Ruthann Harner

Hello! My name is Ruthann Harner. I am 53 years old. A wife and mother of 4. Was a very vibrant nurse for 22 years. During the pandemic I was a hospice nurse. I had finally found my calling. I cherished my job and gave it 110% of myself daily. September of 2021 while on a hunting trip with my husband for our anniversary I tested positive for Covid. Very mild case. Only lost taste and smell and was a little fatigued. No fever. No respiratory symptoms. I remember thinking, 'Wow! I literally just kicked Covid's ass. It didn't kick mine!' Ha!! Wishful thinking. Covid was waiting quietly in the background. 4 months later one January morning in 2022 I woke up and as soon as I opened my eyes my whole world was spinning. Literally. The whole room just spun in circles. I closed my eyes just to get it to settle and was thinking what is wrong with me?! Why am I so dizzy? I attempted to get out of bed but as soon as my feet hit the floor my body followed. That was the start of my long haul journey and it has not stopped yet. I am now disabled. I haven't worked as a nurse since May 13, 2022. My symptoms have included neuropathies, extreme bone and muscle pain, dizziness, headaches, extreme fatigue, cognitive deficits, memory loss, loss of sensation, vision loss, hearing loss, falls, tremors, convulsions, swallowing difficulties, gut issues, loss of depth perception, occasional depression and I've acquired many new diagnoses including, CREST Syndrome, MCAS, ME/CFS, dysautonomia and FND. Every day is a new challenge in some way. I've mourned the loss of my identity for years. I'm at peace now that I am no longer a nurse but I do miss it on occasion. Doctors have dismissed me, gaslighted me, doubted me and some even laughed. Some have carried me part of the way with trying to manage symptoms but ultimately left me stating there was nothing more they could do. I have the fight in me to help push for the recognition and care deserved to all of us suffering. I'm witty. I'm not afraid to speak up, speak out and speak loud. If you need any help with your mission I am available. I pray daily for all who are affected. Also, I wrote a memoir on my journey. Broken By the Invisible: A Journey Through Long Haul Covid and Being Unseen. I self published on Amazon and it is being released this coming Monday, August 10th. I tried for a long time to get an agent to publish but no luck. I personally think they are afraid to touch it. Covid is so controversial and some make it extremely political. I wish you all the best with your journey. Sending prayers for your wife. Again, if you need any assistance, I'm here. Thank you for all you are doing! Sincerely, Ruthann Harner