I'm a teacher with long covid

[Trumpsbigtoe]

And I'm suffering. I cough. My chest stabs. I'm in pain.

I bought a peak flow monitor (I don't have asthma and never have) and I have the ratings of an elderly lady. I've never smoked. I never get a cough. I have to keep lying to the dr and saying I have a 'teacher's cough' because otherwise they will assume I have covid and refuse to deal with me.

I can't take a full lung inhalation unless I really really force myself. Plus I have all the other symptoms like daily headaches, phantom smells, fatigue. Oh, and I forgot that my heart races too for seemingly no reason. Basically I just want to go home to bed. #

When I'm not teachings, it's bearable. I can manage. I can exercise, function etc. But the constant voice projection is knackering.

I could go off sick. I want to. But seeing as I have only a theoretical illness with clear chest x-rays, who would believe me? Is it really possible to just go the the doc and get signed of for "nothing"?

What do I do?

Umm speak to the medics get some treatment and advice and get signed off work if you are too ill to work.

You are making this into a "thing" and it isnt you are ill

Exactly how I am a few months on. I too have clear chest and lung x rays. I was referred for lung/breathing physio and am on the waiting list. My employer has agreed I can work mornings only as I'm very fatigued also.

OP, I can’t imagine how you can possibly function as a teacher with long Covid - that is heroic!
I’m retired, and am seven months into long Covid, after being hospitalised in the spring. I’ve only just managed to mow my own lawn, and (slowly) climbed my first hill after six months.
GPs are aware of long Covid, and the NHS is setting up clinics nationwide to deal with it, employing physiotherapists, OTs, respiratory physicians etc. My own area lets you self refer to the clinic without even seeing your GP.
Please go and get signed off. You need rest and convalescence, with gradual exercise, or you will simply delay your recovery. And you will probably need a phased, part time return to work when you eventually are fit enough.
I, and other patients I know, have begun to get better at around the six month mark, after a relapsing/remitting course of illness. I hope you also see some light in the tunnel soon.

What kind of exercise do you do? I guess very moderate? I'm puzzled why exercise is easy enough but speaking is difficult.

@JoeBidenIsGreat
I would be okay on a few mile walk. Or 20 mins on the cross trainer. I would probably struggle to go for a run. But all of that is neither here nor there because it's not compared to 'speaking'. Teachers don't speak. We project. That's not the same as shouting; it's more like the type of belting out that Adele might do. It takes it's toll.

But, yes, you're right. I wonder if I might be malingering. How ill does one have to be? I genuinely don't know.

How long is it?
I started feeling better jul i think after being ill apr

Could you get a headset?
I was struggling reading my youngest a bedtime story

Buy a voice amplifier OP. Also, this sounds simplistic, but what is your current level of vitamin D?

Hi OP
The poor reading on the peak flow monitor and the racing heart itself are confirmation that it’s not just a “theoretical” condition you are suffering from.
That in itself is enough to get you a sick note. If I was in your situation I would speak to your GP and take some time to heal and recover. Forcing your body back to work when you are obviously exhausted is just going to prolong the long covid symptoms.

You are making this into a "thing" and it isnt you are ill

I think this is a 'thing' as if you're a teacher and not CEV, you are expected to work without any adjustments. It seems there are no grey areas in teaching at the moment. Either you are CEV or you are not and have to be in work full time. Schools won't be able to function if staff other than the CEV are off as well, so I understand your dilemma. However, you'll need to get signed off. Please see your GP and take time to get properly better. School will have to make arrangements for cover. Don't worry.

I thought there were special departments being set up for help and study for long covid?

Sounds horrible.

It is on gov.uk site so find the link and perhaps speak to your GP ?

They might sign you off if research is finding you need more time to recover ?

Covid is hardly an unknown disease for most GP's . If you are too sick to work speak to your doctor and take sick leave !

@Trumpsbigtoe

And I'm suffering. I cough. My chest stabs. I'm in pain.

I bought a peak flow monitor (I don't have asthma and never have) and I have the ratings of an elderly lady. I've never smoked. I never get a cough. I have to keep lying to the dr and saying I have a 'teacher's cough' because otherwise they will assume I have covid and refuse to deal with me.

I can't take a full lung inhalation unless I really really force myself. Plus I have all the other symptoms like daily headaches, phantom smells, fatigue. Oh, and I forgot that my heart races too for seemingly no reason. Basically I just want to go home to bed. #

When I'm not teachings, it's bearable. I can manage. I can exercise, function etc. But the constant voice projection is knackering.

I could go off sick. I want to. But seeing as I have only a theoretical illness with clear chest x-rays, who would believe me? Is it really possible to just go the the doc and get signed of for "nothing"?

What do I do?

Call your doctor and get a advice and a note, you need time to recover. Teaching is not the job to do alongside recovery. Take care xx