In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, our world was irrevocably transformed, with millions grappling not only with the immediate health crisis but also the long-term repercussions of long COVID. Charlotte “Dimples” Foster, a devoted wife, mother and advocate, shares her personal journey through the lingering effects of the virus, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles faced by those still suffering. As a longtime friend of Charlotte, it is this writer’s privilege to share her story and uncover the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for awareness and support in navigating this ongoing challenge.
Wendy Lyons: Are you considered as having long COVID and when was it that you were first diagnosed with COVID?
Charlotte Foster: Well, I assume so because I still have different symptoms that are so unexplainable. It was in the middle of July. I’m not sure of the exact date in 2020-2021. I don’t know whether it’s part of menopause or what, but I experience a lot of brain fog, and I still have the trach. I guess that’s the major thing because I’ve done my best to overcome the physical challenges. Right now, I’m still trying to deal with the mental and emotional aspects of it. My spouse and I were conversing the other day about things I remember from when I was in the coma. She was kind of shocked because the things I was telling her that I thought were part of a dream were actually reality. I was somewhat coherent.
WL: How long were you in the hospital?
CF: I went in for a breathing treatment in the middle of July, and I think I actually came home on October 13th, 2021.
WL: I remember we had a group chat going, praying and loving on you and your spouse Angie, and just being very supportive.
CF: Those prayers really meant a lot to me. It was heartwarming to see people come in and tell me how grateful they were to see me still here; not just here, but choosing to live and not be defeated by my circumstances, which is inspiring.
WL: How has living with long COVID affected your daily routine and overall life?
CF: Oh yes, every day. Because of the trach, it’s challenging. With the brain fog, sometimes it’s hard for me to concentrate. They told me I would have scar tissue in my lungs for the rest of my life, so I get very winded. With the trach, I was advised not to raise my arms or bend over because I could strangle myself. However, I developed methods to manage. I didn’t want to wait for someone to pick things up for me or reach for something, so I found ways to be self-sufficient. It was important for me to regain my independence because I felt I relied too much on Angie when I first came home.
WL: What was the rehabilitation process like for you?
CF: I actually left the hospital and was sent to rehab in Greensboro. It was a horrible experience for me, mentally and emotionally. I had to wait daily for Angie to drive that distance just to see me. Not everyone in healthcare is caring or compassionate, and I experienced a lot of that during my time there. I had to rely heavily on prayers, and God sent me angels to look out for me.
WL: Did you have to go through speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy?
CF: Yes, I had to do it all. When I woke up, I couldn’t speak, walk, or even do essential things. My physical therapist was tough on me, but I needed that. I had to learn everything all over again, even how to eat.
WL: How critical has your support system been during this time?
CF: Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the woman I married. Angie stood by me when things weren’t okay with her. She had her own issues at work, and then I got sick. She put aside her struggles to take care of me. I don’t know how I would have made it without her.
WL: Some marital vows include “in sickness and in health.” You and Angie are the epitome of living and remaining together as a solid union in sickness and in health. You mentioned you were in a coma. Can you tell me more about that?
CF: Yes, I was in a coma from July to September. I woke up with a high fever and pneumonia. It was a scary time, and I couldn’t talk or walk initially.
WL: How has your relationship with Angie evolved through all of this?
Charlotte: We’ve been married for 18 years and together for 25 years come May 2025. The experience definitely tested our relationship. I realized the depth of her love and support, which helped me trust her more, especially with my past trust issues. Thank God I have a voice, and I want to be allowed to try and take charge of my recovery. It was tough for Angie to let go, and that was especially evident when I went back to Jersey for a while. It was a challenge for me to regain my independence, and I fought hard to do so, even to the point where Angie might have felt like I didn’t need her anymore. I take pride in my efforts, and I didn’t want to succumb to my limitations. While I recognize that I have certain restrictions, I still strive to rise above them as best as I can. Some days are harder than others, and I do struggle mentally, but overall, I push through. My rehabilitation process was significant for me, and it involved a lot of hard work.
WL: How do you manage your mental health throughout this process?
CF: Lots of prayer and keeping positive things around me, like books. I want my mind, body, and spirit to align. Menopause adds another layer of challenges, but I try to stay focused. I love to dance and House Music. It’s therapeutic for me. Angie played it in my room during my recovery, and I also received uplifting tracks from some wonderful DJ friends. The music helped drown out the bothersome noise of the machines that haunted me while I lay there unable to talk or connect with anyone. I’m truly grateful for the power of prayer and music, which kept me going during tough moments when I felt like breaking down.
WL: Have you encountered any challenges in accessing healthcare services as a long-term COVID patient?
CF: So far, no. I still see my ENT doctor because of the trach, but otherwise, I have been released from other medical care. I also participate in two support groups, which is so helpful to me.
WL: What do you do to keep yourself active? Any hobbies or other points of interest?
CF: I have so many that it’s becoming overwhelming. Because of my illness, I am on disability and with all this time, I create projects. However I don’t always see it through so I’m having difficulty trying to put things in perspective. I’m the type of person, when I talk to you and you have an issue, I easily make your issue my issue. It becomes a distraction from what I should be doing. I should be concentrating on myself but I’m so busy trying to help someone out of their situation. I have a few people that I care deeply for that [are]going through health issues and it has become a concern of mine.
WL: How do you think being part of the LGBTQ+ community influences your experience with long COVID compared to others who may not share that identity?
CF: For me I knew Angie was someone that I loved and wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I don’t even look at us as a same-sex couple but two people who fell in love. We were actually good friends first and didn’t expect this to come about, but it [did].
WL: What message would you like to convey to others in the LGBTQ+ community or anyone who might be struggling with long COVID or similar health challenges?
CF: Research as much as you can on your own. Trust in a higher power and don’t give in to negativity. My faith has gotten me through some of the darkest days. Remember that trouble [doesn’t] always last!
Keep your eyes peeled for Charlotte at local house music events. Don’t be surprised to find her dancing and playing her cowbell.