RikkaPik
@rikkapik.bsky.social
Suffering from ME/CFS, turning to art to keep (almost) sane. PTSD survior, broken brain lefty and demiace Gen X.
Some stuff:https://www.deviantart.com/rikkapik
Some stuff:https://www.deviantart.com/rikkapik
Reposted by RikkaPik
July 2020, Cleveland: 'A mild case of COVID-19 is not a mild case of the flu: Long-haulers’ symptoms linger for months, and lasting effects are still a mystery'
“Anyone can be a long hauler...we don’t know why this is happening.” - Dr. Christopher Babiuch
www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/...
“Anyone can be a long hauler...we don’t know why this is happening.” - Dr. Christopher Babiuch
www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/...
A mild case of COVID-19 is not a mild case of the flu: Long-haulers’ symptoms linger for months, and lasting effects are still a mystery
COVID-19 patients who call themselves “long haulers" are defined as patients with persistent symptoms that last more than two weeks.Symptoms include extreme fatigues, shortness of breath and brain fog...
www.cleveland.com
October 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM
July 2020, Cleveland: 'A mild case of COVID-19 is not a mild case of the flu: Long-haulers’ symptoms linger for months, and lasting effects are still a mystery'
“Anyone can be a long hauler...we don’t know why this is happening.” - Dr. Christopher Babiuch
www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/...
“Anyone can be a long hauler...we don’t know why this is happening.” - Dr. Christopher Babiuch
www.cleveland.com/coronavirus/...
Reposted by RikkaPik
Science Alert: 'Brain Scans of 24 People With Long COVID Reveal Signs of Injury to Dopamine Neurons'
"Our findings provide compelling evidence that long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons"
www.sciencealert.com/brain-scans-...
"Our findings provide compelling evidence that long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons"
www.sciencealert.com/brain-scans-...
Brain Scans of 24 People With Long COVID Reveal Signs of Injury to Dopamine Neurons
Scientists have discovered a distinct change in the brains of people with long COVID that might explain some of the illness's most debilitating symptoms.
www.sciencealert.com
October 4, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Science Alert: 'Brain Scans of 24 People With Long COVID Reveal Signs of Injury to Dopamine Neurons'
"Our findings provide compelling evidence that long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons"
www.sciencealert.com/brain-scans-...
"Our findings provide compelling evidence that long COVID involves the loss of dopamine-releasing neurons"
www.sciencealert.com/brain-scans-...
Reposted by RikkaPik
Radiology Business: 'MRI links long COVID fatigue to reduced cerebral blood flow'
radiologybusiness.com/topics/medic...
radiologybusiness.com/topics/medic...
MRI links long COVID fatigue to reduced cerebral blood flow
The study also distinguishes between feeling fatigued and becoming progressively less able to maintain performance post-COVID.
radiologybusiness.com
October 3, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Radiology Business: 'MRI links long COVID fatigue to reduced cerebral blood flow'
radiologybusiness.com/topics/medic...
radiologybusiness.com/topics/medic...
Reposted by RikkaPik
The Star (WA): 'Nurse now homebound from Long COVID: Only Congress can change what happens next'
'Long COVID is real. ME/CFS is real. It came for me, and it can come for anyone. What’s left is a single line in a spending bill and lawmakers willing to write it.'
www.grandcoulee.com/story/2026/0...
'Long COVID is real. ME/CFS is real. It came for me, and it can come for anyone. What’s left is a single line in a spending bill and lawmakers willing to write it.'
www.grandcoulee.com/story/2026/0...
Nurse now homebound from Long COVID: Only Congress can change what happens next
I spent nearly 30 years as a nurse, including in an infectious disease clinic, before I stepped away, worn down by the relentless work. But when COVID swept the nation, I came back to help my fellow S...
www.grandcoulee.com
October 2, 2026 at 8:31 PM
The Star (WA): 'Nurse now homebound from Long COVID: Only Congress can change what happens next'
'Long COVID is real. ME/CFS is real. It came for me, and it can come for anyone. What’s left is a single line in a spending bill and lawmakers willing to write it.'
www.grandcoulee.com/story/2026/0...
'Long COVID is real. ME/CFS is real. It came for me, and it can come for anyone. What’s left is a single line in a spending bill and lawmakers willing to write it.'
www.grandcoulee.com/story/2026/0...
Reposted by RikkaPik
Nov. 2021, Washington Post: 'Could long covid unlock clues to chronic fatigue and other poorly understood conditions?'
“This is our best chance to figure out ME/CFS,” Koroshetz said, “with the resources and an army of people.”
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/...
“This is our best chance to figure out ME/CFS,” Koroshetz said, “with the resources and an army of people.”
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/...
Could long covid unlock clues to chronic fatigue and other poorly understood conditions?
As millions of people nationwide suffer from long-haul covid, patient advocates are cautiously hopeful that new research may unlock clues to other conditions that appear to crop up after infections, i...
www.washingtonpost.com
October 3, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Nov. 2021, Washington Post: 'Could long covid unlock clues to chronic fatigue and other poorly understood conditions?'
“This is our best chance to figure out ME/CFS,” Koroshetz said, “with the resources and an army of people.”
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/...
“This is our best chance to figure out ME/CFS,” Koroshetz said, “with the resources and an army of people.”
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/...
I just saw a reaction to the #deadinternettheory So... Ölaf is a gremlin, troll, and a real goblin. 🍍🍍🍍🍍
Just bring back the goblins, as the web is my social lifeline now.
Just bring back the goblins, as the web is my social lifeline now.
October 1, 2026 at 6:16 PM
I just saw a reaction to the #deadinternettheory So... Ölaf is a gremlin, troll, and a real goblin. 🍍🍍🍍🍍
Just bring back the goblins, as the web is my social lifeline now.
Just bring back the goblins, as the web is my social lifeline now.
Reposted by RikkaPik
DNA methylation: unifying framework for complex chronic conditions
www.cell.com/trends/genet...
Screenshot from latest Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #LongCovid #PwME #CFS #Fibromyalgia
www.cell.com/trends/genet...
Screenshot from latest Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #LongCovid #PwME #CFS #Fibromyalgia
October 1, 2026 at 12:28 AM
DNA methylation: unifying framework for complex chronic conditions
www.cell.com/trends/genet...
Screenshot from latest Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #LongCovid #PwME #CFS #Fibromyalgia
www.cell.com/trends/genet...
Screenshot from latest Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #LongCovid #PwME #CFS #Fibromyalgia
Reposted by RikkaPik
The Conversation: 'Covid fatigue linked to reduced brain blood flow'
'For many people living with long COVID, things are different. Reading, working at a computer or concentrating on a conversation can require far more effort than it once did...'
theconversation.com/covid-fatigu...
'For many people living with long COVID, things are different. Reading, working at a computer or concentrating on a conversation can require far more effort than it once did...'
theconversation.com/covid-fatigu...
Covid fatigue linked to reduced brain blood flow
Everyday activities can require enormous effort for people living with post-COVID fatigue. This study examines the brain mechanisms that may contribute to fatigue.
theconversation.com
October 1, 2026 at 1:50 PM
The Conversation: 'Covid fatigue linked to reduced brain blood flow'
'For many people living with long COVID, things are different. Reading, working at a computer or concentrating on a conversation can require far more effort than it once did...'
theconversation.com/covid-fatigu...
'For many people living with long COVID, things are different. Reading, working at a computer or concentrating on a conversation can require far more effort than it once did...'
theconversation.com/covid-fatigu...
Reposted by RikkaPik
Many thanks to @angeladavismpr.bsky.social for covering this important topic today with @mprnews.org
Did you know that for some people the symptoms of COVID-19 never went away? Years later many folks are still dealing with severe fatigue, brain fog, joint pain & loss of taste or smell. On MPR News I talked with a doctor & a public health leader about Long COVID. . www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...
Long COVID affects many Minnesotans years after the pandemic
It’s been six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many Minnesotans are still suffering its aftermath. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the extreme fatigue, brain fog and other sy...
www.mprnews.org
September 30, 2026 at 11:50 PM
Many thanks to @angeladavismpr.bsky.social for covering this important topic today with @mprnews.org
Reposted by RikkaPik
NIH: 'Antiviral drug did not improve Long COVID symptoms'
'The findings suggest that other approaches to manage symptoms and treat Long COVID are needed.'
'This study is part of a large NIH initiative called Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER).'
www.nih.gov/news-events/...
'The findings suggest that other approaches to manage symptoms and treat Long COVID are needed.'
'This study is part of a large NIH initiative called Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER).'
www.nih.gov/news-events/...
Antiviral drug did not improve Long COVID symptoms
A clinical trial for Long COVID found that treating patients with a common antiviral drug for up to 25 days did not improve symptoms.
www.nih.gov
September 29, 2026 at 10:44 PM
NIH: 'Antiviral drug did not improve Long COVID symptoms'
'The findings suggest that other approaches to manage symptoms and treat Long COVID are needed.'
'This study is part of a large NIH initiative called Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER).'
www.nih.gov/news-events/...
'The findings suggest that other approaches to manage symptoms and treat Long COVID are needed.'
'This study is part of a large NIH initiative called Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER).'
www.nih.gov/news-events/...
Reposted by RikkaPik
The Post-Acute Effects of COVID-19 Are Not Associated with Robust Long-Term Regional or Global Brain Volumetric Changes: A Bayesian Meta-Analytic Evidence
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Screenshot from Science for ME update
#LongCovid #NeuroPASC #COVIDBrain #PASC #postcovid #postcovid19
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Screenshot from Science for ME update
#LongCovid #NeuroPASC #COVIDBrain #PASC #postcovid #postcovid19
September 30, 2026 at 12:30 AM
The Post-Acute Effects of COVID-19 Are Not Associated with Robust Long-Term Regional or Global Brain Volumetric Changes: A Bayesian Meta-Analytic Evidence
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Screenshot from Science for ME update
#LongCovid #NeuroPASC #COVIDBrain #PASC #postcovid #postcovid19
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Screenshot from Science for ME update
#LongCovid #NeuroPASC #COVIDBrain #PASC #postcovid #postcovid19
Reposted by RikkaPik
From Germany
Evaluation of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Care Model for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-label, Non-randomized Controlled Intervention Study
www.amjmed.com/article/S000...
Screenshot from Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #PwME #CFS
Evaluation of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Care Model for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-label, Non-randomized Controlled Intervention Study
www.amjmed.com/article/S000...
Screenshot from Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #PwME #CFS
September 30, 2026 at 12:20 AM
From Germany
Evaluation of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Care Model for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-label, Non-randomized Controlled Intervention Study
www.amjmed.com/article/S000...
Screenshot from Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #PwME #CFS
Evaluation of an Integrated Multidisciplinary Care Model for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Open-label, Non-randomized Controlled Intervention Study
www.amjmed.com/article/S000...
Screenshot from Science for ME weekly update
#MEcfs #PwME #CFS
Reposted by RikkaPik
MPR: 'Long COVID affects many Minnesotans years after the pandemic'
'And we want to hear from you, too.'
Coming up at 9AM on Wednesday, 9/30/26
www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...
'And we want to hear from you, too.'
Coming up at 9AM on Wednesday, 9/30/26
www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...
Long COVID affects many Minnesotans years after the pandemic
It’s been six years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but many Minnesotans are still suffering its aftermath. Coming up at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the extre...
www.mprnews.org
September 29, 2026 at 9:03 PM
MPR: 'Long COVID affects many Minnesotans years after the pandemic'
'And we want to hear from you, too.'
Coming up at 9AM on Wednesday, 9/30/26
www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...
'And we want to hear from you, too.'
Coming up at 9AM on Wednesday, 9/30/26
www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...
Reposted by RikkaPik
Goodbye Summer! Wilkins and Sakara definitely had a good time :D.
#warcraft #fantasy #illustration #couple #anthro #worgen #werewolf #beach #art #digitalart
#warcraft #fantasy #illustration #couple #anthro #worgen #werewolf #beach #art #digitalart
September 28, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Goodbye Summer! Wilkins and Sakara definitely had a good time :D.
#warcraft #fantasy #illustration #couple #anthro #worgen #werewolf #beach #art #digitalart
#warcraft #fantasy #illustration #couple #anthro #worgen #werewolf #beach #art #digitalart
Reposted by RikkaPik
Health Rising: 'Bezisterim – the Best Long COVID Drug Trial Yet? BioVie Aims for a Big, Phase III Trial'
'..the Dept. of Defense took a leap and funded it – and, lo and behold, we have the best results of any drug trial thus far'
www.healthrising.org/blog/2026/09...
'..the Dept. of Defense took a leap and funded it – and, lo and behold, we have the best results of any drug trial thus far'
www.healthrising.org/blog/2026/09...
Bezisterim - the Best Long COVID Drug Trial Yet? BioVie Aims for a Big, Phase III Trial - Health Rising
Bezisterim produces moderate and broad treatment effects in several different long COVID subsets. BioVie, the drug manufacturer, hopes to move forward with a big phase III trial.
www.healthrising.org
September 28, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Health Rising: 'Bezisterim – the Best Long COVID Drug Trial Yet? BioVie Aims for a Big, Phase III Trial'
'..the Dept. of Defense took a leap and funded it – and, lo and behold, we have the best results of any drug trial thus far'
www.healthrising.org/blog/2026/09...
'..the Dept. of Defense took a leap and funded it – and, lo and behold, we have the best results of any drug trial thus far'
www.healthrising.org/blog/2026/09...
Reposted by RikkaPik
“I look fine, but dealing with chronic illness is my full-time job” (Pittsburgh's Public Source)
www.publicsource.org/pots-long-co...
First person account about coping with chronic illness triggered by COVID infection.
#LongCovid #invisibleillness #hiddenillness #chronicillness
www.publicsource.org/pots-long-co...
First person account about coping with chronic illness triggered by COVID infection.
#LongCovid #invisibleillness #hiddenillness #chronicillness
I look fine, but dealing with chronic illness is my full-time job
Jennifer McCalla doesn't look sick, but living with long COVID and POTS is a full-time job. She writes about invisible illness and the fight to be believed.
www.publicsource.org
September 28, 2026 at 12:50 AM
“I look fine, but dealing with chronic illness is my full-time job” (Pittsburgh's Public Source)
www.publicsource.org/pots-long-co...
First person account about coping with chronic illness triggered by COVID infection.
#LongCovid #invisibleillness #hiddenillness #chronicillness
www.publicsource.org/pots-long-co...
First person account about coping with chronic illness triggered by COVID infection.
#LongCovid #invisibleillness #hiddenillness #chronicillness
Reposted by RikkaPik
The Severe & Very Severe ME Research Registry has been created. It gives people with severe and very severe ME from Germany, Austria, & Switzerland the opportunity to participate in research through home visits
severe-me-registry.de
#SevereME #MEcfs #CFS #PwME #VerySevereME #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
severe-me-registry.de
#SevereME #MEcfs #CFS #PwME #VerySevereME #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
Severe & Very Severe ME Research Registry
Das Severe and Very Severe ME Research Registry verbindet ME Schwer- und Schwerstbetroffene mit biomedizinischer, häuslicher Forschung.
severe-me-registry.de
September 28, 2026 at 12:55 AM
The Severe & Very Severe ME Research Registry has been created. It gives people with severe and very severe ME from Germany, Austria, & Switzerland the opportunity to participate in research through home visits
severe-me-registry.de
#SevereME #MEcfs #CFS #PwME #VerySevereME #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
severe-me-registry.de
#SevereME #MEcfs #CFS #PwME #VerySevereME #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
I can't play Clair Obscure Expedition 33. That does not mean it does not resound with me on many levels. One of the things stuck in my mind is the "true art is a mask and a mirror" #artonbluesky #E33
September 27, 2026 at 12:20 PM
I can't play Clair Obscure Expedition 33. That does not mean it does not resound with me on many levels. One of the things stuck in my mind is the "true art is a mask and a mirror" #artonbluesky #E33
Reposted by RikkaPik
“It has sent many people from having mild or moderate cases to severe #MECFS… it has turned people housebound, bedbound. It has completely destroyed their lives.”
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the harm caused by graded exercise therapy (GET) for #MECFS.
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the harm caused by graded exercise therapy (GET) for #MECFS.
September 27, 2026 at 11:24 AM
“It has sent many people from having mild or moderate cases to severe #MECFS… it has turned people housebound, bedbound. It has completely destroyed their lives.”
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the harm caused by graded exercise therapy (GET) for #MECFS.
@georgemonbiot.bsky.social on the harm caused by graded exercise therapy (GET) for #MECFS.
Reposted by RikkaPik
I talked this week about the mental health crisis afflicting young people, in particular the isolation and loneliness caused by the neoliberal smashing of society. Everyone needs community. Everyone needs belonging. We cannot survive without them.
September 27, 2026 at 8:42 AM
I talked this week about the mental health crisis afflicting young people, in particular the isolation and loneliness caused by the neoliberal smashing of society. Everyone needs community. Everyone needs belonging. We cannot survive without them.
Reposted by RikkaPik
RECOVER researchers and caregivers shared insights into Long COVID social risk factors and how Long COVID affects children’s learning and school experiences—including what researchers hope to learn next.
Text plus video recording
recovercovid.org/r3-seminar-s...
#LongCovid #LongCovidKids #LCKids
Text plus video recording
recovercovid.org/r3-seminar-s...
#LongCovid #LongCovidKids #LCKids
Growing up with Long COVID—Risk factors and school impacts
Findings from RECOVER’s pediatric observational study show that Long COVID can affect children’s health and daily lives in different ways. During the September 15, 2026, RECOVER Research Review (R3) S...
recovercovid.org
September 26, 2026 at 1:29 PM
RECOVER researchers and caregivers shared insights into Long COVID social risk factors and how Long COVID affects children’s learning and school experiences—including what researchers hope to learn next.
Text plus video recording
recovercovid.org/r3-seminar-s...
#LongCovid #LongCovidKids #LCKids
Text plus video recording
recovercovid.org/r3-seminar-s...
#LongCovid #LongCovidKids #LCKids
Reposted by RikkaPik
“Blistering New Monbiot Column on ME/CFS Mistreatment, Neglect” By David Tuller
virology.ws/2026/09/26/t...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
virology.ws/2026/09/26/t...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
September 26, 2026 at 1:11 PM
“Blistering New Monbiot Column on ME/CFS Mistreatment, Neglect” By David Tuller
virology.ws/2026/09/26/t...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
virology.ws/2026/09/26/t...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
We all are stardust, connected by matter made in stars, diveded by time and space. 300.000 years between early members of our species and the building of great telescopes in space that let us see this. #artonbluesky
September 26, 2026 at 6:20 AM
We all are stardust, connected by matter made in stars, diveded by time and space. 300.000 years between early members of our species and the building of great telescopes in space that let us see this. #artonbluesky
Reposted by RikkaPik
JAMA: 'Long COVID: The Problem Society Wants to Forget: A Healthy Dialogue With E. Wesley Ely'
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Long COVID: The Problem Society Wants to Forget
Long COVID, including the difficulty in defining it and caring for patients experiencing it, is discussed by JAMA Senior Editor Derek C. Angus, MD, MPH, and E. Wesley Ely, MD, MPH, professor of medici...
jamanetwork.com
September 23, 2026 at 7:36 PM
JAMA: 'Long COVID: The Problem Society Wants to Forget: A Healthy Dialogue With E. Wesley Ely'
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...