Hi, I feel kind of embarrassed, not a really social person, etc.
I've had a chronic cough since early January 2023, which was pretty much the only symptom I had when I tested positive for Covid then. I've been to multiple doctors and specialists, tried multiple remedies, nothing has worked at all. Until I got a superior laryngeal nerve block injection in October. That worked great for about 10 days, then the cough ramped right back up to where it had been.
Lost my job because of missed work due to the cough, even after an FMLA leave, I just missed too much work, I just could not make it in to work. I really have a hard time believing anyone would hire someone who literally coughs throughout an entire job interview.
This past Thursday I received a second injection, this one on the right side of my neck. It was slightly effective while I was still at the doctor's. By the time I got home, it was back to full blown.
So that hasn't helped my severe depression at all.
I'm going through the disability claim application thing, but don't have high hopes.
It sounds a bit silly, saying I have a chronic cough. Like, no big deal. But no one really understands just how severely debilitating it is. Day and night, waking me up too. I can't go out to eat, I can't go to movies, I can't go to church, I can't go to weekly trivia, it's impossible to play trumpet, I can't go shopping in person. The ENT specialist I'm seeing says mine is the worst case he's seen, by far. It really is way more than "just a cough".
I'm really, really struggling here. My hopes for the future are just about zero. Thankfully I have family that can keep me financially afloat, but I'm feeling very overwhelmed and defeated.
Ok, I got this far and I'm not really sure why I'm posting. I guess, just looking for anyone who's had a similar experience, how they coped, what worked for them, if anything.
Anyone in a similar situation? Any advice or help would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you! 🙂
Do you also struggle with breathing?