"Long COVID does not have to be a life sentence. Recovery is possible." When Ryan Patterson first learned about the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt uncertain and frightened, just like most of the world. What was this mystery virus? What would happen if he got sick? Luckily, he heard reports that most of the people infected had a preexisting condition, which didn't apply to him-or so he thought. At the time, Ryan had no idea the long and windy road his COVID-19 infection was about to send him on. While many recovered quickly from their COVID-19 infections, it is estimated that more than 400 million people have experienced Long COVID. Ryan was one of those people. Long COVID turned his life upside down, leaving him physically and emotionally broken. He went from doctor to doctor, looking for answers, but no one could tell him what was happening to him. He started to lose hope. But with a wife and young son who loved him, he refused to give in to this disease. This new resolve began his search for answers, taking him from research into what might cause Long COVID to potential treatments for his symptoms. By taking ownership of his recovery, Ryan eventually made it to a place of healing. The Long Road is not just one man's account of his battle with Long COVID; it is a guide for those still struggling on their own road to recovery. By telling his story and providing detailed summaries of his experiences with various treatments, Ryan offers Long COVID patients, seemingly forgotten, tools for hope and healing.
