repair & protect.
Modify – What you eat is as important as what you do not eat. Through our Certified Holistic Nutritionist, we develop a meal plan that includes foods that help the body’s immune defense, aids in detoxifying the body and increases energy, mood and sense of well-being.
Detoxify - When you have a virus such as Covid-19, your detoxification system must work even harder and can benefit from a complete detoxification. Utopia Wellness offers several therapies to aid in the body’s ability to eliminate toxins including lymphatic massage, colon therapy, FAR Infrared Sauna, and detoxification supplements.
Oxygenize - Every cell in our body requires oxygen to survive and thrive. This is especially true when disease or trauma is present where tissue is suffering from oxygen starvation.
Utopia uses Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to deliver 100 percent oxygen at a higher than atmospheric pressure. The use of pure 100% oxygen in a high pressure atmosphere (HBOT) has been shown to accelerate the healing process.
If you have been diagnosed with long covid or have an undiagnosed illness with similar symptoms, call Utopia Wellness at (727) 799-9060 and schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Garcia to see if we can offer you solutions.
What our clients have to say about our program:
“I am so happy that I found Utopia. I have battled with autoimmune issues for the past 12 years, many different specialists, Mayo Clinic and many different diagnoses- the answer seemed to be another pill, resulting in another problem. Everything got worse after I had COVID that hospitalized me for blood clots in my lungs. Fast forward after coming home I seemed to continue on a downward spiral and every answer was “long Covid” and we don’t know how to help you. I lost my independence, and I lost myself. A friend mentioned Utopia and from the first call I knew I finally found a place that listened to me with compassion and didn’t make me feel crazy like so many others had. The entire staff here is amazing, truly a first class practice. I have been coming to Utopia for several weeks now and I feel so much better and can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Many patients here are battling cancer, but I personally attest that if you have been told you have Long Covid or Autoimmune Diseases- call Utopia today.” J.R.
