Torn from life with Long Covid for an uncertain time

Yes, rhythm and movement were always very important for me. I was at some dance competitions before the illness. I made a lot of friends in Zumba and also in a regional carnival band.

These friendships are a bit like my second family. The activities are an important balance to my daily work with children and parents. In addition, I like to spend time with my friends, including playing games together.

Two years ago, to the day today, I contracted COVID-19. Where the infection took place is unknown to me.

At first, I had flu-like symptoms.

Later, exhaustion, fatigue and severe muscle pain set in. Likewise, I got conjunctivitis, skin rash, and loss of smell and taste.

I stayed in bed and could not walk because I was so exhausted.

At first, I was dependent on the help of my parents and a wheelchair. As therapy, I spent four weeks in Davos for inpatient rehabilitation in spring 2021. I did medical sports therapy there.

The results of the inpatient therapy were not ideal. I managed 200 to 300 meters during my walking training. Then nothing more worked.

During bike training, I was flat after two minutes. We trained beyond our limits. Rehab wasn't suitable for long Covid. But they didn't know that at the time.

Since then, I've been doing outpatient rehab with physiotherapy, breathing therapy and sometimes I go to osteopathy, just because. The most important thing for me is to find therapists who take me seriously and have patience.

I was very lucky with my employer, the family for whom I took care of the children.

They supported me during the whole time. I wanted to give something back to the family for their appreciation, definitely stay active and continue to visit them.

So I had decided, even though I was on sick leave from the family doctor, to visit the family twice a week, each morning, and do something with the children. In the summer of 2022, the employment relationship was terminated on a mutual basis.

I tried it, but had to realize that my body and my head were not ready. After arriving in the morning I was exhausted and had to lie down straight away.  

I felt both a mental and a physical exhaustion. Physically, very little was happening because I couldn't stand for long. Concentrating on one thing was no longer possible. Everything was too much.

My former boss, who has since become a good friend, approached me about ^{INUSpheresis®} therapy in mid-2022. We also discussed "therapeutic apheresis" in our Long Covid group.

Then I found you on the internet. I came to the ^{INUSpheresis®} Center Basel without any expectations.

The preliminary talk with your doctor, Dr. Ilin, convinced me. So I thought, why not just give it a try. Over the last two years, I have learned to enjoy the little things too.

I got sick a little more than two years ago on December 15, 2020.

The first therapy with inuspheresis was only a week ago. But I'm already noticing that my head is cooperating better than before the blood wash. I think the body needs a little more time to process the whole thing.

Yesterday we had our annual Christmas dinner with the carnival band. I really wanted to be there. In the restaurant I noticed that it was a bit too loud. I still can't cope with these stimuli.

After such events, I always had a very heavy head the next day, like a hangover.

But today I feel a bit better. My head feels less foggy than usual. That is progress.

In my case, the eluate had a dark orange color and I wondered what had been filtered out. INUS Laboratories provided information about this with its analyses. For example, my cobalt and titanium levels were too high.

I was definitely amazed at the results of the analysis, but also slightly shocked at what was in my body. I then discussed this with the head specialist, Dr. Mavberg, who explained the various substances and their possible effects on my body.

Since my third blood cleanse in March 2023, my mental clarity has improved significantly and the "foggy" states in my head, also known as brain fog, have disappeared. This makes a significant difference in my everyday life. I find it easier to follow conversations in noisy environments or with lots of people around the table. This was a big challenge before. I got tired very quickly and had to deal with sensory overload. Today, my head gets tired less quickly. The sensory overload is also less intense. In addition, my body temperature has returned to normal since the 3rd therapy.

My quality of life has definitely improved. One example is the vacation in Turkey compared to last year's autumn. In the fall of 2022, I sometimes just sat there and couldn't really perceive what was going on around me or communicate well.

This year, I felt right at home and wasn't overwhelmed by all the stimuli (noise, people, light, music). As the fog is still gone, I feel much better in this respect.

I'm enjoying being around people again, or rather being able to be, and following the conversations. I am very grateful to be able to see everything "clearly" again without the fog. For a long time I felt like I was drunk with this fog. My quality of life has definitely improved again and I feel more joy in my everyday life.

It is a pleasure for me to continue the regular exchange with Dr. Mavberg and his team. I am confident and excited to see how my condition will continue to improve with the ongoing support and application of the Ayus concept.

I felt very comfortable in your practice here in Basel. I also find the personal contact and the personal level very pleasant.

‍Theambience in the treatment room is so homely and warm that you immediately feel welcome and safe - almost like in a living room. I would like to say a big thank you for the attentive and empathetic care I received on my road to recovery. I will definitely recommend the therapy and your practice to other affected people.

Perhaps these insights will help other people and I am happy for every person whose quality of life can be improved again.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience. It was a pleasure to take part in this valuable exchange.