Laci Arnett

To whom it may concern, My name is Laci Arnett, and I have been living with Long COVID for over four years. I am a single mother, and I do not receive any financial support from my son's father. Long COVID has profoundly changed my life, and it has had devastating effects on my health, my ability to work, and my quality of life. Before I got sick, I was an active person who loved cooking for others, making my house a home, taking care of my son, and enjoying time with friends and family. I also worked as a medical coder for ten years at the same place of employment, where I was appreciated and valued. However, all of that changed after I contracted COVID-19 in January 2021. My health began to rapidly deteriorate, and I started experiencing persistent fatigue, brain fog, memory problems, migraines, insomnia, and other debilitating symptoms. I was misdiagnosed for years, and the first time I was tested for Long COVID, I was told my results were negative. This was frustrating and demoralizing, as I knew something was seriously wrong with me. Eventually, I got tested again and was confirmed positive for Long COVID. I have tried various treatments, including supplements, medications, and holistic therapies, but nothing has worked so far. I have been prescribed many medications, including hydroxychloroquine, which has helped some but has not cured my illness. My symptoms are debilitating and unpredictable, making it difficult to maintain a normal routine or work consistently. My daily life is a struggle, and my quality of life has been severely impacted. Since getting sick, I have lost my job and have been unable to work for extended periods. I have had to rely on food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance to survive. My son, who is 12 years old, is also affected by my illness. I am unable to cook for him, take him to activities, or participate in family events as I used to. My son's life has been disrupted, and he is missing out on a normal childhood due to my illness. My illness has also caused me significant financial hardship. I have accumulated medical debt, and I struggle to afford basic necessities like groceries and medications. I have had to make difficult choices between paying for medical care and paying for rent or utilities. I am also unable to afford treatments that may help me, like intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, which is not covered by my insurance. My mental health has also suffered due to my illness. I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. I have had to rely on therapy and support groups to cope with my situation. My social life has also been impacted, as I am unable to participate in activities I once enjoyed. I feel isolated and alone, and I have lost friends and connections due to my illness. Despite these challenges, I remain determined to fight for my health and for the recognition of Long COVID as a serious and debilitating condition. I believe that Long COVID patients deserve access to effective treatments, financial support, and recognition from the medical community and government. I hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness about the devastating effects of Long COVID and the need for action. Please do not forget about us. We are real people with real lives, and we deserve to be heard and helped. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Laci Arnett.