BACKGROUND
- Name: Preston
- Age: 28
- Length of Illness: 10 Months
- Prior Life: Highly active, exercising regularly, running 8-10 miles weekly, lifting weights, and working in a demanding job, often 60+ hours a week.
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME HISTORY
- Onset: Post-COVID in December 2021, with symptoms progressively worsening, culminating in a state of severe debilitation.
- Severity: Significant impact on daily activities, extreme fatigue, and cognitive deficits leading to a short period of being bedbound.
- Symptoms: Crippling fatigue, brain fog, cognitive deficits, POTS, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach pain, digestive issues, migraines, burning sensations around the eyes, tinnitus, and frequent urination.
TREATMENTS
- Solutions Tried: Anxiety medication, antidepressants, consultations with various specialists, physical and speech therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fasting, low histamine diet, cognitive behavioural therapy, and numerous supplements.
- Why They Joined: Desperation after extensive medical testing with no clear answers. Found Recovery Jumpstart through online videos that resonated with his experience and offered hope.
MAJOR WINS
- Physical Wins: Successfully participated in a mile and a half walk for a domestic violence support event, which was a significant milestone after being unable to walk even half a mile for months.
- Mindset Shifts: Developed the ability to respond well to symptoms, significantly reducing anxiety and improving overall mental resilience.
- Daily Activities: Returned to exercising regularly, managing a full work schedule, and engaging in social activities without major setbacks.
KEYS TO RECOVERY
- Resilience and Determination: Maintained a strong commitment to recovery despite initial setbacks and ongoing challenges.
- Structured Support: Benefited from the structured guidance and community support of the Recovery Jumpstart program, including regular check-ins and access to experienced coaches.
- Mental and Physical Balance: Focused on incremental physical challenges and significant mental shifts to manage stress and improve resilience.
CURRENT STATE
- Preston has made substantial progress in his recovery from long COVID and CFS. He is now able to engage in regular physical activities, manage a demanding job, and maintain a more balanced and positive outlook on life.
- “There is a kindness, both emotionally and physically, that I didn’t possess before this program. Now that I’ve been through it, I think living more gently and kindly with myself is something I’ll do for the rest of my life.”
- Preston’s story highlights the importance of resilience, structured support, and a holistic approach to treatment. His journey serves as a powerful example of the potential for recovery and regaining quality of life after battling severe chronic illness.