Long COVID Real Talk Podcast: Summer Update, Parenting, and Adapting to New Routines

Katherine Marie returns with a personal update on life with long COVID, including her daughter’s difficult summer, the challenges of parenting while managing illness, and a few small wins that have made daily life easier. She also shares practical updates on using her travel scoot, working with a patient advocate, and shifting toward shorter Facebook reels to make content creation more manageable.

In this episode:

• Katherine Marie opens with a life update after a long summer and explains how long COVID affected her ability to parent through her daughter’s camp situation and recent illness.
• She shares that her daughter is back at school and recovering after a febrile illness and several weeks of fatigue.
• The conversation turns to her daughter’s wish for a kitten and how that has become a teaching moment around responsibility, independence, and pet care.
• Katherine Marie describes how her daughter has been practicing by doing chores like cleaning the litter box, refilling food and water, and helping around the house.
• She explains that a future kitten may come through her sister’s fostering plans, which could give her daughter a chance to bond with a cat that fits her personality.
• She gives a practical update on her travel scoot, saying it has been useful at the zoo, at school, and around the neighborhood, and she is looking forward to using it at the airport.
• Katherine Marie thanks her patient advocate for helping organize reimbursement paperwork for the travel scoot.
• She talks about moving from full podcast episodes to Facebook reels because reels are easier to produce with limited energy and less editing burden.
• She shares frustration with how long COVID groups often classify her posts as self-promotion, even when she is not selling anything or asking for money.
• She asks listeners to like, subscribe, and share her content so it can reach more people living with long COVID.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E8 Summer Stresses

Summary: Katherine Marie shares her personal experiences managing long COVID, ME/CFS, and the challenges of balancing health, family, and her podcasting efforts. She discusses medication adjustments, her plans for summer, and her ongoing health journey.

Keywords: Long COVID, ME/CFS, health management, medication, podcasting, summer plans, health challenges

Takeaways:

• Medication adjustments can significantly impact energy and brain fog.
• Planning for health and family needs is crucial during uncertain times.
• Managing sleep and energy levels is vital for chronic illness management.
• Creative outlets like podcasting can be maintained with proper planning.
• Open communication about health challenges helps in managing expectations.

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  Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

  https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

  If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

  Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

  Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

  YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

  Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

  Threads: longcovid.realtalk

  Twitter: @LCRealTalk

  Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

  Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

  Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

  Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

  Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

  Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

  
  

  DISCLAIMER:

  The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E7: TravelScoot & Solace Health

Summary: Katherine Marie shares her insights on health tech and mobility solutions, including Solace Health services and the Travel Scoot electric scooter, highlighting how these innovations can improve quality of life for those with mobility challenges.

Keywords: health tech, mobility aids, electric scooter, Solace Health, travel solutions, disability, healthcare innovation

Takeaways:

• Solace Health connects patients with physicians via 20-minute phone or video appointments.
• Travel Scoot is a lightweight, foldable electric scooter suitable for airports and outdoor terrain.
• Patient advocates can help navigate insurance and access mobility aids.
• Electric scooters can significantly reduce energy expenditure during travel.
• Innovations in health tech can improve independence and quality of life for people with mobility challenges.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E6: How It Went - My FIL’s Visit

Summary: Katherine Marie shares her personal experience with long COVID, focusing on her health challenges, interactions with healthcare providers, and managing family expectations during her recovery.

Keywords: Long COVID, health journey, ear fluid, urgent care, family expectations, recovery strategies

Takeaways:

• ​Listening to your body is crucial in managing long COVID.
• ​Healthcare experiences can vary greatly and impact recovery.
• ​Setting boundaries with family visits helps manage symptoms.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E5: In-Laws or Outlaws? Why I'm Nervous About My Father-in-Law's Visit

Summary: Katherine Marie shares her personal experience with long COVID, family dynamics, and the emotional challenges of hosting her father-in-law while managing her health. This episode offers honest insights into balancing family expectations and self-care.

Keywords: long COVID, family dynamics, caregiving, emotional health, personal story

Key Topics:

• Long COVID and daily energy management
• Cultural differences in family living arrangements
• Emotional challenges of caregiving and hosting

Takeaways:

• Long COVID significantly impacts daily functioning and energy levels.
• Cultural norms around family visits can create misunderstandings.
• Open communication about limitations is crucial for healthy relationships.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E4: Big Changes in Child Care + Lunar New Year Parade

Keywords: Long COVID, parenting, disability, health struggles, personal experience, social security, mental health, daily challenges, support systems, resilience

Summary:In this episode of Long COVID Real Talk, Katherine Marie shares her personal experiences and struggles with long COVID, particularly focusing on the challenges of parenting, daily activities, and navigating the complexities of social security disability. She reflects on her feelings of being a burden and the emotional toll of her health condition, while also expressing hope for recovery and the importance of support systems.

Takeaways:

• Katherine shares her experience of feeling like a burden to her family.
• She discusses the challenges of parenting while dealing with long COVID symptoms.
• The emotional impact of long COVID on her self-esteem is significant.
• Navigating social security disability is a complex and stressful process.
• Katherine reflects on the importance of support from friends and family.
• She expresses frustration with her fluctuating health and its impact on her daily life.
• The episode highlights the difficulty of managing responsibilities while unwell.
• Katherine's experience at her daughter's school illustrates the physical limitations she faces.
• She emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion from others.
• Despite her struggles, Katherine maintains hope for improvement in her health.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E3: "I Just Want To Move On With My Life"

Keywords: Long COVID, health challenges, family updates, financial struggles, parenting, workforce re-entry, health management, weight loss, community support, podcast growth

Summary: In this episode of Long COVID Real Talk, Katherine Marie shares personal updates about her family's health challenges, including her mother's recent cancer diagnosis and the impact of loss within her family. She discusses the financial struggles that accompany her long COVID journey, including dealing with debt and navigating disability benefits. Katherine reflects on the challenges of parenting while managing her health, her attempts to re-enter the workforce, and her weight loss journey with the help of medication. The episode concludes with her thoughts on community support and the growth of her podcast, highlighting the universal struggles faced by many.

Takeaways:

• Katherine shares her mother's stage two lung cancer diagnosis.
• The emotional toll of family health issues is significant.
• Financial struggles are common for those with long COVID.
• Navigating debt and disability benefits can be overwhelming.
• Parenting while managing long COVID presents unique challenges.
• Katherine's attempts to return to work have been difficult.
• Weight loss has been a positive outcome of her health journey.
• Community support is vital for those facing health challenges.
• The podcast has reached listeners from various countries.
• Katherine emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences to help others.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

S6E2: Mom Update + You're Not Alone If You Feel Like Crap Right Now

ALSO:

*****Listen to Katherine Marie and Dr. Zeest Khan discuss how to get through the holidays on Long COVID, MD podcast! *****

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CUoMPRTfIWOHarxL4qj2T?si=nDX0XX_aS4qMDCAQ7re0BQ

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: ⁠988⁠
• Emergency number: ⁠911⁠

Keywords: Long COVID, grief, health struggles, family dynamics, holiday challenges

Summary: In this episode of Long COVID Real Talk, Katherine Marie shares her personal experiences with grief following the loss of her mother-in-law, her ongoing health struggles with long COVID, and the challenges of navigating family dynamics during the holiday season. She reflects on the emotional toll of loss, the support received from hospice care, and the impact of her health on daily life and family celebrations.

Takeaways:

• Katherine reflects on the emotional impact of her mother-in-law's passing.
• The hospice care provided significant support during a difficult time.
• Returning from Ohio, Katherine experienced extreme fatigue and health fluctuations.
• Daily tasks can feel overwhelming due to long COVID symptoms.
• Katherine's family is adjusting holiday plans due to her husband's work schedule.
• She expresses the importance of celebrating Christmas early this year.
• Katherine shares the struggle of maintaining focus and energy for activities.
• The episode highlights the shared experience of feeling unwell during the holidays.
• Katherine emphasizes the need for self-care and understanding during tough times.
• She reassures listeners that they are not alone in their struggles.

Please subscribe, share, and leave a 5 star review if you liked today’s episode! Thanks for listening! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Listen to our podcast here: www.longcovidrealtalk.com

https://open.spotify.com/show/5GXxBfoO9JImpjYKegNfdS

If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or have any questions or comments — or just want to say hey! I LOVE hearing from you! :)

Email: longcovidrealtalk@gmail.com

Google Voice/Text: 1-650-382-2217

YouTube: @LongCovidRealTalkPodcast

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350

Instagram: longcovid.realtalk

Threads: longcovid.realtalk

Twitter: @LCRealTalk

Tik Tok: @katherinemarie974

Pinterest: @longcovidrealtalk

Bluesky: @longcovidrealtalk.bsky.social

Snapchat: @lcrealtalk

Discord: katherinemarielongcovidrealtalk

Discord group: https://discord.gg/aNbKfPHf

DISCLAIMER:

The medical/health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From a listener, Gerben, from the Netherlands!

Song for long covid patients:⁠https://youtu.be/Q269DaVpgEA⁠More:

"In 2024 I made my video documentary about (having) #longcovid and loss.

I am Gerben from the Netherlands, male, 53 years old. Got long-COVID in 2021 and not working. 3 kids.

Loss of health, loss of work, loss of self-concept, loss of sharpness and confidence.

All those things that people around a Post-COVID patient on first glance do not realise.

I subtitled my personal video in 50 languages what will give patients, familly and doctors some "glasses" to look through.

To understand it better.

53 minutes, and several songs in between as pauses. Five parts, different losses."

YouTube:

⁠https://youtu.be/W_OxdC0t0Pk8⁠