Is anyone else now using a wheelchair or other mobility aid after Covid? I’m struggling to adjust

[HappyBinosaur]

I’ve been left with some challenging health issues after Covid which affect my mobility. I am a teacher and pre Covid was really fit and active.
In order to work (still on a phased return) and actually be able to go places with family and friends I am using a scooter or wheelchair.
In a way it’s been really good for my mental health as I’ve been on holiday, shopping, walked the dog etc but also I’m really sad that my life has changed so much. I’ve realised how inaccessible places are for wheels and also I’ve found people stare at me which makes me even more self conscious.
Some of my symptoms may improve but others unfortunately might be long term. Is anyone else in a similar position, not necessarily through LC but developing a disability or chronic illness very quickly?

Me!
I have been left with a few lovely conditions after Covid and am getting away with just using a walking stick (or using the pushchair) for support at the moment, but as things seems to be deteriorating I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to carry on like that.
It seems crazy to think how much has changed for me in the last 6 months- I was running around after my 3 year old, going for lots of walks and just having a “normal” life. Now I have to plan everything around these new disabilities and it’s pissing me off! I’ve also had to give up driving as a result of it all, so with limited walking I’ve been stuck at home a lot.
I haven’t been able to go back to work yet (and pretty sure they are looking to get rid of me as they can’t make the adjustments I would need to be able to return) and am just generally feeling as if I’m a bit of a liability rather than a productive member of society.

So sorry to hear that. I hated the thought of getting electric wheels but it has given me some freedom back which has helped my mental health. I’ve never been depressed before but losing my mobility so quickly really took me to a dark place.
Do you have good support, physically and mentally?
I found that booking things to do with my family that were ‘Long Covid friendly’ helped me feel less isolated. The cinema is good as I can stay sat down.

I am fortunate that I can still drive although the fatigue means I can’t drive as much as before.
I’ve developed POTS and asthma with Long Covid and the heart problems are the most debilitating as I can’t really stand up or walk so am trying to work/ live mostly sat down.

I really hope things improve for you. Has your doctor tried different medications? I have never regularly taken medication before but I’ve tried quite a few for LC and POTS with varying effectiveness.

I’ve also developed POTS - I’m on medication for it, but still fainting a couple of times a week, which means I can’t drive until I’ve been assessed.
I’ve had some really good support but it is so frustrating not being able to stand/ walk. In addition to the POTS I’ve developed neuropathy in my feet, so I walk like I’m drunk most of the time! I never used to enjoy shopping but now I would kill for the chance to potter around the shops.
I suspect at some point in the not to distant future I will look at getting some more help with getting around. Can I ask what sort of scooter you have?
It hasn’t helped that I was turned down for a Blue Badge which would really help. I’m in the process of re-applying and hoping that this time I’ll be successful.

It's shocking how many people have been severely affected/ disabled by this horrid disease. I'm a benefits advisor and had quite a few clients severely affected and needing to apply for disability benefits.

I do not have such health problems, but my sister has, and her worries just like yours. I try to show her that she has a full life even in a wheelchair - we go shopping, to the cinema - just like in good old days. You need to understand, that it helps you to move and keeps your powers for something more important. And do not pay attention at staring people - they see just beautiful girl and cannot stop watching

Not after covid as i have thankfully managed to avoid that but i suddenly became lacking in mobility after an assault when i was a teenager and although it didnt affect my legs to begin with, when it did start to impact them and i had to start using mobility aids, it was a huge adjustment for me. Theres a period of grieving for the life you had the life you thought you would have in the future. then you get the anger, you know, why me, what did i do, how could this have happened and so on. Im ten years down the line now and i just accept it as my normal now. Hopefully with the studies going on to treat the after effects of covid, there is hope that those suffering from it wont be left disabled forever

Sorry to read of the issues you are experiencing. Hope things improve.