So many people caught COVID months ago but still don't feel right. Brain fog, exhaustion that won't quit, sleep problems - sound familiar?
If you're dealing with lingering symptoms and wondering what your options are, you're definitely not alone. Lots of Auckland folks are trying different approaches, from working with their GP to exploring things like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
We'll talk about what we've seen work for some patients (including one woman whose story will blow you away) and help you figure out what might be worth trying for your situation.
We keep getting calls from people who just aren't bouncing back after COVID. Their initial infection might've been mild, maybe just a few days of feeling rough. But months later, they're still struggling.
The symptoms we hear about most often? Brain fog tops the list. People describe it like trying to think through thick cotton. They'll walk into a room and forget why they came in. Reading becomes exhausting. Work meetings feel impossible to follow.
Fatigue is another big one, but it's different from normal tiredness. Rest doesn't fix it. Some folks tell us they feel wiped out after simple things like showering or making breakfast. Others crash hard after what used to be easy activities.
Sleep problems come up a lot too. Either you can't fall asleep, or you wake up constantly, or you sleep ten hours and still feel exhausted. Your body's just not recovering properly during the night.
Then there's the breathing issues, heart palpitations, headaches that won't quit. Some people develop new food intolerances or find their sense of smell is still messed up.
What makes this so frustrating is how unpredictable it all is. Good days and bad days seem random. You might feel almost normal for a week, then crash for no apparent reason.
Most people start with their GP, which makes total sense. That's usually where we suggest starting too.
Your family doctor can rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms. They'll often recommend rest first, maybe some basic blood tests to check for deficiencies or other issues.
For specific symptoms, GPs might prescribe medications. Sleep aids if you're not sleeping. Pain relief for persistent headaches. Sometimes antidepressants, not necessarily because you're depressed, but because they can help with pain and sleep issues.
This is definitely one we know well. You breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The theory is that enhanced oxygen delivery helps tissues heal and reduces inflammation. Research suggests hyperbaric oxygen is a new long covid treatment option that may support the body's natural recovery processes.
People often ask us how many HBOT sessions for long covid they might need. Honestly, it varies by person. Some folks notice changes after a few sessions, others need more time. How effective is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long covid? That depends on your specific symptoms and overall health picture.
HBOT and long covid research is still developing, but we're seeing interesting results. The hyperbaric chamber for long covid works by delivering concentrated oxygen to tissues that might not be getting enough circulation.
Steph's journey really shows what's possible when you find the right approach for your situation.
She'd been dealing with chronic eczema and severe allergies since childhood. By her twenties and thirties, she'd become highly sensitive to wool, animals, dust, feathers, trees - pretty much everything environmental triggered reactions.
Her world had gotten really small. She couldn't wear certain clothes, couldn't visit friends with pets, had to avoid so many places and activities. She'd tried everything over the years - dietary restrictions, immunotherapy where she injected herself with allergens, elimination diets, you name it.
Then she discovered hyperbaric chamber therapy combined with red light therapy. The change was remarkable. She's been completely medication-free since June 2023. No steroid creams, no antihistamines, nothing.
This past summer, she started gardening again for the first time in decades. She can wear wool now, wear jewelry, pet cats, visit anyone's house without worrying about allergens triggering her eczema or breathing problems.
"Of all the therapies I've done to try and manage my chronic condition, this is the easiest ones I have ever found," she told us. "The red light therapy is like going on a tropical island holiday - it's super warm and relaxing. Then I follow that through with sitting in the hyperbaric chamber, which is again really comfortable. I'm able to work or listen to a meditation while I'm doing my beautiful deep breathing of this pure oxygen."
She comes out feeling amazing every time. "I could not be more grateful," she says.
Now, Steph wasn't dealing with long COVID specifically. But her experience shows what can happen when you find an approach that truly supports your body's healing processes.
If you're in Auckland and looking for long covid treatment options, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to figure out where to start.
At Auckland Hyperbarics, we work with people dealing with long COVID symptoms every day. We're not saying we're the answer for everyone, but we've seen some remarkable improvements in patients who've tried hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of their recovery approach.
At our clinic, we've noticed that long COVID patients often need a different approach than our typical sports injury or wound healing patients. The symptoms are more complex, recovery timelines vary wildly, and people need more support understanding what to expect.
We're always honest about what hyperbaric oxygen therapy long covid treatment can and can't do. Some people notice improvements in energy levels or sleep quality after several sessions. Others find it helps with brain fog or that general feeling of not being quite right. But everyone's different.
If you decide to explore HBOT and long covid treatment with us, we start with a proper consultation. We want to understand your specific symptoms, what you've already tried, and what your realistic goals are.
People often ask us how many HBOT sessions for long covid they might need. Honestly, we don't have a one-size-fits-all answer. Some folks start feeling better after 10-15 sessions, others need more time. We monitor how you're responding and adjust accordingly.
Ready to explore your options? Everyone's long COVID experience is different, and finding the right support can make all the difference. Whether you're just starting to look for answers or you want to add something to what you're already doing, we're here to help you understand how different approaches might fit your particular situation.
Learn More about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy could support your recovery journey.