DIAGNOSED WITH LONG COVID-19

geek84

Hi Folks

My doctor has determined that I suffer from long covid.

I am over 50 years of age and first tested positive in February this year, although I didn't go to hospital.

I had my 2 injections in March and May and on both occasions had to take time off work because I was not well - dizziness, issues with memory and concentration, tiredness, and sleepless nights. I still suffer from those symptoms every now and again.

My doctor has now referred me to a post Covid clinic for which I am waiting for an appointment.

Some days I feel fine and other days I feel exhausted, lack of energy, sleepless night, concentration issues and forgetfulness. When this happens I usually have to ring my manager at work to let him know I'm not well enough to come to work. I am beginning to think that I may loose my job due to this.

Is anyone else going through the same experience as myself?

Thanks

MalMonroe

Hi, 

The mse forum rules state "However well-intentioned, avoid seeking and/or offering medical advice, as it could result in unwanted consequences for all concerned."

So we can't help you with anything to do with any medical problems but you might want to look at the info in this link from Acas -

https://www.acas.org.uk/long-covid

It's about Sickness and Absence because of Long Covid. I hope it's helpful.

But as for anything else to do with medical issues - well, I once made brief mention of something on here and was suspended for two weeks. So am very cautious now.

icefall

There are some good long covid Facebook groups, lots are American but there are a couple of UK ones they are great for seeing how other people cope, and feeling less alone. Wish you the best x

[Deleted User]

Try Foggy Friends. It's for CFS/ME, and long COVID seems to be related. You will find sympathetic and helpful people there.

TBagpuss

I'm sorry to hear you're still suffering. 

If you aren't already signed up for the ZOE study app it might be worth doing so - they are researching all aspects of Covid and the government seems to take their findings into account, so more sharing your symptoms etc may help those working on ways to treat long covid. 

They also offer regular updates and webinars to share information which you may find useful

KxMx

Check out The ME Association. 
Many overlaps with Long Covid and lots of applicable advice. 

greenbee

I have long Covid, following initial infection in March 2020. Depending on where you are your long Covid clinic may provide support and advice as well as all the medical tests, advice and treatment. 

Zoe has a webinar coming up in Living with Long Covid. The Long Covid Support Group on FB is good, but can be quite scary for the newly diagnosed - there are a lot of people still very ill.

I have worked throughout, but am home based with flexible hours and an understanding boss. If it takes me 4 hours to get out of bed in the morning, I do what I can from bed - or sleep if I can’t wake up - I rarely book meetings before midday. If I can’t shower, my video is off. 

In addition to all the hospital appointments and tests, the best support I have is from the chronic fatigue service as I have severe post-exertion malaise (with complete exercise intolerance). They’ve been helpful with pacing and working out priorities and how to cope with the lack of energy. 

Personally I’m struggling to come to terms with not exercising (haven’t done any since Feb this year) and being pretty much housebound (I only go out for appointments), but with limited energy am prioritising being able to work and pay the bills. If you get the ‘working full time isn’t ideal’ response, you need to remind them that not being able to pay for a roof over your head would be even less ideal, and then they should focus the support in helping you keep in work.

Since stopping exercise and reducing activity to pretty much zero, my brain fog is gone and work is easier. Energy levels are also better if I stick to a routine and a low-carb, high plant diet with time restricted eating, I also find a bath before bed helps with sleep and am finally off all sleep aids and sleeping (mostly) better than when I took them. 

Hopefully your boss/HR dept are getting advice on how to deal LC. My HR have asked me for input, and help in putting support in place as they’re starting to see other people returning to work and struggling to recover.

[Deleted User]

I would say put your health first and get loads of support as there must be many emotions involved in all this , it sounds like it may be a long journey to recovery and yet most journeys in life are not quick but very gradual and especially a full recovery it takes even many years for the body and mind to fully heal and recover x