Post COVID relapse

[MrsT1704]

I had Covid the end of November and returned back to work mid December. I struggled in work initially but gradually felt better and started to get into my exercise routine again.

Around approximately five weeks post Covid I felt much better and was exercising and then two weeks later I felt I had relapsed.

I am currently struggling to go up/down stairs, climb hills and to exercise as I feel I haven’t got the lung capacity (I can do it ok at first but after a few timesI find myself struggling) I also experience really bad limb pains! Mostly in my legs and arms but generally all over! Does anyone else have any experience of a relapse after feeling they had recovered? I’m unsure if it’s a relapse or general stress from my job!

Helpful bump.

Sounds post COVID to me. And I've hear quite a lot of people on the long COVID forums describe exactly the same pattern. You've overdone it and need to rest. If that doesn't help you may need to get a lung MRI.

As someone with a chronic condition, I'd say you need to get good at listening to your body and pacing yourself. Pacing is the opposite of pushing through and resting later. Pacing is doing a little less than you think you can manage, stop at the first sign you may be getting tired. As time goes on, you're able to do more and more.

It does sound like a relapse and is often linked to doing too much exercise (anecdotally). You need to rest and take this seriously or you could suffer longer ill effects.

Thanks all. I spoke to my doctor this week who told me I need to push through the exercise as I will feel better! I personally thought it was a load of rubbish as even a little exercise means I pay for it for days afterwards.

I’m currently working in a busy acute hospital so taking it easy had been difficult and I’m struggling to do my job! So I may have to consider some time off. Lots to think about.

You need a different GP and a sensible conversation about long covid. If it improves, all good. If it doesn't - you want a prompt referral.

Hope things progress well for you

You are already around the twelve week point so could get referred soon.

And yes time off work might help.

That is terrible advice from your GP, truly terrible. You need to learn about CFS and post viral syndrome and start pacing yourself as a PP has said.

Awful advice from your GP. Pacing is the way to go. Have a read up on spoons theory. You may need to reduce your hours at work too if you are doing long shifts/nights.

I agree it’s terrible advice from the GP. I was so shocked but also felt so deflated and exhausted at that I couldn’t find the energy to challenge her. Also I felt it ultimately wouldn’t change her opinion. She wasn’t very empathetic.

I am aware of pacing, energy conservation and the spoons theory. I am an Occupational therapists and I have been working with lost of people post COVID so is part of my advice for them. Unfortunately work is manic and lots of heavy manual handling means it difficult to pace myself in work. I also have a challenging family life with a child who has challenging behaviours so when I’m home it’s difficult to get some down time but I try to fit it in as much as I can. I’m going to have a good think about the best way to move forward to ensure I can recover

Have you had your vaccine yet? I read something the other day to the effect that people with long Covid are feeling suddenly much better after the jab. Not that you can change when you are due to have the jab, but maybe that is some comfort. Hope you feel better soon.

What kind of exercise? I would just go back to a brisk walk every other day and if that is too much every 2 days. Build up slowly. Possibly some breathing exercises.

You are over doing it and the advice from your GP is totally against the Long Covid guidance. Will post some links that might help below.

You might be able to use some of these to help with the GP.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng188/chapter/common-symptoms-of-ongoing-symptomatic-covid-19-and-post-covid-19-syndrome

The new CFS/ME guidelines and the Long Covid guidelines do not encourage the use of graded exercise therapy.

Info:

www.physiosforme.com/pvfs

(Royal Society of Medicine - long covid mentioned at about 40 mins in).

Horizon - Coronavirus 2021 special: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000slmx (Long Covid mentioned from about 40 minutes in).

meassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/MEA-Covid-19-MECFS-Post-Covid-Fatigue-Syndromes-and-Management-November-2020.pdf

www.rcot.co.uk/how-manage-post-viral-fatigue-after-covid-19-0

Do you have access to a Long Covid clinic via Occupational Health as it sounds like you may need to reduce your working hours temporarily if the activity is that intense and work back up when better. They will have seen this before with staff recovering from Covid, coming back and then having to go back off again.

It is not easy when you have a demanding life at home, but your family needs come first before work. You are no good to anyone if you are too unwell to cope.

@Spodge that's really interesting. I had COVID for the second time at Christmas (mildly this time thank God) and it really helped some of my long COVID symptoms.