In this episode, Sarah speaks with Professor Theresa Levitt, Professor of History at the University of Mississippi in the US. Theresa spent a long time struggling with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) post-Covid and was mainly bed-bound. She explains how she got from bed-bound back to being healthy and active, back to running, and even writing a book! Theresa’s book, Elixir: A Parisian Perfume House and the Quest for the Secret of Life Hardcover is available from April 2023. We discuss our shared love of Ed Yong, a writer for the Atlantic, and the Body Politic Slack group, antihistamines, and her experiences taking Paxlovid and a possible turning point around that -- although she is keen to caveat by saying she doesn’t believe Paxlovid to be a ‘magic bullet’.
Disclaimer: **Please note that we are not medical professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. The Long Covid Hope Podcast or Sarah, Long Haul Yogi does not endorse any treatments described in the podcast episodes. Always speak to your doctor or medical practitioner before starting any new treatments, supplements or beginning a new exercise routine.**
Time stamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(2:24) Interview with Theresa
(6:00) Her acute Covid infection
(10:00) Theresa’s Long Covid story
(30:30) Recovery journey - breathing exercises, sleep, meditation
(48:45) When Theresa felt fully recovered - Paxlovid
Links mentioned (A-Z):
Paxlovid for Long Covid article: https://time.com/6237201/can-paxlovid-treat-long-covid/
Theresa’s book: Elixir: A Parisian Perfume House and the Quest for the Secret of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Elixir-Parisian-Perfume-House-Secret/dp/0674250893 Hardcover.
Ed Yong article in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/06/covid-19-coronavirus-longterm-symptoms-months/612679
