J-pouch surgery and Long Covid

Hi George, sorry to hear you’ve had the trouble with long covid symptoms. I too believe that getting Covid has been responsible for setting off a new kind of autoimmune flare that has also lasted about 1.5 years now. It certainly is not easy for us pouchers as it is and covid truly has made the landscape even more complicated. Happy to chat about it.

Matt

Mhg26 & George Shaikh, I'm curious about what your symptoms are?

After the Advil starts to wear off I get nasal congestion, headache, fatigue and what’s weird is lower back pain. I’ve never had a back pain issue. The fatigue can even come after a nap. These symptoms are daily.

@George Shaikh posted:

After the Advil starts to wear off I get nasal congestion, headache, fatigue and what’s weird is lower back pain. I’ve never had a back pain issue. The fatigue can even come after a nap. These symptoms are daily.

I'm so sorry that is happening! As you probably already know, Advil (NSAIDs in general) can cause adverse reactions in some people's pouches, which could be the source of the low back pain.  I have had it from pouch inflammation before. I have also noticed that pain killers (even acetaminophen) make my pouch mad with repeated use. 

Have you been to acupuncture?  A knowledgeable Acupunturist can help balance the immune system to clear up stuff like long covid.  They might have dietary recommendations as well.  Your system needs help in recovering, but it can recover, it's just stuck in a bad pattern. Acupuncture has helped me so much over the years. BUT (at least in my experience) you have to find a practitioner that is a good fit for you.  I have been to really experienced, respected practitioners who I don't mesh with (in the caregiver/care receiver way) and the treatment has been off.  For me, gender seems to be a thing.  I prefer same gender caregivers for most things because women innately understand my body system better. This has been pretty consistent.  It's kind of like choosing a talk therapist. 

I’ve  tried physio cHiro and massage for a year. Not much help. Doctor thinks it’s inflammation somewhere caused by covid. I limit my Advil. And Tylenol no help. So for me it’s pointing towards inflammation. However, two of my doctors say they don’t know much about Covid in a caring way. That’s  better than someone giving ‘Inflated’ info..

I have not ruled out acupuncture but with the frequent bowel movements I and long covid, I don’t have much time left in the day. I am grateful for the good things I have and that helps.