66.How Close Are We to an Approved Long COVID Treatment? | RECOVER-TLC Research Update
RECOVER-TLC released a public update on four major long COVID treatment trials. Many patients are asking the same question: how close are we to an approved treatment?In this episode, I break down how RECOVER-TLC chooses treatments to study, why the research process takes so long, and where each of the four current trials stands right now. I’ll also explain what this progress realistically means for people living with long COVID—without hype and without false hope.This is for people who want a clear, honest explanation of long COVID research and timelines, and who want to understand how close—or far—we really are from approved treatments.In this episode:-Why approved long COVID treatments take so long-How RECOVER-TLC selects and designs clinical trials-Updates on baricitinib, low-dose naltrexone, GLP-1 agonists, and stellate ganglion block-What this research means for patients right nowChapters:00:00 Understanding Long COVID and Research Delays01:43 The Process of Choosing Targets03:49 Designing Clinical Trials07:32 Join the Community08:25 Baricitinib09:54 Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)11:08 Semaglutide: Exploring GLP-1 Treatments14:08 Stellate Ganglion Block16:52 Key Takeaways and Future Outlook#longCOVID #COVID #fatigue #MECFS #POTS #medicine #science #RECOVERTLC #NIH #FDA #NIAIDSupport the showSubscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee
65. Why Has Your Recovery Stalled?
Many people with long COVID see early improvement—then hit a recovery plateau. In this episode, physician and long COVID patient Dr. Zeest Khan explains why long COVID recovery stalls and the three patterns she sees most often when progress gets stuck.Topics covered:Why long COVID recovery plateausThe push-crash cycle and energy envelopeMental health, grief, and decision-making in chronic illnessWhy trying treatments at random can backfireHow to think strategically instead of reactivelyEpisodes referenced:#43: Sensory Integration Therapy for Long COVIDSupport the showSubscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee
Christmas SOS
For immediate crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering free, confidential 24/7 help for mental health, substance use, or emotional distress via call, text, or chat.Support the showSubscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee
64. Treat Symptoms or The Root Cause?
Wondering whether to focus on treating Long COVID symptoms or finding the “root cause”? In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan explains why chasing a cure can lead to false promises and wasted time—and why treating your most pressing symptoms is the fastest, safest way to improve quality of life. Learn how building small wins creates positive momentum, reduces hypervigilance, and empowers you to collaborate effectively with your doctors.Join the Community at longcovidmd.comSupport the showSubscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee
63. Claim Your Long COVID Story. Here is Mine.
This week we're sharing an episode from the archive, Dr Khan's appearance on the medical podcast "Taking Healthcare By Storm." Dr Zeest Khan tells Dr Jean Storm about her long COVID journey and the lessons she’s learned as both a physician and a patient. They discuss peer support, medical uncertainty, and why claiming your own story can transform the way you navigate chronic illness. A candid, empowering conversation.Subscribe to the newsletter at LongCovidMD.comSupport the showSubscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee