I was one of the lucky ones, I had a mild case of COVID in November 2020. Congestion, loss of smell, sneezing and mild body aches. No fever, etc., and smell came back after 1 week. But, the congestion (not a runny nose or anything) continued for months and months after, and continued chronically until I got my vaccine in May 2021. 

My congestion during that time was relentless, couldn't breath out of my nose 90% of the day, was constantly taking menthol drops and using a Vicks nose inhaler. I had to keep them with me everywhere I went, sort of like my safety net. If I didn't have them, I would be super anxious and probably need a Xanax. My congestion would trigger anxiety EVERDAY, and would have to keep myself from having a panic attack EVERYDAY during this time. Work and normal life was a struggle. I already had generalized anxiety and panic attacks occasionally (a couple PA's per year), but this intensified my anxiety x100. I couldn't even take a walk outside because my nose would be stuffed up, and it would give me anxiety trying to breath when I walked. My throat also felt tight (probably from anxiety). 

Congestion sounds like something minimal, but when it is everyday all day, for some reason it increased my fight or flight response in my body every time, resulting in a panic attack. During those months of congestion, I probably had 20 panic attacks, and a battle with anxiety everyday. My doctor just wanted me to up my Lexapro (was on anywhere between 5mg-10mg during this time). I have come to realize Doctors are not ideal to talk to when it comes to anxiety, they usually have no idea what to tell me other than take more meds. 

I think I was probably somewhat traumatized by just testing positive for COVID after being so careful, then my entire family (parents, grandparents, wife, child, brother, nephew etc.) all got COVID around the same time. We all made it through it luckily, but this was an overwhelming time. Then the congestion for me that followed was debilitating, and people thought I was crazy for it. No one else in my family had any lingering symptoms

But since I got two doses of Moderna, the congestion has been 100% GONE!! It was like a miracle in my eyes, I thought I would never live normally again. My anxiety lifted, and haven't had anxiety for months since then. I can be at work without worrying about having a panic attack, or having to jump in my car and race to the ER or call 911 (which I did probably 5 times between getting COVID and getting the vaccine). I wouldn't wish it on anyone. 

But, now I am starting to notice anxiety creep back in again. If I sneeze, my histamine response makes my nasal passages swell up, bringing me back to the time before I had the vaccine. And it sends me into an anxiety ridden state. But, it subsides after an hour usually. But I am also just dealing with some big life changes right now (buying and selling a home, and we have a 1 year old), so I am thinking the anxiety coming back may have something to do with that. I just know, it is more manageable now. 

If you read this far, thank you for reading, I just needed to vent my experience in writing.