About Me
Hi! I’m Lily Spechler
Registered Dietitian, Fellow Long Hauler, and expert in post-viral recovery
The Long COVID struggle is real- I know because I’ve been there! For two years following a “mild” COVID-19 infection, my health continuously declined, and I was left completely empty handed by my medical team. Finally, after years of being told it was just anxiety, I uncovered the truth and was officially diagnosed with post-COVID POTS, a form of dysautonomia.
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Even after my diagnosis, I was left to my own devices without a clear roadmap of where to go. My doctor told me to increase salt and water, and that was it. But I knew there was more to learn. Using my rigorous 5+ year education to become a Registered Dietitian as a backbone, my body intuition as a trauma-informed Registered Yoga Teacher, and my detective skills as a former journalist for Good Morning America I scoured the literature for insights from illnesses that came before. And I devised a plan.
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In a matter of months, I flipped the script on my illness. 5 months into my rehab journey, I no longer met POTS criteria. I finally felt like I had control over my health, and as my vitality returned, so did my sense of adventure. I returned to activities that I love, like extended bike trips, backpacking, music festivals and backcountry skiing. I knew from that point on, I had to dedicate my work to fellow Long Haulers. I believe no one should be left without a roadmap the way that I was– especially since studies show Long COVID is more intrusive to daily life than COPD and metastatic cancer.
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My love of science and respect for the Nutrition Care Process means we will never do anything that isn’t evidence based, PERIOD. It also means you are the center of your healing journey, and I will tailor my advice to YOU, not the other way around.
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I live in Vermont with a poorly behaved pug named Sula and my fiance/best friend of 10 years. Hobbies include being an aspiring DJ, growing microgreens and playing outside. I can’t wait to work with you!