Dr. Al Danenberg ● Nutritional Periodontist
February 26, 2023
Life can turn on a dime.
Just a few weeks ago, I published my updated Blog about my cancer journey and Continuing to Thrive.
And I was thriving!
And I’m still thriving!
But there’s a “but” …
But now, I’m dealing with a new surprise – a surprise I was not expecting. I guess that’s why I call it a surprise.
My New Surprise
My new surprise is “Long COVID”.
According to the CDC, 1 in 5 Americans who had Covid are struggling with “Long Covid”. Unfortunately, I am one of those as are many of you. So, I’m doing what I do best: finding unconventional methods to regain the quality of my life.
Read on to learn how I worked with my doctors to understand my condition, create benchmarks of my current state, and devise a plan to get me back on track. There is so much that medical professionals still don’t know about long COVID. If you find yourself in a similar battle, I invite you to follow along. I’ll be sharing what I learn, what works, and providing guidance to help you get your health back.
But first, here is how Long COVID crept up on me.
It seems like the COVID episode I had the week of Christmas 2022 caused undiagnosed damage to my lungs and heart. I didn’t know then what I know now. Now, I’m manifesting symptoms. And I’m getting educated about Long COVID.
My early symptoms began around the time I published my Blog about thriving. It started with having excessive phlegm. Then it progressed to shortness of breath. I had trouble taking deep breaths and was easily fatigued. And these symptoms increased.
As I said, not much is understood about Long COVID. As a matter of fact, Long COVID was not believed to be a “real” condition by many conventional healthcare professionals until recently.
Fortunately, my doctors have come to believe it to be real. Coincidently, one of my docs has had Long COVID herself and is empathetic to what I am experiencing.
My medical team recommended several medical tests. These are not specific for the diagnosis of Long COVID but can indicate changes that are consistent with those who have Long COVID symptoms.
The following tests showed several disconcerting results …
- My BNP blood test result was elevated. BNP stands for Brain Natriuretic Peptide. BNP is a protein secreted by the ventricular musculature in the heart in response to volume or pressure overload. Since its discovery over 30 years ago, BNP has emerged as an important biomarker in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF).[1]
- My Chest CT Scan showed signs of some recent lung damage from possible infection. This may suggest the presence of Long COVID.
- Although I have a CBC (Complete Blood Count) blood test performed every 4 weeks, my current CBC showed a lower RBC (Red Blood Cell), Hemoglobin, and Platelet count than my usual results. Also, my NLR (Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio)[2] was significantly elevated, which is consistent with COVID.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, my cancer journey was centered around my efforts to improve my immune system to help heal my body as best as possible and as naturally as possible. My most recent battle with Long COVID symptoms has put another wrinkle into my equation. Although the equation has changed, I’m going to continue with my Unconventional Cancer Protocols to help my body heal.
Among other things, my Protocols provide all the bioavailable nutrients my body requires to function properly in their natural ratios and symbiotic relationships with other nutrients that are consistent with healthy metabolism.
In addition, I will repeat the BNP and CBC blood tests once a month and the Chest CT Scan in 3 months.
My original goal is still my current goal – to enjoy a quality of life as best as I can. Longevity is not my primary concern although that would be quite fine. (See, I still have a unique but morbid sense of humor.)
However, from everything I read, therapy for Long COVID should be approached gradually, and recovery could take a long time.
My Doctors’ Recommendations
It is my decision to continue with my Unconventional Cancer Protocols to support my immune system. Also, my doctors have recommended the following 2 practices to assist my body’s healing and repair …
- Breathing exercises with an Incentive Spirometer[3]
- Physical therapy to slowly regain muscle efficiency and assist with functional movement and improvement[4]
Facts about Long COVID[5],[6]
Long COVID has many names:
- COVID Long-Haul
- Chronic COVID-19
- Long-haul COVID
- Post-acute COVID-19
- Post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC)
- Long-term effects of COVIDTop of Form
As I mentioned earlier, the CDC has determined that 20% of those having COVID go on to develop Long COVID. To receive a diagnosis of Long COVID, a patient generally continues with symptoms for at least three or more months following the viral infection.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can wreak havoc on virtually every body system …
- Lungs
- Brain
- Heart
- Blood
- Kidneys
- Liver
Of course, not all people with Long COVID have the same symptoms. There are more than 200 reported symptoms associated with various individuals suffering from Long COVID. And these symptoms can linger, change, or reappear over time. Here are just a few of the organ symptoms affected and their manifestations …
Lung and Heart Symptoms
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Cough
- Heart palpitations
Neurological & Muscular Symptoms
- Brain fog and memory issues
- Dizziness when standing up
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pain
- Joint pain
- Sleep problems
- Feelings of “pins and needles”
- Loss of taste or smell
- Depression or anxiety
Digestive Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis
There is no test to specifically diagnose Long COVID, but some of the following medical tests may suggest changes that occur with those suffering from Long COVID.
- Brain Natriuretic Peptides: Elevations in the proteins measured in this test can indicate heart failure.
- Complete Blood Count: This can rule out anemia in a person who is short of breath and provide information about red and white blood cell counts. An elevated white blood cell count can signal an active infection. This test also can be used to uncover an elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)[7] , which is a feature of acute COVID.
- C-Reactive Protein: This test detects the liver’s response to inflammation in the body. This biomarker is usually elevated in people with COVID-19.
- Ferritin: This test also can be used to detect anemia or problems with red blood cells, as well as inflammation in the body.
- Complete Metabolic Panel: The CMP can be used to detect imbalances in minerals and electrolytes, as well as provide information on kidney and liver function.
- Troponin: Elevated troponin levels can indicate heart damage or even a heart attack.
- Electrocardiogram and a Chest CT Scan: These tests may help if there is concern about heart damage or lung damage.
Treatment
Current treatment for Long COVID appears to be “hit and miss” with little or no emphasis by the conventional medical community on healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes. In some cases, Long COVID damage may be permanent and may require ongoing care.
Here is further information about Long COVID and possible contributing factors.
My Personal Cancer & Long COVID
I’m travelling a path that is uncharted. Multiple Myeloma has no known cure in conventional oncology. And Long COVID is still being debated among the medical profession. However, recent studies have shown that patients with multiple myeloma have a higher mortality rate after they contracted COVID[8].
These uncharted health concerns are motivating me to be even more courageous and unconventional. I’m a fighter. I will fight the fight in my own way with the integrated assistance of my medical team.
If you suffer from Long COVID, I know what you are going through. Although we may have different symptoms, recovery must be thought out and approached gently. Various medical disciplines might need to be consulted. I’ll share everything I learn from reading and from my approach to my personal treatment.
By the way, do you know that I proclaim myself to be a Survivor and not a Victim? Let me help you if you have questions about your coping skills and anything else relating to your nutrition and wellness. I offer a free 30-Minute Consult with me to discuss your concerns.
[1] https://www.medicinenet.com/bnp_test/article.htm
[2] https://drdanenberg.com/powerful-inflammation-marker-using-routine-cbc/
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/incentive-spirometer
[4] https://www.therapeuticassociates.com/supporting-covid-long-haulers-through-physical-therapy/
[5] https://www.verywellhealth.com/covid-long-haulers-5101640
[6] https://health.usnews.com/conditions/coronavirus-and-your-health/articles/long-covid-treatments
[7] https://drdanenberg.com/powerful-inflammation-marker-using-routine-cbc/
[8] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41408-021-00588-z
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14 Comments
I highly recommend those people with long covid check out the Front Line Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance. There is a section called I -RECOVER that has management protocols for Long Haul Covid Syndrome.
There are also doctors who specialize in helping people with long haul covid, which is helpful too.
I am sorry to hear about this new challenge, Dr. Danenberg. Coincidentally, Dr. Mercola’s headline article today is entitled “Strategies to Optimize Mitochondrial Health in Long COVID.” You have to sign in to read the article.
http://www.mercola.com
Mary Ruddick nutritionist and GAPS practitioner specialises in healing long covid. She herself had disautonomia for 13 years fully bedridden for 4 years. After trying 17 different diets she discovered the GAPS diet. At the time she was being checked monthly at the Mayo clinic and it was this diet that moved the needle and eventually put her in full remission.
I love your blogs and admire how you have helped yourself outside of conventional medicine. You omitted another term for Long COVID, called vaccine injury. It would be interesting to know whether you took any of these Covid vaccines/boosters
I have not taken the COVID vaccine or boosters.
It could also be from shedding from the jab’d or even ‘tested’ (no actual sars-cov-2 virus isolation can be shown in any country).
Consider Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome – CIRS. It might not be the cause, but it might be a good idea to rule it out. Andrew Heyman MD has some great videos about what it is, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. There is a big suspicion that people with this are more likely to get long covid. I know someone who found out he had it from mold exposure (the innate and adaptive immune system don’t communicate well because of variations on the HLA gene) and was sick for over thirty years, had the CIRS testing and went through the treatment; now he has his life back.
I am sorry to hear you are challenged with additional health issues. I have two questions: You did not mention if you took the Covid vaccine. I often wonder if long haul isn’t related to vaccine adverse effects. The second is high dose C. I have been carnivore for over a year and I just started reading about the miracles of high dose vit C. I added this to my health routine and I have had great results with resisting colds and clearing up heart issues.
I have not taken the COVID vaccine.
I’m so proud of you the way you handle things with discipline, determination and hope while enduring circumstances and situations that would’ve caused others to lose all hope. You are a true role model for so many others as well, who are also fighting the unfair battles life throws at them. Your perseverance is amazing! You will not quit! Both you and your wife are in my prayers because I believe in the One who hears prayers and is well able to do even more then we can imagine or think. Thank you for being you and sharing your journey with us and I know there will be a happy ending for both you and your wife. Keep smiling and God bless!
Dr. Al:
I am so sorry to read this latest challenge. Have you considered taking ivermectin to push covid out of your system for good? I had regular covid in September, took ivermectin and was well within a few hours.
I love to read your encouraging words each week and continue to wish you the very best.
Lookup Dr Bryan Ardis. Talks about what long Covid and has a regime for it. I had long Covid and used his recommendation. Gone prayers for your healing journey.
Hi Doctor,
I recovered covid using the FLCCC PROTOCOL. As a preventative I use XCLEAR nasal spray or betadine nasal spray, betadine mouth gargle, high dose vit d3, vit k2 mk7, vit c, zinc, and Nattokinase daily. My 10 yr old son is also using the same preventative measures and rarely gets sick and when he does he recovers in a day or two. We chose not to vaccinate my son because my husband suffered severe injuries after the Pfizer second dose. It is interesting to see that all my son’s vaccinated friends get sick often and few of them developed allergies and a couple asthma.
I have shared your information with some friends who are struggling with cancer.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey.🙏❤️
I have listened to Dr. Danenberg’s podcast with Ari Whitten, what a wonderful show. With your mercury exposure have you tried any detox, even with just modified citrus pectin?