Many long Covid sufferers become disillusioned by the health care system after going to their doctor for help.
The purpose of the consultation with a primary care physician is not to diagnose and treat long Covid, but to exclude other well-known treatable diseases.
Let us use the example of dementia.
There is a standard protocol of blood tests and brain scans to exclude other treatable conditions that can present with similar symptoms as dementia. If nothing abnormal is found, the diagnosis of dementia can be presumed.
In the case of Long Covid, a standard set of blood tests will be done by the doctor looking for any clear abnormalities.
Extra tests may be done for other organ systems if relevant.
Neurological symptoms - important to get an MRI of the brain as well
Cardiac symptoms - Echocardiogram and 48-hour ECG tracing may be appropriate
Respiratory symptoms - Chest X-Ray is a reasonable start, and if very significant symptoms, it may be possible to get contrast CT of the chest.
If the issues are all related to long Covid, it is likely that these will all be normal.
At this point, referral to a specialist may be warranted by your doctor.
I would suggest focusing on your main symptom as multiple random problems will indicate that a specialist referral is not likely to be fruitful.
Most primary care doctors are not comfortable with managing long Covid and expecting them to do this at our current level of long Covid understanding is unreasonable.
Their job is to exclude major health problems and refer you on to appropriate specialists for further investigation.
Long Covid at present, is a diagnosis of exclusion. That means, it is only made when no other clear cause has been identified.
I just adore your ability to explain so that every person can grasp what you are saying . It is very special gift to all of us.
Thank you for this. I had just started to lose faith in my doctor, but I realize now he's done pretty much all he can do.
It's a huge relief and, as always, I greatly appreciate your work.