Episode Details
Back to EpisodesA Child Life Specialist's Search for Answers: A Long COVID Diagnosis (243)
Description
"If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. Keep asking questions. You know your child better than anyone."-Jessica Baird, CCLS
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsor for this episode, Gebauer PainEase®. We are pleased to provide more information about this product, and we invite you to learn more by visiting their website.
What do you do when doctors keep telling you nothing is wrong—but your child is in pain every single day? For Jessica, a child life specialist and mom, that answer was simple: keep pushing until someone listens.
In this powerful conversation, Katie sits down with Jessica to talk about the emotional, and eye-opening journey she went through to get answers for her daughter. What started as mild COVID symptoms quickly turned into persistent leg pain, countless doctor visits, dismissals, and dead ends—until finally, they got the diagnosis: long COVID.
Katie and Jessica dive into what it feels like when medical professionals dismiss your concerns, how to find the right doctors who will listen, and why trusting your instincts as a parent is everything. They also talk about how long COVID is still misunderstood, especially in kids, and what families can do if they suspect their child is affected.
What You'll Take Away from This Episode:💡 Your intuition is your superpower – If you feel something isn't right, don't back down.
💡 Not all doctors get it right the first time – Second (and third) opinions can make all the difference.
💡 Long COVID in kids is real – But many medical professionals still don't recognize it.
💡 You're not alone – There are resources, specialists, and support groups out there to help.
Links & Resources:
🔗 Connect with Jessica
Listen to Jessica's episode with Katie where they talk about Child Life in the ER.
Long Covid Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode
- Cleveland Clinic-"What to know about Long COVID in Kids"
- Nationwide Children's-"Practical Reccomendations for Long COVID in Children"
- Long Covid Kids Organization
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