Joe Cecala

I live in Florida. My wife and I have been married 57 years. I have had Long COVID since January 2022. I can't do any yard work, can't drive anywhere except for short trips to the grocery store. I used to drive all over Florida, now I'm unable to do that anymore. I have had a lot of falls because of balance issues, neuropathy, and my equilibrium. I used to have a large vegetable garden, but I can't do that anymore. I can't do much of anything anymore. I can't sleep because of coughing and congestion. I am chronically tired and I have to take a nap in the middle of the day. I also have heart issues and am not able to do much physical activity at all. I am also not able to go to church services anymore because of all of these issues, and because of exposure to germs that will further worsen my health. I have also been told that I have COPD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I am not able to work or have a social life, and I really miss that. It's exhausting losing so much time to Long COVID and not being able to live life as I did before. I feel frustrated and isolated because of my chronic illness, and I am tired of feeling that way. I am also scared because my health is getting worse every day. Please help Long COVID patients like me. I hope by sharing my story I can help raise awareness about the importance of Long COVID research and funding. Thank you.