███▓▓▓▒▒▒ Hey guys, Marcus here. The guest in this video. Thank you heaps for all the positive as well as critical remarks. Since there were two relevant and frequently asked questions, I would like to share my POV. ███▓▓▓▒▒▒ 1. "Whoa, who is he to claim that other people who have fully recovered have not really recovered? Sorry, taking this one with a big grain of salt." and similar. I am sorry in case I have offended anyone with this statement. I did neither want to diminish anyones efforts and recovery nor claim that a 100% recovery is not possible. However, since a few of you mentioned it, I do believe that the 100% recovery is a "new" version of yourselves, maybe being more aware, less perfomance-oriented, and most probably even less powerful in sports, work, social life etc. I really hope and do believe that there a many who have gained 100%, however, for myself and a few others I have met, we rather experienced that we have reached kind of a plateau at 80-90% COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS(!) LIFESTYLE. But who knows, probably our "new 100% version" are even stronger and more resilient than the old ones (y) :-) Hence, please apologize my statement in case you felt disencouraged or offended. 2. "Which supplement were you taking about?" & "What is your current supplementation and nutrition plan?" NOT HELPFUL FOR ME(!), (maybe helps you, so no general advice):
• Fasting - It made me worse. • Taking vitamins - I tried many with no effect. For example, Athletic Greens were not at all helpful. • Medications - Some medications I tried, including Paxlovid and anti-histamines, offered no relief. • Psychosomatic label - Dismissing physical symptoms as purely psychological led him nowhere. • Poor categorization of Post-Covid-Syndrome patients - The U09.9 label hinders proper clustering of patient groups and statistical cohorts
HELPFUL FOR ME(!), (maybe does not help you, so no general advice):
• Academic research - Using knowledge to screen publications on Google Scholar was empowering. • Supplements & over-the-counter medications - Kre-Alkalyn (enriched Creatine Monohydrate) had a remarkable impact, transforming me from bedbound to walking for 1 hour with his dog. I also noted the helpful effects of NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine), Nattokinase, PADMA 28, and NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) with NMN (ß-Nicotinamide mononucleotide) with 250mg each per day of the two latter ones. - Moreover, a constant inflow of amino acids of different kinds (essential, semi-essential etc.) helped my recovery. • Relatable doctor - Finding a supportive primary health doctor that helped me explore off-label medications was of great help. • Balanced nutrition - Dietary changes like balanced nutrition, and cutting out sugar, caffeine, and alcohol made a significant difference. • Meditation and Chi Gong - Both were helpful and needed, but didn't address the root cause. • Supportive environment - Support from my wife, family, dog(!) and friends was invaluable.
RESOURCES
• Google Scholar - a web-based search engine that specifically focuses on scholarly literature, including articles, theses, conference papers, and other research materials from various disciplines. I used it to access scientific studies, expand my understanding, and explore treatment options. - Raelans UA-cam channel, Gez Medinger's Social Media, & Prof. Dr. Carmen Scheibenbogen as a expert in ME/CFS from the Charite in Berlin, Germany. CONTACT In case you want to reach out, feel free to write me via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-conrad-2021/
Hey Marcus, thank you so much for posting this. Perhaps you could provide a link to the site where you bought the NMN. Unfortunately here in the US the FDA banned NMN supplements in 2022 because of the pharmaceutical industry's lobbying.
Thanks for sharing your story! I related to so much, especially knowing for certain this just isn’t a psychological thing and that there are so many different subtypes of long covid. Cutting out sugar and alcohol has helped me a lot as well as taking Q10 and electrolytes which I think has a similar effect with addressing amino acids and cellular health. You’ve given me some new ideas to try.
@marcsen007 sorry if I missed this, but did you have a weird feeling in your spinal cord? Whenever I flare up I can literally feel inflammation starting in my brain and going down my spinal cord. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling and sometimes I’ll get neck twitches as well. Haven’t heard many people mention this.
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been trying to help my husband recover for the last year and a half... still the extreme fatigue gets so much worse after any exertion. I will buy some creatine (dosage for creatine?) and NMN to test on him. I want to contact you directly with a few detailed questions, but am not a member of LinkedIn. Is there another way to contact you? We are in Canada. p.s. Are you in Iracing online? My husband was doing that for a while until he got sick... You may have raced together he says...
I know quite a few people who are recovered 100% and who had severe Long Covid/ME/CFS. So, don’t give up hope! It’s definitely possible to recover and not only up to 95%.
That statement that you make is so revealing speaking of your doctor that you don’t know if you would be here without that validation and support. This really speaks to how critical it is to receive validation and support psychologically and how destructive it is when it’s not received. Often the difference between choosing life or choosing death. ❤
Yes! I had a drs appointment where he couldn’t do a lot for me medicine wise, but he validated my experience (and calmed my nerves around my weird symptoms). I felt much lighter because of it. Otherwise it’s all to easy to go into doom spirals
Don't give up Marcus ! I to have given up on Doctors.. Your on your own.. I've been dealing with this for over 3 years.. I had Covid 19 January 9, 2020.. and my life has been turned upside down..My life was extremely busy.. I have 6 Boys, 14 grandkids and worked. This whole thing had turned my life upside down.. Thank you for Sharing your.. story.. ..
The alcohol part around 00:34:10 is what made my CFS manageable. After 3 years of getting worse and worse, I discovered that ONE whiskey before bed gave me energy. But if I had more than 2, alcohol intolerance would kick in. It was the strangest thing ever. Raelan was the only person who did a video on this and made me feel less crazy to think that alcohol somehow gave me a small piece of my life back.
Thanks Raelan and Marcus. I related to much of what Marcus had to say. I’m now 14 months into this journey. In early May I thought I had turned a corner. I suddenly felt like my old self for close to two weeks. I was walking between 10,000-14,000 steps a day, no major symptoms, etc. But I really took a crash after that and still haven’t recovered from it. PEM is real! Anyway I would be interested in seeing a link to some of the supplements that Marcus mentioned in the interview. Thanks again for sharing. ❤
Very good Marcus. Many thanks for sharing your journey to improved health and what worked and what didn't. Very insightful about this very complicated area.
Raelean you were so lucky to find a doctor that would admit that he/she didn't know, that is a very big first step by never found one that, and I've had severe ME 20 yes, I probably giving up on looking for one, but then I do live in UK
Hi guys Im not sure if I caught it or if it was mentioned- but are the health gains from NMN and NAD+ permanent after you stopped taking them or do you have to keep taking them to maintain your health? Basically will we reach a point where we won’t have to continue with those supplements and still continue to feel better? I couldn’t capture where Marcus is at right now with his supplements regime.
Creatine deficiency comes from a liver issue, which I read in a medical publication. So the root issue needs to be addressed otherwise the symptoms will reoccur without the supplement. I tried it and it did help, but not something I personally want to be dependant on long term. For cell recovery and high inflammation, HBOT was really helpful as well as Ayurvedic panchakarma and lifestyle changes for me (liver included for the latter). I appreciate his sense of initiative!!
@Anrup Where in Canada did you do HBOT? I'm in Toronto and am currently looking. Also, what lifestyle changes did you do for your lier. I'm pretty sure my lier is playing a huge role in my issues.
Thank you I’m 15 months down since 3 rd covid infection - am on a low histamine diet which has helped - look for MCAS info Not recovered fully have bad days still Am able to function mostly around it My lounge chair and bed are still my best buddies - night time I don’t go out
I rarely do three comments on a video but here’s my third, at lots of people in the comment section not happy that he says a statement something along the lines that people don’t fully recover. For me I agree to a degree almost no one who has suffered with this type of setback goes back to fully living their life in the way they did in the past they have made lifestyle adjustments and then they called them selves fully recovered and yet if they go back to their old lifestyle then they have issues and in my opinion if you can’t go back to how you were living pre-illness in all of it’s debauchery and bank of bad habits and do what you used to do…. like so many others do, this is not a full recovery. I grow very weary of hearing people who are on modified diets and modified activities and are eliminating and avoiding and pacing and doing things like daily meditating and mindfulness and yoga and and and and and calling themselves recovered. When many and most people out there don’t have to do all of this micromanagement in their day-to-day lives. If pre condition you could live your life and do what you wanted and needed to do without..: Meditating or mindfulness or yoga or some eastern drill Adjusted diet and nutrition habits of supple ration or avoidance Pacing exercise and social emotional interactions Avoidance of any kind of environment or injection or activities in this “recovered state” that was totally unnecessary pre ME/CFS pre Covid, pre Mast Cell Activation…. then in my opinion this is not a full recovery. Have no money to “do” all of these interventions that require financial or time allowance support to do so…. remove all the crutches of special treatment for long spell of time and see if you are truly “fully recovered”. Experience life’s ups and downs without all these newly acquired interventions and lifestyle as you did in times past and see if you remain fully recovered. If all is yes, I don’t have to do a thing different or extra from pre to post and you are honest then ya, you are fully recovered. But don’t tell me you can’t go out with friends and family and work the job and do the activities you did pre condition without a whole lotta this and that and convince you you are fully 100% recovered. And I know I know I know you will claim that lifestyle wasn’t healthy or is how or why you landed yourself where you are…. but it didn’t land everyone else where you are and they can still rock on yet you need to do it don’t do xyz like forever and still 🤷♀️ Don’t get me wrong any recovery is a recovery and I have been able to claim a 75% recovery but never a 100% and trying to live back at 100% ways results in a reduction of recovery percentage each and every time. While being grateful for the things recovery brings there is still that missing of what was fully just mine without no dime pre. May you ALL recover yourself 100% It’s only those who live in fear of speaking into their illness that get triggered is they can’t name and claim 100% recovery with their words…. Burn him at the stake he spoke the cursed words over us eeekkkkk 😱🙄😁 It’s all good
Best thing I’ve ever read in 31 months of covid!! People get so upset when I say well, I’m about 85% recovered if I compare to worst Long Covid self , if I have a perfect day and manage well and don’t over exert - but compared to pre covid self I’m about 14% recovered
I do agree if we have to change jobs, lifestyles etc that others are still able to maintain, we are not 100% recovered. It’s still giving up the ability to achieve our ideal and optimal levels of physical activity, social activity and career success.
Brilliant interview thank you Raelan & Marcus, I really enjoyed hearing Marcus’s approach to fixing himself and was great to hear a different perspective on it. Much appreciated ❤
Some good points made. Specifically the point of an illness becoming chronic. In my opinion the biggest issue is there is no advice to say rest far more after a virus. I know if I rested more and didn't push through I would not have dysautonomia and ME I believe there are some people either genetically or through environmental life factors more susceptible to this illness and these people should rest fully for a few months after the illness.
For me I get horrible migraines with extreme vomiting if I drink any yeasty alcohol like beer. I am usually but not always ok with the very occasional spirit and mixer drink,Just one. My experience with getting very drunk was that surprisingly I felt symptoms disappeared at the time and I had stamina to party. I really couldn’t understand that neither could my friends. It caused some issues with a couple of friends starting to doubt the severity of my illness. This was very difficult because I was really confused about it myself so could provide no good explanation.
Thanks for the interesting vidéo from Austria :)! Concerning alcohol, I interestingly am a bit intolerate to alcohol and feel terrible as soon as i drink even a sip 🤔. So I don‘t drink any alcohol anymore…
Alcohol for me, second or third sip and its like I've been hit in the back of the head, blurred vision and feel spacy. Same with coffee. Energy drinks i get a small boost then feel much worse later
Hi, I am 35 years in to my cfs journey. At worst I was housebound and now am approximately 70% recovered. Interesting to hear your alcohol comments. I'm from rural Canada where weekend binge drinking was the norm in HS and college. I also felt awesome when I drank - but had relentless hangovers for days and days.
Thanks Marcus and Raglan for this interview. I'm wondering what the name of the creatine supplement you mention at marker 40:16 is. I'm sure closed captioning doesn't have it right, but I think it's important to use the product as you suggest so the creatine stays in your body longer. Also, Raelen, have you don't any videos on neurological post covid symptoms. Thanks so much!
I feel stating people won’t recover 100% is not true and encouraging negativity. It’s like a doctor saying we can’t do any more for you. Not good mentally.
I have the severe form of me/cfs with an epilepsy, and no family care. I had no heating anymore since years, or anything else. Now i will get family "care". That will turn horrible.
additionally, just because someone may be able to heal from phychological/physiological interventions alone does not mean there wasn't some real physical intervention that could have done the job instead. the brain retraining and other regulation techniques often help the body self correct and begin different physical processes that then cascade into how the body uptakes and utilizes creatine or b-12 for example. this is only a loose understanding/theorization for me based on talks I have listened to, sources not remembered though.
It's a bold and irresponsible move to declare the recovery status of all others, ever. I personally know people who achieved 100%, so for anyone who may have been knocked by his *opinion* in this area - don't be. You can achieve 100%. Otherwise great interview.
@chewyloo sorry didnt mean it that way. And didnt want to offend anyone. Was just my experience from me and people in rehab. Sorry for the inappropiate saying
@@MarcSen007 Don't worry. Wasn't offensive. Raelan has a powerful platform so just wanted to reassure people who are currently in a desperate and frightened state. I know 2 people who reached 100%, one of which had CFS for 17+ years, and not to mention the ever-growing full recovery videos. I personally am around 75% and getting better by the month, thanks to advice from those who beat it and these videos. I have no doubts that you and I, and everyone else, will achieve 100% as long as we continue to work at it. Best of luck to you. And thanks for the creatine tip. I will be trying.
@@MarcSen007 hi are you still taking NMN and nad+ even today and if you discontinue them, will the PEM and all other fatigue and long covid symptoms return or are the health gains long lasting ? Thx again for the interview and information.
Creatine has helped me. The mitochondrial supplement is called Glynac in the UK. It wasn't helpful to me. Still go for brain training and calming of the sympathetic nervous system
I just say, ANS disregulation. Ones you regulate your ANS, you will be 100% back to life! We saw it by many fully recovert people. I think Marcus dont understand the chronic illness yet. You cant heal from a chronic illness with medication, nutrition, supplement or a magic pill. Its all about the polyvagal theorie, so far I learnt is the whole chronic illness issue. And still no one got it in there medical research for the whole chronic issue.
@@snic5805There‘s many ways. There are buttom down approaches like meditation (especially bodyscans are helpful) and brain retraining (e.g. re-labeling your symptoms in a more positive way, noticing and letting go of fearful thoughts, and positive visualization of your future self). There are also buttom up approaches with somatic exercises like heavining, orienting and vagus nerve stimulation. You‘ll find great exercises for all of the above on UA-cam. Also, it is important to educate yourself, especially the polyvagal theory is helpful. A great resource is Therapy in a Nutshell on UA-cam. Moreover, I believe therapy/CBT might be a great addition to better understand ones own thoughts and feelings. Good luck 😊
Alcohol the amazing neurotransmitter tool that that “flips the switch” setting of the sympathetic parasympathetic in a moment for a moment. I discovered this early on with my mast cell activation response what used to be called multiple chemical sensitivity. It’s not rocket science it was a bit of programming that I learned early on… at the stage of coming of drinking age. What is this amazing phenomena ? It can be the answer to what is driving the condition. There’s a problem in the switchbox. The operating system has been switched permanently on too sympathetic when it’s supposed to be permanently on and parasympathetic unless there is a threat but the wiring has been reversed due to whatever reasons that exist in the system is perceiving there is a constant threat and it’s staying in that setting. Alcohol for many people is the neurotransmitter being device that can flip the switch almost instantaneously. The operating system will remain flipped into parasympathetic Until the effects of alcohol has worn off. Sadly most of us can’t function outside of party mode under the influence of alcohol so it’s a very brief reprieve. And sadly if it’s continued to be used as a crutch then more is needed just like any fix to keep the switch flipped and eventually becomes it’s own toxic poison to the body despite its calming effect to the Neurological programming. And the naturopathic world and they will concoct in these little bottles that have supposedly a substance and then blend it with alcohol and they’ll sell it to you for lots of money supposedly to desensitize you’re allergic or sympathetic or mast cell activation response. It works because of the blend of alcohol is the neurotransmitter blended with the substance to trick the brain the substance is “ok”, “safe”, “friendly” by blending it with the calming effect of the alcohol. Magic. Lol. A swish in the mouth of vodka in a moment may give the same effect to the brain if your brain is wired to reset with alcohol. Using it as a training tool can be effective. Using it as a crutch can be addictive and destructive. The good and the bad. It doesn’t mean you can’t create your own desensitization remedy concoctions and use it as part of your brain retraining under a controlled protocol. IF this works for you, you have your answer as to what is happening. The why your system is stuck in sympathetic is a something that must be honed out and resolved. Some can manage to do a hard set override and gain control of their switch and change their baseline operating system. There are people who come into the world with their brain already switched to sympathetic and it’s a condition out of the shoot that is developmental. In my opinion only this is autism and adhd etc etc etc. For others something flips the switch. So many triggers to flip this switch. It’s our threat detection device. If a threat isn’t resolved it stays flipped. Trauma Viral Bacteria Stress Emotions Pain The mast cells firing set off a cascade to the connective tissues and things develop in the individual such as Parkinson’s Chron’s etc etc etc that then become genetic and passed down such as Lupus, Ehlers Danlos… the gamut of connective tissue disorders and autoimmune conditions that are the underlyer to so many conditions. There is a reason the new brain stim devices work for Parkinson’s. A chemical exposure has reset the operating system to threat and unpacking the Neurological programming to give those symptoms. The brain stim device surgically implanted and operated with a battery pack is constantly resetting the switch from its baseline of sympathetic to parasympathetic controlling symptoms. The brain retraining programs can sometimes achieve this without a surgically installed device. Some people can do a reset with these programs some seem to not be able to achieve this. Some may be in a connective tissue destabilized state where the signaling is loose due to structure because of weak tissues and tendons and supports such as cranial instability keeping the threat response active all the time. Truly if doctors would just accept and recognize this dynamic some simple trails and then diagnostics to identify the underlying conditions contributing to the flipped switch then well maybe a lot of suffering and gaslighting could end. Even in that old good book this remedy this fix is suggested it’s nothing new…. drink “a little wine not water” to settle the gut. Many Christian advocates of drinking alcoholic wine point to a verse in 1 Timothy. Paul says, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Tim 5:23). Thanks for doing this!!!!!!
Was he vaccinated for covid prior to infection? It seems that vaccinated folk can recover within 6 to 12 months from LC but unvaccinated people, especially if you got the initial strain in 2020 have a lot more trouble recovering. The outcomes are rather different and hence I think the underlying issues are different. I was infected Feb 2020
That's not correct more who are vaccinated have ling covid I already had fybromyalgia made my symptoms.no diffarant unvaccinated went in 5 days maybe it was because all vitamins I take
Absolute bollocks. I have long covid and I was vaccinated. People like the OP are just spewing propaganda from the PR departments of these pharmaceutical companies that obviously have a stake in you believing this. The reality is that v’s were launched into the population that did not get the thorough vetting they would typically receive, they were promoted by governments and media whose news shows were often sponsored by these pharmaceutical companies based on promises such as that they would prevent transmission that we now know to be lies that they spewed based on zero research.
Alcohol relaxed the nervous system but it is a highly addictive drug & destroys the liver & other systems in the body. That is why it is also called spirits - evil spirits because it often makes people think & do stupid things.
Realan, everyone explains when the got covid, but the only problem with your show is you never ask or your guests share at what point were they vaccinated. Is that to dangerous for you to simply ask that. It would be a big help for people to recognize what there problem are. But I’m sure he took Ivermectin but you can’t say that on here still? Jeff I’ve written in several times but never get a response back on this.
Hey Jeff, let me respond to this. I have to admit that the huge majority of ppl with long covid were vaccinated- at least in Germany. However, this could clearly be a selection and perception bias meaning we have overall far more vaccinated individuals and hence more long covid cases with a vaccine (just statistically this makes sense) and moreover, the huge majority has caught covid after their first vaccination. Nevertheless, it is very relevant to have a look at the similarities between LC and post vac patients. In my rehab I saw many young healthy individuals with severe symptoms - often the same as me like pem, fatigue and pain - and hence there seems to be a pathological pattern/similarity between the infection/vaccine. Best, Marcus
@@MarcSen007True, I was vaccinated too and still got long covid. And many did along with me. The OP has been brainwashed by an industry that has been seeking to sell products on us that did not do much.
I related really well with many things that he said. I guess we all come from different places. That’s fine. I appreciate what this channel is doing so much.
It does seem that all that claim (who I believe) 100% recovery often preface they don’t return to their pre MECFS lifestyles, I think this is the core of what he was saying not throwing shade on the validity of recovery stories. Simply there is always a predisposition to have a relapse in many individuals.
@@MarcSen007no need to apologise to that sensitive Sally I actually agree with you, people say they’re 100% absolutely fully recovered but when we dig a little deeper you realise if they are truly recovered… they still have to do work to maintain health.
Just wanted to say @marcsen007 THANK YOU! I started taking the same creatine as you mentioned along with upping my CoQ10 and my energy levels have now significantly improved. I'm finally hitting a 7/10 some days (on month 17 of long hauling). Hope this good trend continues. :)
@@MarcSen007 yes taking that one. It’s been about three weeks now, and I’m noticing my PEM episodes are way shorter or else not happening when they normally would. Especially if I take it before or after walking. And it’s not a placebo effect because I’ve tried so so many other things.
Great news. I will start kre-alk this weekend as well. What dose of Q10 are you on? I take 400mg daily now. I am 3,5 years sick and still in a very bad place :(
@@jipa3883 I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m only taking 200 mg of q10 but at one point it was around 600 mg. I’m on gabapentin now (only 200 mg) and that has really helped a lot, though it was brutal the first week to get used to. Good luck, I know it’s so hard to deal with.
@@artstar4 thank you for answering and for your wishes. I'm considering upping my q10 to 600mg. But will start kre-alk first. May I ask what gabapentin is helping with? Good luck to you too.
Alcohol was and still is a trigger of panicky symptoms for me. Unless it’s a bit of top quality espresso and wine. Goat dairy products have good effects compared to cow. Af for the root cause, I believe there are people who had both covid and anxiety at the same time like myself. It can’t be always one cause. I still want to both thank you for the different perspective and effort to shed light on this condition, however in my opinion in this interview not very hopeful thoughts and words were shared. It might be thoughtful to be careful of how rigidly we express our opinions regarding other people’s full recovery stories❤️🩹 🙏
███▓▓▓▒▒▒
Hey guys, Marcus here. The guest in this video. Thank you heaps for all the positive as well as critical remarks.
Since there were two relevant and frequently asked questions, I would like to share my POV.
███▓▓▓▒▒▒
1. "Whoa, who is he to claim that other people who have fully recovered have not really recovered? Sorry, taking this one with a big grain of salt." and similar.
I am sorry in case I have offended anyone with this statement. I did neither want to diminish anyones efforts and recovery nor claim that a 100% recovery is not possible.
However, since a few of you mentioned it, I do believe that the 100% recovery is a "new" version of yourselves, maybe being more aware, less perfomance-oriented, and most probably even less powerful in sports, work, social life etc. I really hope and do believe that there a many who have gained 100%, however, for myself and a few others I have met, we rather experienced that we have reached kind of a plateau at 80-90% COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS(!) LIFESTYLE. But who knows, probably our "new 100% version" are even stronger and more resilient than the old ones (y) :-) Hence, please apologize my statement in case you felt disencouraged or offended.
2. "Which supplement were you taking about?" & "What is your current supplementation and nutrition plan?"
NOT HELPFUL FOR ME(!), (maybe helps you, so no general advice):
• Fasting - It made me worse.
• Taking vitamins - I tried many with no effect. For example, Athletic Greens were not at all helpful.
• Medications - Some medications I tried, including Paxlovid and anti-histamines, offered no relief.
• Psychosomatic label - Dismissing physical symptoms as purely psychological led him nowhere.
• Poor categorization of Post-Covid-Syndrome patients - The U09.9 label hinders proper clustering of patient groups and statistical cohorts
HELPFUL FOR ME(!), (maybe does not help you, so no general advice):
• Academic research - Using knowledge to screen publications on Google Scholar was empowering.
• Supplements & over-the-counter medications - Kre-Alkalyn (enriched Creatine Monohydrate) had a remarkable impact, transforming me from bedbound to walking for 1 hour with his dog. I also noted the helpful effects of NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine), Nattokinase, PADMA 28, and NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) with NMN (ß-Nicotinamide mononucleotide) with 250mg each per day of the two latter ones.
- Moreover, a constant inflow of amino acids of different kinds (essential, semi-essential etc.) helped my recovery.
• Relatable doctor - Finding a supportive primary health doctor that helped me explore off-label medications was of great help.
• Balanced nutrition - Dietary changes like balanced nutrition, and cutting out sugar, caffeine, and alcohol made a significant difference.
• Meditation and Chi Gong - Both were helpful and needed, but didn't address the root cause.
• Supportive environment - Support from my wife, family, dog(!) and friends was invaluable.
RESOURCES
• Google Scholar - a web-based search engine that specifically focuses on scholarly literature, including articles, theses, conference papers, and other research materials from various disciplines. I used it to access scientific studies, expand my understanding, and explore treatment options.
- Raelans UA-cam channel, Gez Medinger's Social Media, & Prof. Dr. Carmen Scheibenbogen as a expert in ME/CFS from the Charite in Berlin, Germany.
CONTACT
In case you want to reach out, feel free to write me via LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-conrad-2021/
Thank you, for your information and taking the time to clarify too, most appreciated 😊💪🏼
Hey Marcus, thank you so much for posting this. Perhaps you could provide a link to the site where you bought the NMN. Unfortunately here in the US the FDA banned NMN supplements in 2022 because of the pharmaceutical industry's lobbying.
Thanks for sharing your story! I related to so much, especially knowing for certain this just isn’t a psychological thing and that there are so many different subtypes of long covid. Cutting out sugar and alcohol has helped me a lot as well as taking Q10 and electrolytes which I think has a similar effect with addressing amino acids and cellular health. You’ve given me some new ideas to try.
@marcsen007 sorry if I missed this, but did you have a weird feeling in your spinal cord? Whenever I flare up I can literally feel inflammation starting in my brain and going down my spinal cord. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling and sometimes I’ll get neck twitches as well. Haven’t heard many people mention this.
Thank you for sharing your story. I have been trying to help my husband recover for the last year and a half... still the extreme fatigue gets so much worse after any exertion. I will buy some creatine (dosage for creatine?) and NMN to test on him. I want to contact you directly with a few detailed questions, but am not a member of LinkedIn. Is there another way to contact you? We are in Canada. p.s. Are you in Iracing online? My husband was doing that for a while until he got sick... You may have raced together he says...
I know quite a few people who are recovered 100% and who had severe Long Covid/ME/CFS. So, don’t give up hope! It’s definitely possible to recover and not only up to 95%.
😢 my brain fog is -200%
ME has a recovery rate of 5%.
@@lisageiszler2332can you provide evidence of this
@@MrKelso85Bateman Horne are respected experts in US on ME/CFS. I also saw that statistic in their UA-cam presentations.
Yeah same. I’ve seen athletes return to full on sports. I think he’s just saying that because he’s not 100% yet.
That statement that you make is so revealing speaking of your doctor that you don’t know if you would be here without that validation and support. This really speaks to how critical it is to receive validation and support psychologically and how destructive it is when it’s not received. Often the difference between choosing life or choosing death. ❤
Yes! I had a drs appointment where he couldn’t do a lot for me medicine wise, but he validated my experience (and calmed my nerves around my weird symptoms). I felt much lighter because of it. Otherwise it’s all to easy to go into doom spirals
Don't give up Marcus ! I to have given up on Doctors.. Your on your own.. I've been dealing with this for over 3 years.. I had Covid 19 January 9, 2020.. and my life has been turned upside down..My life was extremely busy.. I have 6 Boys, 14 grandkids and worked. This whole thing had turned my life upside down.. Thank you for Sharing your.. story.. ..
The alcohol part around 00:34:10 is what made my CFS manageable. After 3 years of getting worse and worse, I discovered that ONE whiskey before bed gave me energy. But if I had more than 2, alcohol intolerance would kick in. It was the strangest thing ever. Raelan was the only person who did a video on this and made me feel less crazy to think that alcohol somehow gave me a small piece of my life back.
This is so validating. I just found out that alcohol before bed gives me energy the following day.
@@estrellasyfrases apparently vodka helps more as it's clear have to try it as whisky makes me worse
Thanks Raelan and Marcus. I related to much of what Marcus had to say. I’m now 14 months into this journey. In early May I thought I had turned a corner. I suddenly felt like my old self for close to two weeks. I was walking between 10,000-14,000 steps a day, no major symptoms, etc. But I really took a crash after that and still haven’t recovered from it. PEM is real! Anyway I would be interested in seeing a link to some of the supplements that Marcus mentioned in the interview. Thanks again for sharing. ❤
Thank you Marcus, for your help and advice and I hope you continue on your healing journey 💪🏼💪🏼
Very good Marcus. Many thanks for sharing your journey to improved health and what worked and what didn't. Very insightful about this very complicated area.
Raelean you were so lucky to find a doctor that would admit that he/she didn't know, that is a very big first step by never found one that, and I've had severe ME 20 yes, I probably giving up on looking for one, but then I do live in UK
Hi guys Im not sure if I caught it or if it was mentioned- but are the health gains from NMN and NAD+ permanent after you stopped taking them or do you have to keep taking them to maintain your health?
Basically will we reach a point where we won’t have to continue with those supplements and still continue to feel better? I couldn’t capture where Marcus is at right now with his supplements regime.
Thank you. I really needed this for not to give up my hope. And also I got a lot of Information. Please go on with this. Kirsten from Hamburg
Once again a treasure trove of insight and wisdom
Thank you so much
I love this interview ❤ I really like Marcus's data-driven approach. All of this information has been super helpful tor me. Thank you both ❤
Thanks! Always great and much appreciated.!😊‼️
Thank you so much, I appreciate that!
Creatine deficiency comes from a liver issue, which I read in a medical publication. So the root issue needs to be addressed otherwise the symptoms will reoccur without the supplement. I tried it and it did help, but not something I personally want to be dependant on long term. For cell recovery and high inflammation, HBOT was really helpful as well as Ayurvedic panchakarma and lifestyle changes for me (liver included for the latter). I appreciate his sense of initiative!!
@Anrup Where in Canada did you do HBOT? I'm in Toronto and am currently looking. Also, what lifestyle changes did you do for your lier. I'm pretty sure my lier is playing a huge role in my issues.
Can I somewhere contact you about the panchakarma? To ask couple of questions how it went for you?
@@anishchopra I believe TO has an HBOT clinic. Mine was outside Montreal in Pincourt not too far from the ON border.
@lindalatcham8470Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Thank you
I’m 15 months down since 3 rd covid infection - am on a low histamine diet which has helped - look for MCAS info
Not recovered fully have bad days still
Am able to function mostly around it
My lounge chair and bed are still my best buddies - night time I don’t go out
I rarely do three comments on a video but here’s my third, at lots of people in the comment section not happy that he says a statement something along the lines that people don’t fully recover. For me I agree to a degree almost no one who has suffered with this type of setback goes back to fully living their life in the way they did in the past they have made lifestyle adjustments and then they called them selves fully recovered and yet if they go back to their old lifestyle then they have issues and in my opinion if you can’t go back to how you were living pre-illness in all of it’s debauchery and bank of bad habits and do what you used to do…. like so many others do, this is not a full recovery.
I grow very weary of hearing people who are on modified diets and modified activities and are eliminating and avoiding and pacing and doing things like daily meditating and mindfulness and yoga and and and and and calling themselves recovered.
When many and most people out there don’t have to do all of this micromanagement in their day-to-day lives.
If pre condition you could live your life and do what you wanted and needed to do without..:
Meditating or mindfulness or yoga or some eastern drill
Adjusted diet and nutrition habits of supple ration or avoidance
Pacing exercise and social emotional interactions
Avoidance of any kind of environment or injection or activities in this “recovered state” that was totally unnecessary pre ME/CFS pre Covid, pre Mast Cell Activation…. then in my opinion this is not a full recovery.
Have no money to “do” all of these interventions that require financial or time allowance support to do so…. remove all the crutches of special treatment for long spell of time and see if you are truly “fully recovered”. Experience life’s ups and downs without all these newly acquired interventions and lifestyle as you did in times past and see if you remain fully recovered.
If all is yes, I don’t have to do a thing different or extra from pre to post and you are honest then ya, you are fully recovered.
But don’t tell me you can’t go out with friends and family and work the job and do the activities you did pre condition without a whole lotta this and that and convince you you are fully 100% recovered.
And I know I know I know you will claim that lifestyle wasn’t healthy or is how or why you landed yourself where you are…. but it didn’t land everyone else where you are and they can still rock on yet you need to do it don’t do xyz like forever and still 🤷♀️
Don’t get me wrong any recovery is a recovery and I have been able to claim a 75% recovery but never a 100% and trying to live back at 100% ways results in a reduction of recovery percentage each and every time.
While being grateful for the things recovery brings there is still that missing of what was fully just mine without no dime pre. May you ALL recover yourself 100%
It’s only those who live in fear of speaking into their illness that get triggered is they can’t name and claim 100% recovery with their words…. Burn him at the stake he spoke the cursed words over us eeekkkkk 😱🙄😁
It’s all good
Best thing I’ve ever read in 31 months of covid!! People get so upset when I say well, I’m about 85% recovered if I compare to worst Long Covid self , if I have a perfect day and manage well and don’t over exert - but compared to pre covid self I’m about 14% recovered
I do agree if we have to change jobs, lifestyles etc that others are still able to maintain, we are not 100% recovered.
It’s still giving up the ability to achieve our ideal and optimal levels of physical activity, social activity and career success.
Brilliant interview thank you Raelan & Marcus, I really enjoyed hearing Marcus’s approach to fixing himself and was great to hear a different perspective on it. Much appreciated ❤
Some good points made. Specifically the point of an illness becoming chronic.
In my opinion the biggest issue is there is no advice to say rest far more after a virus. I know if I rested more and didn't push through I would not have dysautonomia and ME
I believe there are some people either genetically or through environmental life factors more susceptible to this illness and these people should rest fully for a few months after the illness.
For me I get horrible migraines with extreme vomiting if I drink any yeasty alcohol like beer. I am usually but not always ok with the very occasional spirit and mixer drink,Just one. My experience with getting very drunk was that surprisingly I felt symptoms disappeared at the time and I had stamina to party. I really couldn’t understand that neither could my friends. It caused some issues with a couple of friends starting to doubt the severity of my illness. This was very difficult because I was really confused about it myself so could provide no good explanation.
Thanks for the interesting vidéo from Austria :)! Concerning alcohol, I interestingly am a bit intolerate to alcohol and feel terrible as soon as i drink even a sip 🤔. So I don‘t drink any alcohol anymore…
Alcohol for me, second or third sip and its like I've been hit in the back of the head, blurred vision and feel spacy. Same with coffee. Energy drinks i get a small boost then feel much worse later
My legs hurt so bad, when I drink one sip of alcohol
Same. It makes me feel like I’m on drugs lol
Great video, thanks Marcus
Hi, I am 35 years in to my cfs journey. At worst I was housebound and now am approximately 70% recovered. Interesting to hear your alcohol comments. I'm from rural Canada where weekend binge drinking was the norm in HS and college. I also felt awesome when I drank - but had relentless hangovers for days and days.
That's great are you hypermobile to how have you got it better pain worse for me at the present
Thanks for the interview! I've been sick as hell for years, ordering creatine monohydrate right now. Hope it'll work
I love Gez’ work too.
Thanks Marcus and Raglan for this interview. I'm wondering what the name of the creatine supplement you mention at marker 40:16 is. I'm sure closed captioning doesn't have it right, but I think it's important to use the product as you suggest so the creatine stays in your body longer. Also, Raelen, have you don't any videos on neurological post covid symptoms. Thanks so much!
Kre-alkalyn, e.g. from EFX.
Moreover, try nicotine patches. Really! Helped me to 💯 percent.❤
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36650574/
@ Marcus, are you still taking Nattokinase ? Any side effects ?
Can someone please link the creatine he had success with. Creakaloon???
I’m 35 been deal with cfs for about ten years didn’t know till now what it was but yea pushing myself to much and handling stresss wrong
How about Creatine dose and for how long?
Nattokinase seems to help me as well. He has tried many of the things that I have. Some things helps but others did not. NMN has done nothing to date.
Did anyone catch what the other substance was that caused the creatine to last longer in his muscles?
Creatine: Kre-Alkalyn.
did you supplement kre alkalyn in addition to creatin or exclusively the krealkalyn? Lg aus dem schönen Köln:)
In der Regel nimmt man Cre alkalin für sich. Bin Personal Trainer 🙋🏽♂️
You think Cologne is beautiful? It’s nothing compared to Munich, Berlin or Hamburg.
I feel stating people won’t recover 100% is not true and encouraging negativity. It’s like a doctor saying we can’t do any more for you. Not good mentally.
I have the severe form of me/cfs with an epilepsy, and no family care. I had no heating anymore since years, or anything else. Now i will get family "care". That will turn horrible.
Thanks
Graham!!! You are amazing - thanks. Sending hugs to you ⭐️
additionally, just because someone may be able to heal from phychological/physiological interventions alone does not mean there wasn't some real physical intervention that could have done the job instead.
the brain retraining and other regulation techniques often help the body self correct and begin different physical processes that then cascade into how the body uptakes and utilizes creatine or b-12 for example.
this is only a loose understanding/theorization for me based on talks I have listened to, sources not remembered though.
It's a bold and irresponsible move to declare the recovery status of all others, ever. I personally know people who achieved 100%, so for anyone who may have been knocked by his *opinion* in this area - don't be. You can achieve 100%.
Otherwise great interview.
@chewyloo sorry didnt mean it that way. And didnt want to offend anyone. Was just my experience from me and people in rehab. Sorry for the inappropiate saying
@@MarcSen007 Don't worry. Wasn't offensive. Raelan has a powerful platform so just wanted to reassure people who are currently in a desperate and frightened state. I know 2 people who reached 100%, one of which had CFS for 17+ years, and not to mention the ever-growing full recovery videos.
I personally am around 75% and getting better by the month, thanks to advice from those who beat it and these videos. I have no doubts that you and I, and everyone else, will achieve 100% as long as we continue to work at it. Best of luck to you.
And thanks for the creatine tip. I will be trying.
@@MarcSen007 hi are you still taking NMN and nad+ even today and if you discontinue them, will the PEM and all other fatigue and long covid symptoms return or are the health gains long lasting ? Thx again for the interview and information.
@ChewyLoo 100% agree :-)
@@Mansfield2375 hey Mansfield, see above. I gave a detailed overview. Get well soon!
Creatine has helped me. The mitochondrial supplement is called Glynac in the UK. It wasn't helpful to me. Still go for brain training and calming of the sympathetic nervous system
I just say, ANS disregulation. Ones you regulate your ANS, you will be 100% back to life! We saw it by many fully recovert people.
I think Marcus dont understand the chronic illness yet. You cant heal from a chronic illness with medication, nutrition, supplement or a magic pill. Its all about the polyvagal theorie, so far I learnt is the whole chronic illness issue.
And still no one got it in there medical research for the whole chronic issue.
Yes I fully agree!
How can one do this?!!!
@@snic5805There‘s many ways. There are buttom down approaches like meditation (especially bodyscans are helpful) and brain retraining (e.g. re-labeling your symptoms in a more positive way, noticing and letting go of fearful thoughts, and positive visualization of your future self). There are also buttom up approaches with somatic exercises like heavining, orienting and vagus nerve stimulation. You‘ll find great exercises for all of the above on UA-cam. Also, it is important to educate yourself, especially the polyvagal theory is helpful. A great resource is Therapy in a Nutshell on UA-cam. Moreover, I believe therapy/CBT might be a great addition to better understand ones own thoughts and feelings. Good luck 😊
Does anyone know the creatine supplement mentioned at 40:15 ? :)
I think he said kre alkalyn
@@Ninchykita looks like it is, thank you!!
Creatine monohydrate
You can find this as a powder or pills in the nutritional aisle . Or at any bodybuilding or supplement store.
Alcohol - I also feel good WHEN I have alcohol
Decaf organic coffee and only gin& tonic once in awhile. Gin is very clean, gluten free
Alcohol the amazing neurotransmitter tool that that “flips the switch” setting of the sympathetic parasympathetic in a moment for a moment.
I discovered this early on with my mast cell activation response what used to be called multiple chemical sensitivity.
It’s not rocket science it was a bit of programming that I learned early on… at the stage of coming of drinking age. What is this amazing phenomena ?
It can be the answer to what is driving the condition. There’s a problem in the switchbox. The operating system has been switched permanently on too sympathetic when it’s supposed to be permanently on and parasympathetic unless there is a threat but the wiring has been reversed due to whatever reasons that exist in the system is perceiving there is a constant threat and it’s staying in that setting.
Alcohol for many people is the neurotransmitter being device that can flip the switch almost instantaneously. The operating system will remain flipped into parasympathetic Until the effects of alcohol has worn off.
Sadly most of us can’t function outside of party mode under the influence of alcohol so it’s a very brief reprieve. And sadly if it’s continued to be used as a crutch then more is needed just like any fix to keep the switch flipped and eventually becomes it’s own toxic poison to the body despite its calming effect to the Neurological programming.
And the naturopathic world and they will concoct in these little bottles that have supposedly a substance and then blend it with alcohol and they’ll sell it to you for lots of money supposedly to desensitize you’re allergic or sympathetic or mast cell activation response.
It works because of the blend of alcohol is the neurotransmitter blended with the substance to trick the brain the substance is “ok”, “safe”, “friendly” by blending it with the calming effect of the alcohol. Magic. Lol.
A swish in the mouth of vodka in a moment may give the same effect to the brain if your brain is wired to reset with alcohol.
Using it as a training tool can be effective. Using it as a crutch can be addictive and destructive. The good and the bad.
It doesn’t mean you can’t create your own desensitization remedy concoctions and use it as part of your brain retraining under a controlled protocol.
IF this works for you, you have your answer as to what is happening. The why your system is stuck in sympathetic is a something that must be honed out and resolved.
Some can manage to do a hard set override and gain control of their switch and change their baseline operating system.
There are people who come into the world with their brain already switched to sympathetic and it’s a condition out of the shoot that is developmental. In my opinion only this is autism and adhd etc etc etc.
For others something flips the switch. So many triggers to flip this switch. It’s our threat detection device. If a threat isn’t resolved it stays flipped.
Trauma
Viral
Bacteria
Stress
Emotions
Pain
The mast cells firing set off a cascade to the connective tissues and things develop in the individual such as Parkinson’s Chron’s etc etc etc that then become genetic and passed down such as Lupus, Ehlers Danlos… the gamut of connective tissue disorders and autoimmune conditions that are the underlyer to so many conditions.
There is a reason the new brain stim devices work for Parkinson’s. A chemical exposure has reset the operating system to threat and unpacking the Neurological programming to give those symptoms. The brain stim device surgically implanted and operated with a battery pack is constantly resetting the switch from its baseline of sympathetic to parasympathetic controlling symptoms. The brain retraining programs can sometimes achieve this without a surgically installed device. Some people can do a reset with these programs some seem to not be able to achieve this.
Some may be in a connective tissue destabilized state where the signaling is loose due to structure because of weak tissues and tendons and supports such as cranial instability keeping the threat response active all the time.
Truly if doctors would just accept and recognize this dynamic some simple trails and then diagnostics to identify the underlying conditions contributing to the flipped switch then well maybe a lot of suffering and gaslighting could end.
Even in that old good book this remedy this fix is suggested it’s nothing new…. drink “a little wine not water” to settle the gut. Many Christian advocates of drinking alcoholic wine point to a verse in 1 Timothy. Paul says, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Tim 5:23).
Thanks for doing this!!!!!!
Was he vaccinated for covid prior to infection? It seems that vaccinated folk can recover within 6 to 12 months from LC but unvaccinated people, especially if you got the initial strain in 2020 have a lot more trouble recovering. The outcomes are rather different and hence I think the underlying issues are different. I was infected Feb 2020
That's not correct more who are vaccinated have ling covid I already had fybromyalgia made my symptoms.no diffarant unvaccinated went in 5 days maybe it was because all vitamins I take
Absolute bollocks. I have long covid and I was vaccinated. People like the OP are just spewing propaganda from the PR departments of these pharmaceutical companies that obviously have a stake in you believing this. The reality is that v’s were launched into the population that did not get the thorough vetting they would typically receive, they were promoted by governments and media whose news shows were often sponsored by these pharmaceutical companies based on promises such as that they would prevent transmission that we now know to be lies that they spewed based on zero research.
I agree. I got sick early Mars 2020 and am still very sick. Wish I had the vaccine prior to getting sick.
@@jipa3883 not for me I already had fybromyalgia CFS unvaccinated got over it 3 days illness just same
Has anyone figured out why alcohol makes us feel better or almost normal? It’s baffling to me
Alcohol relaxed the nervous system but it is a highly addictive drug & destroys the liver & other systems in the body. That is why it is also called spirits - evil spirits because it often makes people think & do stupid things.
Maybe it has some calming effects on the brain and/or the peripheral nervous system
Realan, everyone explains when the got covid, but the only problem with your show is you never ask or your guests share at what point were they vaccinated. Is that to dangerous for you to simply ask that. It would be a big help for people to recognize what there problem are. But I’m sure he took Ivermectin but you can’t say that on here still?
Jeff
I’ve written in several times but never get a response back on this.
Hey Jeff, let me respond to this. I have to admit that the huge majority of ppl with long covid were vaccinated- at least in Germany. However, this could clearly be a selection and perception bias meaning we have overall far more vaccinated individuals and hence more long covid cases with a vaccine (just statistically this makes sense) and moreover, the huge majority has caught covid after their first vaccination.
Nevertheless, it is very relevant to have a look at the similarities between LC and post vac patients. In my rehab I saw many young healthy individuals with severe symptoms - often the same as me like pem, fatigue and pain - and hence there seems to be a pathological pattern/similarity between the infection/vaccine.
Best,
Marcus
@@MarcSen007True, I was vaccinated too and still got long covid. And many did along with me. The OP has been brainwashed by an industry that has been seeking to sell products on us that did not do much.
Yes to creatine! It’s the only supplement that helped me.
Which one and how long? 😊
How much creatine did you have a day? 😊
@@bellatroy8054 5 grams 2 x a day
Qigong is powerful medicine.
Whoa, who is he to claim that other people who have fully recovered have not really recovered? Sorry, taking this one with a big grain of salt.
I related really well with many things that he said. I guess we all come from different places. That’s fine. I appreciate what this channel is doing so much.
Didnt mean it that way. Sorry for the misunderstandings. Didnt want to offend anyone. Was maybe wrongly expressed due to my English.
It does seem that all that claim (who I believe) 100% recovery often preface they don’t return to their pre MECFS lifestyles, I think this is the core of what he was saying not throwing shade on the validity of recovery stories. Simply there is always a predisposition to have a relapse in many individuals.
@@MarcSen007no need to apologise to that sensitive Sally I actually agree with you, people say they’re 100% absolutely fully recovered but when we dig a little deeper you realise if they are truly recovered… they still have to do work to maintain health.
I’ve seen a lot long haul Athletes return to full 100% recovery. It can happen.
Just wanted to say @marcsen007 THANK YOU! I started taking the same creatine as you mentioned along with upping my CoQ10 and my energy levels have now significantly improved. I'm finally hitting a 7/10 some days (on month 17 of long hauling). Hope this good trend continues. :)
I am so happy to hear that.
Do u take kre-alkalyne from efx? How long now?
@@MarcSen007 yes taking that one. It’s been about three weeks now, and I’m noticing my PEM episodes are way shorter or else not happening when they normally would. Especially if I take it before or after walking. And it’s not a placebo effect because I’ve tried so so many other things.
Great news. I will start kre-alk this weekend as well. What dose of Q10 are you on? I take 400mg daily now. I am 3,5 years sick and still in a very bad place :(
@@jipa3883 I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m only taking 200 mg of q10 but at one point it was around 600 mg. I’m on gabapentin now (only 200 mg) and that has really helped a lot, though it was brutal the first week to get used to. Good luck, I know it’s so hard to deal with.
@@artstar4 thank you for answering and for your wishes. I'm considering upping my q10 to 600mg. But will start kre-alk first. May I ask what gabapentin is helping with? Good luck to you too.
Alcohol was and still is a trigger of panicky symptoms for me. Unless it’s a bit of top quality espresso and wine. Goat dairy products have good effects compared to cow. Af for the root cause, I believe there are people who had both covid and anxiety at the same time like myself. It can’t be always one cause. I still want to both thank you for the different perspective and effort to shed light on this condition, however in my opinion in this interview not very hopeful thoughts and words were shared. It might be thoughtful to be careful of how rigidly we express our opinions regarding other people’s full recovery stories❤️🩹 🙏