This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

A light at the end of the tunnel

Posted By BKind

"A light at the end of the tunnel"

About: Community Services / Perth and Kinross Long COVID service

(as a service user),

After a couple of years experiencing constant symptoms of fatigue and suffering from the impact it was having on my life I got my first appointment with the long COVID team.

The waiting time was extremely long I have to confess but past that the support I've been given has been extremely helpful.

I have to thank one particular staff member for the patience, empathy and understanding. They are very knowledgeable and shares very useful information which contributes to the acceptance and "normalising" of the symptoms as well as to find practical ways to cope on a daily basis.

Having one service addressing the issue as one and dealing with all the symptoms rather than being passed onto several services, repeating my story and getting each symptom targeted individually is very helpful, specially for someone who struggles with energy levels.

I also want to highlight the non- judgmental approach and instead a healthy level of compassion.

I'm someone who fears others judgement and that applies to health professionals too. This is also a health condition that not many feel comfortable dealing with or know how to advise about, so I dread everything I have to expose my experiences and always prepare myself for frustration. However, the long COVID service has been key towards my self-acceptance and for me to stand up to my rights and my wellbeing.

I'm very, very thankful and feel extremely safe knowing that this service is available and supporting me throughout this bumpy journey. It has been a light at the end of the tunnel!

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Gail Patel, Team lead physiotherapist, Perth and Kinross Long COVID Service, NHS Tayside 7 months ago
Gail Patel
Team lead physiotherapist, Perth and Kinross Long COVID Service,
NHS Tayside

I'm responsible for providing initial assessment for individuals accessing the Perth and Kinross Long COVID Service. This may include interventions or onward referral to other Allied Health Professionals or third sector organisations to support people to manage their symptoms and recovery.

Submitted on 04/09/2023 at 20:33
Published on Care Opinion on 05/09/2023 at 08:10

picture of Gail Patel

Dear BKind,

Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to send us your story.

I understand how much struggling with fatigue and other long COVID symptoms can take its toll on health and wellbeing so I'm sorry that you had to wait so long to access our service. This can only have added to your frustration when you were already trying to cope with a new illness that healthcare professionals are still learning about, and where information may have been difficult to access.

I'm sorry that past experiences may have led you to fear judgement from healthcare professionals but I am glad to hear that you feel this has not been the case this time, and can perhaps in some small way help restore a little faith for you if you are accessing other services in the future.

I'm pleased to hear that you feel you have been able to access appropriate information and support from our service to help you cope with your symptoms. Long COVID comes with such a mix of symptoms and whilst the same symptoms are often seen commonly in lots of different people, the impact can be very different for each person. Whilst we have to work within the confines of our service, I am passionate about delivering holistic and person-centred care and always try to look at supporting people in a way that works best for each individual and is meaningful to them. It's helpful to know that you feel it has been useful to have support for many different symptoms within one service. We do realise how exhausting it can be to tell your story repeatedly. when you have limited energy.

I do hope that we can continue to support you on your recovery journey, and to empower you to manage the bumpy road that long COVID is in the best way possible.

Again, thank you for using some of your valuable energy to share your story - this means a lot to us.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k