"Incredible work of those in the long covid clinics"

I became ill with covid in 2021. I was hospitalised with covid pneumonia . On release from hospital I felt left to my own devices . There was limited rehab. I left hospital with damaged lungs. I then noticed other symptoms. My voice went. It was croaky and stuck on one note. It had no power. I had chronic fatigue. I had difficulty walking as I had issues with my joints. My hearing was also affected . I had difficulty locating sounds and hypersensitivity . For a year I felt at a loss.  I got a diagnosis of long covid .  I felt very alone. There were no support groups . I lost contact with my work . I had become a hermit . I was scared of going outside in case I caught covid again .  I was unable to play with my young children . Most of the day daddy slept . Short tempered due to sound triggers . There seemed little hope and at times I questioned the point of carrying on . I could see no route out . 

Then long covid clinics opened . On the back of my first meeting with Jen I  was given six referrals . One by one I was being seen by healthcare professionals.

My difficulty walking was due to issues with my tendons . That was first to get fixed . I then started voice therapy with Moira . I had been a trained actor but I didn’t know how to fix a damaged voice . Week by week I could hear my voice slowly return until I no longer needed any sessions . It was incredible as I thought I’d lost my voice forever . 

Online group long covid sessions were set up but they weren’t for me . Many of the participants had given up . I’d decided I was going to fight . 

I began to get lung and heart scans . The long awaited MRI and CAT scans were happening . My lungs were damaged. Scar tissue.  

I then began to get specialist respiratory rehab . One of the issues identified was that my ribs weren’t working properly as I was breathing . I began physio for this which made a real difference. 

In the last year I stared occupational therapy with Fiona . When I first started I thought I’d never be able to work again and thought the seasons would be pointless . Fiona gave me belief . I had sessions where I was down and defeated but she gave me strategies to help . I then had the fight with my employer to get back to work . I was now disabled and would need additional support . Fiona helped me traverse that horrible maze where again it can be easy to give up .  I’ve been back working for over a month now . I’m starting part time initially .  

Were it not for Jen , Moira and Fiona then I’m not sure I’d still be here . I was so low and had given up . The long Covid clinic was the key to everything for me .  I’m still not the man I was three years ago physically but mentally I am tough . I have been equipped with strategies and exercises to help navigate life as someone with long covid . It’s a new condition and we are still learning . It is vital the incredible work of those in the long covid clinics is recognised . It is no understatement to say it saved my life . For that I will be forever thankful . I could be a father again to my children , a husband , a brother , a friend and a son . I’d lost all those things . Thank you .