"The support I received has saved my life"

I caught covid in March 2022, at first it felt like flu but after the initial flu like symptoms cleared up, I was left with exhaustion, brain fog, dizziness and difficulty breathing properly. I was off work for 6 months and during that time had lots of support from my GP.  They had tried various things to help with symptoms, I never felt rushed or not listened to but unfortunately nothing seemed to help and I was off work for over 6 months.

By chance after about 5 months I found out about the long covid support clinic through a colleague and the support I had from them basically changed my life. 

I had physio first with Jen who taught me to breath properly again and gave me exercises to deal with dizziness as well and to increase my overall fitness.  I was able to return to work during this support, although had to work from home as I was not able to drive. When the physio completed I was then supported by Fiona an OT, she gave me so much support and lots of techniques to work through after talking me through them step by step.  This has helped me immeasurably. I am back at work full time, still working from home most of the week and still not able to drive to and from work but am also lucky enough to have been directed to Access to Work who provide support to pay towards a taxi to and from work.  The support I have been given has not only helped me to manage symptoms and deal with set backs with long covid.  I also no longer feel guilty for not being able to do what I did before.  Due to covid I had depression and anxiety, this has gone now due to the support. 

The exercises and techniques I was given do take commitment on my part and unless I put the work in, I know I could go backwards.  I am hoping that as time goes on and with a positive attitude and acknowledgment of what I can and can't do, the lingering issues will clear up and more importantly I will get my independence back fully, being able to go where I want, when I want and not rely on others or taxis. 

My only criticism of the service is that there has been a lack of awareness of it, when I asked my GP to refer me they were not aware of it.  3 friends have long covid or have a family member with long covid and their GP also was not aware.   There is a long waiting list for support and like everything with the NHS there are not enough staff or resources available. 

Without the support of the NHS Lanarkshire Long Covid Support team, I know I would no longer be working and would have had to sell my home and would be suffering much worse depression than I had so I don't think it's an exaggeration to say the support I received has saved my life - or the life I have.