I’m based in Gauteng & have had all very similar issues.
Had Covid 3 times in 2022 & then Singles in Jan 2023.
Went through the same ordeal with not being the same since the 1st Covid & got worse overtime not understanding what’s going on & what to do & doctors saying there’s not much more they could do.
Also felt hopeless, couldn’t work anymore & just couldn’t get the right medical support & treatment.
I went to a physician at Wits Donald Gordon where I was admitted to hospital March 2023 having undergone many tests, scans, bloods, etc.
After all that I have Long Covid, sleep apnea and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Severe Fatigue, Viral Labyrinthitis (previous diagnosis from 2nd Covid), Vestibular neuritis, mental health conditions and having previous existing conditions of H.E.L.P syndrome, TIA’s, hypertension & migraines.
FND is not commonly known in SA & not many specialists treating FND. It’s a horrible disorder as many will say “It’s all in your head” but good news it’s not. Physically the neurological disorder is displayed but doesn’t show up on EEGs but there is a neurological disconnect between the brain & the body.
There have been studies linking more & more patients with FND of also having had Covid/Long Covid.
I’ve got a team of specialists & therapists that I’ve been working with which are fantastic & helping me through all this.
Been so frustrating & still struggling with getting a temporary disability cover as it’s difficult keeping up with medical treatment expenses with not working & no salary and my medical plan doesn’t cover much.
It’s a journey but with the support of family, friends & specialists makes the really bad days a bit easier.
I just wish there could be more knowledge availability within the medical field which could then help so many more people going through & suffering with Long Covid & FND.

A follow up on my previous post. My GP made contact with Dr Laubsher. It is an expensive exercise with the initial appointment and tests, and then having to travel to Stellenbosch and accommodation costs. It is unfortunately too expensive for us, no matter how desperate I am.
My GP then put me in touch with a Professor at the Pretoria academic hospital who works with Prof Pretorius in Cape Town and i have been placed on her clinical study. My blood has been flown to Cape Town to be tested by Prof Pretorius without costing me anything. Now I am waiting in anticipation to confirm whether I will qualify for the treatment. The symptoms have been dragging me down again for the past 2 months, i forgot how it feels to wake up in the morning and feel good with energy and ready for the day ahead. I am thankful for this blessing that came my way and praying that this process will help me to get healed.

Hi Marelie, I went down to Stellenbosch to see Dr Laubscher. He confirmed that I have microclots via Immuno Florescence Microscopy. That diagnosis gave some direction. I'm holding off on his Triple Therapy while I address an underlying issue and I was also worried about bleeding side effects regarding the treatment. But I have been taking 1 serving(3 tbps) of Natto every single day since April to breakdown the microclots and I'm significantly better! I also went hard core Plant Based Whole Foods Vegan to thin my blood and improve my vascular system and that has been massive. The science is excellent on these approaches. I also found that fermented foods like Kimchi, and increasing my Vitamin D3 to 3000IU helped a lot.
I found Dr Laubscher to be worthwhile; every other Doctor just cost me massive amounts of wasted money and wasted time.
I know this Long Covid is rough, but keep your spirits high and over time you'll pull through.

I am based in Cape Town. I started the same as you have mentioned above. Work started complaining. I had to make more notes not to forget. Then my children started to point out something is wrong. By September 2022 I could hardly remember my passwords and was admitted. I returned to work and in January I was admitted again. Since then I have been placed on temporary disability. Last month I was admitted for 2 weeks to hospital with swine flu. in the past months i have had so much blood tests and procedures. I have problems with my colon and was told I have food allergies. So no more Wheat, Soy or nuts. Eating is now more homework. I also have to catharize as I can not empty my bladder. I am in so much pain. I have had a block injection in my spine from L1 all the way down. The list is endless. Yesterday I saw a Long Covid Doctor!!!! Google him! Dr Uvistra Naidoo in Camps Bay. I have to see him again tomorrow and for the first time after so many doctors I finally found one to help. GOOD luck.
WE need to spread the news about long covid and make more people aware as in South Africa nothing is being done. We need to speak up!

My niece from Dallas Texas is being treated by Dr Laubscher in Stellenbosch. It’s a long process.
I’m from the Overberg (just had bad storms, bridges collapsed, no power, very infrequent cell reception, couldn’t get off the farm). I think I could have dealt with this calamity pre COVID. Now I’m a bag of spaghetti.
My appt for blood tests is in 11 days time (I booked a month ago). I hope I qualify.
I’m 68 and I’m gatvol.

EDIT: I was a month late for my blood test (correct day, wrong month). Finally had my blood tested and it's been confirmed that I have Long Covid. What a relief - I thought I was a hypochondriac. I was told by Dr Laubscher that it would take about 12 months for me to recover, and things will get worse before they get better. My first quarterly exam was better and worse. But I'm optimistic.
Problem: I'm being treated for the COVID, but not the symptoms. Any suggestions?