Kim Cocca

My name is Kim Cocca. I have been struggling since 2021 with ling covid. I was given the shot in March, not long after I had fully body hives lasting 20 days. I had no covid symptoms but when tested for my job, it was positive. I retested at the hospital and it still was positive result. My experiences are persistent and fluctuating cognitive dysfunction that significantly interferes with sustained occupational functioning. Symptoms include: Reduced short-term memory and recall; Word-finding difficulty and expressive language disruption; Slowed cognitive processing speed; Difficulty maintaining attention during multi-step tasks; Reduced ability to organize, prioritize, and complete complex work tasks; Inconsistent cognitive performance (variable 'good and bad' days). These symptoms result in inability to reliably perform full-time occupational duties due to: Difficulty sustaining attention and focus throughout a full workday; Breakdowns in communication under cognitive load or time pressure; Reduced accuracy in task completion when multitasking; Need for repeated instructions or clarification; Slowed processing affecting deadlines and real-time decision-making; Increased cognitive fatigue with work-related exertion. I am not reliably able to sustain consistent work performance on a predictable, full-time schedule. Functioning is variable and may deteriorate with cognitive or physical exertion. Even when partial functioning is possible, it is not consistently reproducible across a standard workweek. I demonstrate reduced tolerance for: prolonged cognitive load (meetings, documentation, multitasking); time-sensitive decision-making; simultaneous communication and task execution; sustained work without rest periods. Symptoms worsen with increased workload demands. The diagnosis/prognosis: Chronic post-viral cognitive dysfunction; Indefinite duration; No clear timeline for full recovery. Primary conditions: Long COVID; Orthostatic hypotension / autonomic dysfunction; Chronic fatigue–type condition (CFS/ME pattern). I am still seeing my long covid doctor since 2021. I have regressed and am back in speech therapy because I got sick with influenza A Dec 2025. I just want my old self back. I want to feel good again, be active and have solid conversations with family and peers. I am no longer able to multi task. When I try to push through I am set back a few days in crash mode. I have learned to accept this is my life now and I don't like it. Kim Cocca, Rumford, Maine