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Caregiving can slowly reshape a relationship, often in ways people do not talk about.

In this episode, Dr. Zeest Khan speaks with Kim Moy about the emotional and practical realities of long-term caregiving.

YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why burnout creeps up slowly, and the early warning signs to watch for
• What "ambiguous loss" is and why naming it changes everything
• How to keep your relationship alive when illness takes over
• Practical tools: the task audit, the 5-minute morning ritual, and the "good jobs list"
• When and how to ask for help even when you have no budget

Kim has spent more than 30 years caring for her husband who lives with ME/CFS while raising two children and working full time. She shares the idea of “ambiguous loss,” the grief of losing the person someone once was while they are still physically present, and why acknowledging that grief can help caregivers reconnect with their loved ones.

Kim also shares practical tools she teaches caregivers. She explains how to spot early signs of burnout and how to keep illness from defining the entire relationship. She also shares simple daily practices that help caregivers restore their energy and recognize the invisible work they do.

Listen to the episode to hear Kim’s insights and practical guidance for navigating caregiving while protecting your health and your relationship.

Resources for chronic illness caregivers:

• Website & support resources: https://www.caregiverwisdom.net
• Weekly caregiver newsletter: https://newsletter.caregiverwisdom.net
• Caregiver burnout quiz: https://www.caregiverwisdom.net/burnoutquiz

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Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe

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Dr Anna Maria Bombardieri is a Stanford physician-scientist working with the NIH. She is helping design the RECOVER-TLC study on stellate ganglion block for long COVID.

In this mini-episode, she explains the process, who's involved in this developing study, and what the goals are.

Until March 3, 2026, the study design is available to review and open to public comments. Listen to Dr Bombardieri explain the study and watch/listen to our longer video explaining everything about stellate blocks. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CcGChFTZwvY

Then, be part of the science! Share your input with RECOVER-TLC: https://recovercovid.org/news/recover-tlc-seeks-input-planned-study-possible-long-covid-treatment


Join the LCMD community for support, science, and news. Sign up at http://LongCovidMD.com

#longCOVID #COVID #fatigue #MECFS #POTS #medicine #science

Support the show

Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe

Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee

👉 Free newsletter & resources: https://longcovidmd.com

Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CcGChFTZwvY

Can a stellate ganglion block (SGB) help long COVID?

In this episode, physician and long COVID patient Dr. Zeest Khan speaks with two experts to explain the science, patient experience, risks, and research behind this procedure now being studied in the NIH RECOVER program:

-Dr. Anna Maria Bombardieri, physician-scientist helping design the NIH RECOVER study on SGB https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/anna-maria-bombardieri

-Dr. Sara Herman, anesthesiologist performing stellate ganglion blocks in clinical practice. https://softrebootwellness.com/

YOU'LL LEARN:
• What the stellate ganglion is and why blocking it may help autonomic symptoms
• What the procedure feels like
• Which long COVID symptoms may improve (brain fog, POTS, fatigue, smell/taste changes)
• Side effects, variability, and realistic expectations
• How to vet a provider and stay safe

BE PART OF THE SCIENCE: The RECOVER-TLC study design is now open for public comment. Learn more at https://recovercovid.org/news/recover-tlc-seeks-input-planned-study-possible-long-covid-treatment

Join the LCMD community for support, science, and news. Sign up at http://LongCovidMD.com

#longCOVID #COVID #fatigue #MECFS #POTS #medicine #science

Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for Long COVID
01:36 Personal Insights and Professional Perspectives on SGB
02:36 Why SGB Got Attention
05:20 How SGB Is Currently Used
06:54 What's the Stellate Ganglion?
11:35 Side Effects
12:26 Anatomy Lesson You Need to Know
17:07 TL;DR: SGB anatomy
17:58 How SGB Can Reset the Nervous System
23:46 Is SGB Permanent?
25:58 What Does SGB Feel Like?
33:15 Possible Results
34:12 How to Find a Provider
38:43 Can SGB Cure Long COVID?
40:05 SGB Research
40:29 TL;DR Summary

Support the show

Subscribe for free written summaries of each episode, resources, and more. LongCovidMD.substack.com/subscribe

Support by donating at BuyMeACoffee