[story] I’ve had long covid for over five years and made an EP about it taking over my life

Five years ago, I got Covid in the first wave (May 2020). I thought I’d bounce back quickly – I was 27 and the healthiest and most active I'd ever been in my life. Instead, I developed ME/CFS, a chronic illness that completely derailed my life.

It took me almost a year to understand what was happening to me. I kept pushing through the exhaustion like any “normal recovery,” but with ME, that actually makes you worse. Before long I wasn’t able to work anymore.

My wife has been a lifesaver. She stepped up in every way. I owe my life to her love and support.

I tried everything – medical procedures, supplements, diet changes, anything that seemed like it could help. The only thing that's made a difference is pacing, which has slowed down the rate at which I'm getting worse.

On my better days, I’d pick up my guitar and play some music for fun. It wasn’t much, but it made the day feel less empty and gave me a tiny sense of purpose.

Eventually I decided: if this is what I can still do, I should lean into it.

So I started a rock band with two really talented musicians I found online. I took singing lessons (carefully, to avoid crashes). I worked slowly and methodically, and two years later we've ended up with some music that I'm really proud of.

We released an EP last month and even played a gig. It might sound like a small thing, but to me it’s huge a big win against an illness that takes everything.

If you like rock music (Nirvana/Weezer/RHCP) then you might like the music. All the songs are pretty personal, so if it sounds like your kind of thing it would mean a lot if you checked it out.

Hopefully we should be able to release a few more songs in the coming months, and since I can’t get out into the world to promote this like I would if I was healthy, every like/share/follow would really mean the world to me

We’re called The DayDreams and our EP is Dopamine Dreams. It’s available everywhere but here’s the youtube music and spotify links. We're also on instagram if you want to follow us.

This disease is cruel. I have no idea how long I’ll be able to keep this up, but if things get worse for me then I’m proud I’ve been able to create at least this.

Sending love to everyone here – life can fucking suck, so I’m trying to find joy and inspiration to keep on going wherever I can. Good luck to you guys too!

Thanks for reading!