Life has gone back to normal. But those with long COVID continue to suffer

When Nathanael Rafinejad first moved to Montreal, they were captivated by the city’s vibrant nightlife. They worked as a bartender and waiter while studying business management, enjoying all that the city had to offer. But everything changed when they caught COVID-19 in January 2022.

Now, at 29 years old, Rafinejad is mostly confined to their apartment, struggling with the lingering effects of long COVID. “I feel completely cut off from the world most of the time,” they said. “I can’t walk anymore. I cannot stand for more than a few seconds at a time. I have to use a wheelchair every day.”

The journey with long COVID has been challenging for Rafinejad. What initially felt like the flu quickly escalated into extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, tachycardia, and fainting spells. The once active individual now finds themselves bedridden, unable to engage in activities they once loved, like playing the cello.

The impact of long COVID is not limited to Rafinejad alone. According to a 2023 Statistics Canada report, approximately one in nine adults in Canada have experienced long-term symptoms from COVID-19, totaling 3.5 million individuals. Nearly 80% of these individuals reported symptoms lasting six months or more.

Dr. Emilia Liana Falcone, an infectious disease specialist, and director of the post-COVID research clinic at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, highlighted the challenges faced by long COVID patients. Symptoms such as extreme fatigue, brain fog, body pain, and shortness of breath can incapacitate individuals for extended periods, affecting their ability to work and engage in daily activities.

In Quebec, there are 14 long COVID clinics focused on reducing symptom severity and frequency. Patients undergo thorough evaluations to rule out other conditions that may be contributing to their symptoms. Lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions are being explored to help manage the long-term effects of COVID-19.

Oana Silaghi-Bedikyan, who battled long COVID for two years, emphasized the humbling nature of the experience. Simple tasks became monumental challenges, and she continues to struggle with a lack of stamina and acid reflux years later. The lack of access to healthcare professionals has been a significant source of frustration for her and many others affected by long COVID.

As the province grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, individuals like Rafinejad and Silaghi-Bedikyan are calling for increased support for long COVID patients. They stress the importance of prevention and access to quality healthcare to prevent further suffering.

Rafinejad dreams of returning to the world as a social worker, but the road to recovery is long and uncertain. They urge society to recognize the struggles of individuals with long COVID and work towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for those battling the lasting effects of the virus.