Post Covid Symptoms

[ArtyH]

Hello,

Has anyone had the latest strain of Covid? I’m on week 5. I was hospitalised for a few days after the first week. All tests fine, thankfully, but I’m experiencing a lot of post viral symptoms. I went out yesterday with the children and it felt so good to do ‘mum’ things again. Today I’m floored with every symptom under the sun (fatigued, sinus headache, dizziness, nausea etc). I’m supposed to be back at work next week (full time) but I’m really worried. I’m the main breadwinner and I’ve used my sick pay up. Can I request flexible working (from home)? Do I need a note from the GP to do this? I ran a 10k to raise money for charity before all this happened!

Do what you can to avoid pushing through. I'm 2 1/2 years in with long covid. There are so many people who pushed through (including me) who ended up worse as a result. Good luck.

Thank you @atownnamedalice I’ve just been told I have long Covid also. I hope that things improve for you. It’s surprising how many people think Covid isn’t a ‘thing’ anymore.

Another long covid bod here. What you described, the exacerbation of your symptoms after doing something, sounds like 'post exertional malaise' which I'm unfortunately very familiar with. Pacing yourself, and continually doing much less than you feel able to use unfortunately the way to avoid/minimise it.

GP can give you a fit note for adjustments (reduced hours, work from home, amended duties sort of thing). I was referred by my manager to occupational health and they agreed with GP/long covid clinic recommendations and I've had a long phased return. Also had the option of varying my contract on a temporary basis so I could reduce hours (obvs has an impact on pay/annual leave).

Are you being referred to a long covid clinic at all? They have been massively helpful to me.

That's unusual @ArtyH. Usually long Covid isn't diagnosed until 12+ weeks after the infection. You wrote in your first post that this is week 5 for you so there should still be plenty of hope that you will fully recover and it isn't long Covid (yet). Just try to rest as much as you can.

I've had long Covid for 3.5 years now. It's pretty much ruined changed my life. I still struggle and I had the latest variant of Covid 5 weeks ago and that has set me back more (whereas 2 other instances of Covid didn't). But I try to be optimistic as I've improved significantly over the 3.5 years so hoping I will improve again and this is yet another Covid lesson in being patient (not a virtue of mine at the best of times). The NHS were useless for me but I found a private cardiologist who specialises in long Covid and he has helped me massively. Although I will probably be paying the medical bills back for the rest of my life!

Prior to Covid, I was at CrossFit every day and worked in a high pressure, long hours role in Financial Services. I will never get back to being that person and have (reluctantly) learnt to accept this current unfit and permanently exhausted version of me.

@HundredMilesAnHour yes I was surprised as well but as you say it’s very early days compared to most. It’s the breathlessness that doesn’t seem to be getting better!

I also had the latest Covid strain which hit a lot harder…I’m hearing this from other people too.

I do hope things continue to get better for you and that you can get back to a more active life again x

Another long hauler here (30 March 2020 was my last 'well' day).

I got referred to OH who recommended WFH and I'm lucky to have a great manager who lets me take regular breaks during the day when I'm tired. It's definitely worth asking for flexible working, because you don't want to overdo things and you need to pace yourself.

@HundredMilesAnHour - yours is a very similar experience to mine. I used to go to gym after work every week day, would go jogging in my lunch breaks and LC has pretty much ruined my life. I'm fortunate to have an amazing DP who was practically my carer for the first two years.

The NHS was useless for me too - I've had so many tests and zero answers, I given up on Drs now. It seems there's a massive gap between LC research and the knowledge of Drs and practitioners. I'm pleased you've found a good cardiologist.

I had the latest variant four weeks ago and like you, it's really set me back.

I have to admit your post made me cry, I really struggle to accept this post-Covid version of myself - now hugely overweight, unfit and constantly tired.

Sending you big hugs @McBuckers !! It really bloody sucks.

If anyone wants the details of my cardiologist (he's in London), don't hesitate to PM me. He was amazing. As part of the many tests I had, he referred me to Harley St for autonomic function tests (which confirmed that Covid has affected my autonomic nervous system) and the fascinating (and lovely) scientist who did the tests was actually the scientist who first discovered that Covid could present as a cold (he was apparently raising it for months before it became public). Cost me a lot of money (I had to get bank loans) but I learnt so much and at least I have evidence that long Covid really is impacting me rather than being in my head (as some people make you feel!)

Thanks @HundredMilesAnHour - sending hugs right back🤗.

Validation of Long Covid is so important. My ExH just thinks I suddenly became 'lazy' in 2020. 🙄

@MassiveOvaryaction thank you for your advice - it’s given me some confidence to ask for what I need. Also, just looked at post exertional malaise - yep recognise those symptoms!

I haven’t been referred to a clinic yet as I think it might be too early but I don’t think this is going anywhere soon.

I hope things continue to get better for you x