What happens when rest fails and symptoms crash over you like an unending wave, leaving you desperate for any lifeline? Christmas 2023 marked the beginning of a new, grueling chapter in my Long COVID journey, where simple recovery tactics no longer cut it. Out of nowhere, the familiar sore throat and malaise returned, but this time, rest didn’t help. The symptoms worsened daily—fatigue so heavy I could barely move, aches all over my body, and legs so leaden I shuffled instead of walking.
Desperate for answers, I dove into research, scouring the internet, lurking in Long COVID chat rooms, and reading global articles. That’s when I stumbled across Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), a treatment that promised to address the inflammation that appeared to be at the heart of my struggles. Building on the foundational understanding from What Is Going On With Me? My Long Journey with Long COVID Begins – Part 1, this part explores the trial-and-error path to temporary relief and why setbacks can still teach us volumes about resilience.
Discovering LDN: A Glimmer of Hope Amid Despair
LDN, used (among other things) to calm inflammation, boost endorphins, and restore cellular energy, seemed promising. Taking LDN required a prescription, soI reached out to my doctor, but I wasn’t allowed in his office—despite explaining I wasn’t contagious. After emailing my doctor an article about use of LDN to treat Long COVID and discussing it over the phone, he agreed to prescribe it, despite admitting he knew little about Long COVID.
The first dose of LDN (1.5 mg) worked like magic. Within an hour, my symptoms eased, and I could walk normally again. I cautioned myself against assuming it was a cure, aware of the placebo effect. But after a week, the relief faded, so I increased the dose to 3 mg, then later to 4.5 mg. Each increase helped, but I feared this wasn’t sustainable long-term, so I stopped taking it. That would later prove to be a mistake.
Turning to Ivermectin: Controversy and Breakthrough
Instead, I turned to Ivermectin. In 2023, while in Mexico, I had purchased some, aware of the controversy surrounding its use for COVID-19. Despite the mainstream U.S. media dismissing it as dangerous, European studies suggested it was safe and effective. Hesitant but desperate, I took a dose. Within an hour, I felt better. I continued daily Ivermectin for three months, stopping in April 2024 when my fatigue, aches, and sore throat vanished. Even sneezing no longer triggered symptoms. I thought I’d beaten Long COVID for good.
- Key Benefits I Noticed: Rapid symptom reduction, improved mobility, and fewer triggers.
- Challenges Faced: Navigating skepticism from healthcare providers and media narratives.
- Lessons Learned: Self-advocacy is crucial when standard treatments fall short.
I was wrong. On May 4, 2025, the symptoms roared back, marking the start of a new flare that would introduce an even greater challenge.
Discover how personalized therapy can help you When Long COVID flares bring despair.
The Conclusion
This phase of my journey highlighted the rollercoaster of hope with LDN and Ivermectin, from miraculous relief to the harsh return of symptoms in May 2025. The emotional toll of these setbacks forced me to scale back my counseling work and prioritize survival.
Yet, these experiments underscored the power of informed persistence—even when relief is fleeting, each step builds knowledge. As I faced this latest flare, I realized true healing demands both body and mind. For insights into managing mental health during chronic setbacks, join me in Making Sense of Long COVID: Immune Insights and Moving Forward – Part 3.
Your path through Long COVID doesn't have to be walked alone.
Julie Jakobi
My main focus is working with clients and/or family who are struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder. I utilize DBT, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting techniques, among other approaches, to help the client find a way to regulate their symptoms and utilize new ways of approaching issues. I believe in education about what is going on in the mind and body so the client can leave our sessions with information and skills that can be utilized on a daily basis in order to achieve real change.