In Response to: Keys to understanding long COVID

Dear Dr. Gelinas,

Thank you for your June 2023 editorial on long COVID. I appreciate your interest!

I contracted COVID twice in 2020. Both times I experienced global HA, brain fog, anxiety, bright light/noise intolerance & insomnia.

I had more difficulty performing my job as ED of the Nebraska Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action Coalition. I suffered an iatrogenic side effect after being prescribed Vybrid; I nearly went into what’s called Serotonin Syndrome. All senses became super heightened. I was extremely scared, paranoid, & anxious and had thoughts of suicide. By October 1 had to quit my job because I could no longer concentrate.

In late December 2020 I was handcuffed & admitted to a psych hospital against my will. I felt it was an overreaction; I was giddy but not making risky choices. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 64, an unusual diagnosis for someone who had never experienced mania.

Over the next 18 mos. I experienced gingivitis, finger & toe neuropathies, diarrhea, weight loss, & continued anxiety and insomnia. I was hospitalized again in May 2022 this time for anxiety & difficulty speaking. I spent 2 weeks at one hospital & was discharged walking as if I had Parkinson’s. I got readmitted to a different hospital & received the care I needed.

I am now 13 mos. post hospitalization & fully enjoying & participating in life. I truly believe in nurse advocacy for individuals facing complex medical care & hospitalization. I would otherwise probably still be feeling like a zombie, shuffling my feet, & thinking life as I had known it was no longer possible.

Victoria Vinton RN, MSN
Health Advocate
Chair Legislative Committee for NE Women’s Health Initiative Advisory Council