When Karin M. caught COVID-19 in April 2021, the acute infection seemed mild at first. She felt tired for a few days but got better quickly. However, the fatigue kept returning every few days, even after her isolation period had ended. Undeterred, Karin continued to work in inclusive education.
A few weeks later, summer vacations were coming up. As usual, Karin spent a lot of time outside doing sports. She slowly began to notice that her body was no longer recovering as usual after hiking. She felt increasingly exhausted and her ability to work decreased week by week after the vacations. In November 2021, she finally had to take 100% sick leave.
Soon afterwards, her condition deteriorated drastically: she had to move back in with her parents, showering was not possible for weeks, conversations were too strenuous, even quiet noises became unbearable. She was at home almost constantly for six months, spending most of that time in bed and only being able to walk a few steps at most. Visits from friends or family were no longer possible. But Karin never gave up.
"I held on to the smallest improvements."
In the Long COVID consultation at the Inselspital in Bern, Karin finally found great support from Long COVID expert Lara Diem, who both understood and motivated her.
Things slowly started to improve, and Karin was able to see the first small improvements in her state of health. Although progress was rather slow, Karin always remained hopeful.
Initial rehab in the fall of 2022 brought progress, but a new setback followed soon after the separation from her partner. Again, she was barely able to cope for months. It was not until spring 2023 that she gradually began to stabilize.
Meditation helped her and she began to work with a "mind-body" approach. The Curable Health app and the book Unlearn Your Pain by Dr. Howard Schubiner were particularly helpful.
"I understood that fear plays a huge role. The fear of another crash really paralyzed me. It was only when I was able to let it go that things slowly started to improve."
Dr. Schubiner's program and mindfulness training brought about a turnaround. This enabled Karin to fight her way back into life step by step. In spring 2024, she was able to do an hour of endurance training again and even cycle along the mountain slopes in her home town.
Support and new perspectives
Karin experienced a lot of understanding from those around her. Family and friends supported her, and after a difficult start, she also found competent contacts in the healthcare system.
Her GP at the time didn't take her seriously at first, but she finally got the right help at the Long COVID consultation. She also benefited from the rehab clinics in Riggisberg and Hasliberg.
Karin's experience with the disability insurance (IV) was surprisingly positive. She received a full pension at the start of 2024. This gave her time to build up her strength. "I am infinitely grateful that I can recover in peace, without pressure or constant demands," says Karin.
The big plan for 2024 is to gradually return to work. But first she wants to consolidate her living situation, find her own apartment and get involved in the community garden. She wants to stabilize her social life before she thinks about work.
"Get help and fight back if you are not taken seriously."
Karin has learned a lot on her journey. She advises other sufferers to change specialists if they don't feel they are in good hands. She also recommends meditation and mindfulness exercises to help you calm down. Psychotherapy has also helped her enormously in dealing with the difficult phases
According to Karin, it is also important to look for new beautiful things that make you happy and to distance yourself from negative news. Personally, nature gives her a lot of strength. The slow-motion pace that Long COVID imposes on you can give you space and time to observe things that you previously overlooked.
"I've learned to be happy about small things – the birds in the garden, the rays of sunshine in the morning. That makes a huge difference."
Her most important guiding principle for life with Long COVID is: Don't think about what you can't do anymore - see what you can do again. With this impressively positive attitude, Karin has fought her way back to life over the last 3 years and is still seeing steady progress in her recovery every day.
Karin's condition improved significantly again last year. She is now able to live independently again and started work rehabilitation training in August 2024. She is currently able to work 40% in her job again and will most likely be able to increase this workload further in the coming months.
Karin is finally able to go on hikes and bike tours lasting several hours again. One of her biggest goals for 2024 was to be able to hike up the Sigriswil Rothorn, which she achieved without any setbacks.
The summit cross on the Sigriswil Rothorn – a special milestone for Karin in 2024.
Today, Karin can also maintain her social contacts again, go to social events or the movies. She is confident that her recovery will continue.
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