Miller just posted to her instagram this evening saying:
>I’ve been living with Long Covid now for over two and a half years. My symptoms include trouble breathing, tachycardia, ennervation, tinnitus, and trouble focusing. When I wake up, I don't feel rested. My body feels poisoned--drugged and leaden. My brain feels like it's on fire and not in the good way. My energy is like a small glass of water that I have to make last all day, shepherding my sips. This has impacted my ability to work and think and live and be. And in the world of Long Covid, I'm on the milder side. I'm grateful I can still write on good days.
>I'm a researcher at heart so for two years I've read about Covid and post-viral syndromes. A few things are clear: the initial Covid infection may be "mild," but the longterm effects can be anything but. Cardiac issues, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s... the list of ways that Covid can manifest is scary and long and still unfolding. But there is hope: masking works. Ventilation and testing work. Vaccines reduce the severity of the initial illness and slightly reduce the risk of Long Covid. We need public health leadership that embraces all of these.
>To those struggling with Long Covid and other chronic conditions: I am sending you strength. I have family with chronic illness, so I was aware of the gaslighting and alienation that all too often come with that, but experiencing it firsthand has been eye-opening. I want to thank all the health care workers and researchers who are listening, and working diligently to make things better. And thanks also to those who still take precautions indoors, and make it safer for those of us who are more vulnerable to be there.
>This time is so hard for everyone. I see how tired and stressed people feel. Talking about chronic illness is upsetting, so thank you for listening. I’m sharing this because I don’t want anyone to feel the way I've felt, not for a single day, let alone years. The risk for Long Covid is around 10 to 15 percent of cases, and seems to go up the more times you get it. Please take care of each other.
>Much love to you all, and thank you again for your kindness and support. Sif says hi, and that her winter ruff is coming in magnificently. (2nd pic)
No doubt this has caused all sorts of disruption to her work as a teacher & for writing her third, upcoming novel Persephone.
Covid has already caused immense disruption to publishing and the literary world, and with Long Covid & continued new variants, it's still to be seen what the long term affects are going to be..