As we begin to return to a form of normalcy, some still feel the effects of their bout with COVID-19. Many refer to these individuals as COVID “long-haulers” because they continue to deal with persistent health problems and lingering symptoms that often include brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and more. Thankfully, Parkview’s Post-COVID Clinic offers treatment options and support for those in need. For more on this new service, Cassie Rentschler, NP, PPG – Neurology, gives us an inside look at the process and what patients can expect at their first visit.
How long have you been working with post-COVID-19 patients?
I’ve been working with post-COVID or long-hauler patients since the Parkview Post-COVID Clinic opened on March 25, 2021. And, while we’ve seen patients experiencing various issues, the symptoms we see the most are fatigue and brain fog.
What can someone expect at their first visit?
We take a multidisciplinary approach to care, meaning before we meet a patient, we must decide, based on their referral and questionnaire answers, whether they need to meet with a provider in Neurology, Physiatry, Neuropsychology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and/or Pharmacy. From there, we get to know the patient by asking them questions about their symptoms and taking the time to understand their concerns.
For example, with a symptom like fatigue, we like to look at what else could be causing the condition first. To do that, we usually begin by asking the patient a few questions based on their situation, like:
- Are you sleeping at night?
- Do you practice good sleep hygiene?
- Do you feel well-rested upon waking up?
- Are you experiencing muscle fatigue?
We also try to help patients differentiate between being tired and true fatigue, which can overlap a bit, and, in some cases, people experience both.
Regarding brain fog, we want to know how it impacts their life. To assess that, we often ask questions similar to those we would ask a dementia patient, like:
- Do you have trouble concentrating?
- Is it interfering with your daily life or ability to take care of yourself?
- Do you have problems with driving?
- Do family members have any safety concerns?
By asking all these questions regarding a patient’s symptoms, we can effectively evaluate them and create an individualized treatment plan to help them manage their condition. This process also helps us identify any underlying factors or undiagnosed disorders, such as sleep apnea, that may be present, in addition to their post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Do you find the services that the clinic offers are affirming for patients?
Yes, it can be, but it varies from person to person. While many long-hauler symptoms aren’t visible to others, we try to reassure all patients that what they are experiencing is very real and that we are seeing a general trend of these symptoms improving over time. We offer a support group for patients in hopes of showing them they are not alone.
Do you have to address vaccine hesitancy with patients who come to the clinic?
Yes, there is some hesitancy. Patients who haven’t already received the vaccine ask if they should get it, even after their bout with COVID-19. We know people have a lot of questions about it: “Will it help me? Will I get COVID-19 again?” And while we don’t have definitive answers yet, we recommend everyone get a vaccine because it can offer further protection from the virus.
What’s the timeframe that people often utilize Parkview’s Post-COVID Clinic?
Everyone is different, but we often see patients who have a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and have lingering symptoms at least four weeks post-diagnosis. As far as how long they are with the clinic, that depends on their situation. But typically, we try to be more of a consult rather than follow a patient indefinitely. Our goal is to make sure they’re headed in the right direction, that their symptoms get addressed and that they continue to follow up with their primary care provider.
Does the clinic have a better grasp on COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic?
The pandemic is ever-changing, but we are constantly learning the effects of this virus, compiling information and identifying trends as new symptoms arise.
Final thoughts
The most important things we can offer patients who come to the clinic are listening to what they have to say, looking further into their symptoms and concerns while helping them manage their condition as they navigate the road to recovery.
For more information about the Parkview Post-COVID Clinic or to determine if you qualify for a referral, please contact your PPG primary care provider.
