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Long COVID and Vein Health: How Jillian is Finding Her Way Back to Life

Imagine feeling like an elephant is sitting on your chest or like a heavy weight is pressing down on you all day.

Jillian Angeline

For Jillian Angeline, this wasn’t just a bad day—it was her life for nearly five years after contracting COVID-19 in 2020. Jillian went from being active and healthy to barely able to walk. After seeing doctors across the United States and trying different treatments, she finally found answers with a skilled interventional radiologist. Listen to her story on the BackTable Podcast.

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to a variety of lingering symptoms that many people experience long after their initial COVID infection. Common symptoms include fatigue, body aches, and brain fog, but for some, it also impacts vein health. When veins aren’t functioning properly, blood can pool and cause pain, heaviness, and swelling in the legs. For Jillian, long COVID led to issues with her veins that made even simple tasks, like standing up or going for a walk, nearly impossible.

Jillian’s Journey to Answers

Jillian tried everything from medication to lifestyle changes. However, it wasn’t until she met Dr. Brooke Spencer, an interventional radiologist, that she understood what was happening in her body. After specialized imaging tests, Jillian was diagnosed with iliac vein compression. This condition blocked blood flow in her leg, causing severe discomfort. Dr. Spencer recommended a stent procedure to open up the vein, allowing blood to flow properly. For the first time, Jillian began to feel real relief.

But her journey didn’t end there. Long COVID had affected multiple veins, so Dr. Spencer performed additional procedures, including vein ablations. These treatments have helped Jillian regain mobility and enjoy simple pleasures, like walking and being out in warm weather, without pain.

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

One of the biggest lessons from Jillian’s story is the power of advocating for yourself. She encountered many doctors who didn’t recognize the connection between her vein issues and long COVID. She refused to give up, insisting on tests and finding specialists who could help her. Jillian’s persistence is a reminder that we know our bodies best and should push for the care we need.

Final Thoughts

Jillian’s story is an inspiring example of hope and resilience. Her journey reminds us that healing can take time, but with the right medical support, better days are possible. Interventional radiologists are paving the way for new treatments for people living with long COVID and vein conditions.

If you or someone you love is struggling with similar symptoms, remember: You’re not alone, and there are options that might help. Don’t give up!

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