3 Years
I had years of experiencing all of my symptoms, and possibly had PEM for years as a child (under 10 years old) but was able to proceed school normally and do sports. But often had headaches, fatigue, the flu like muscle pain, stomach aches etc (said to be psychosomatic). Also had shingles several times during this period. The years right before getting covid I was the most physically healthy ever since I had started going to school.
2022, covid. Went back to school quickly, but had to go home early at least once a week. Mild function wise, but symptoms were much worse during this period. I drowned myself in gaming as much as i physically could to distract untill I just couldn't anymore. Mild/Moderate, worsening function
2023, several tries of GET and CBT. Basically paused school, so the seeming improvements were walking for 10 minutes in the evening instead of walking 10 minutes around at school. Didn't consider myself ill at the moment, as "believing to be ill, is causing you to be ill". No idea how severe I was, I dont remember this period but I know I pushed myself to get to the hospital on my e bike several times a week. Mild/moderate? Worsening, I think.
2024, mild/moderate untill the summer where I got repeated bad PEM for several weeks with little recovery time. Started realizing I was ill again, and properly learned about PEM. At the end of 2024 I stopped going outside, fully housebound. Covid reinfection in December. Developed new symptoms (all muscular) Moderate/severe, worsening.
2025, mostly housebound, but able to go outside with a wheelchair several times a week. Moderate, mostly stable.
Its hard to put severties for years where I didn't even "know" I had PEM.
I knew I had long covid, and i knew about PEM but didn't accept it.
Its unclear to me if my treshold for PEM actually changed, or if I'm allowing myself to not be in excruciating pain and fatigue all day. Being forced to go to treatment and school was torture to me.
I also seem to have a 3 month pattern, I will attach a screenshot of my step count.
It could just be random, but it seems so perfect.