"I was at last believed and had the support I needed"

 It is 2 years this week since I became ill with Covid. I had to wait over a year to get an appointment with the Long Covid clinic. I felt completely abandoned by the NHS services. It was a shock to realise that the only person who was actually bothered about my health was me.

Although the GPs were very  nice it was clear that they could do nothing for me. I saw a GP in March 2022, was referred for blood test and a chest x ray. All tests came back fine and I was given the details of the Long Covid clinic. It was clear to me that something was very wrong and I was not making progress. I next spoke to a GP in November 2022 when I thought I had better speak to someone as my employer was somewhat perplexed that fit for work notes were just being issued without any one to one contact with a GP. Again the GP was very nice but said I knew more than they did and I was referred for more tests which again came back as being OK. It was an absolute struggle to get Long Covid on my Fit for work note, but so essential in terms of the work place requirements.

I had to refer myself to the Long Covid clinic and was devastated to be told there was over a 12 month waiting list. Before contracting Covid I had been really fit and suddenly I could barely walk any distance without my legs failing to carry me, as well as having a host of other debilitating symptoms including my ability to process information . My poor brain. It was extremely frightening, and I felt very alone. Even my closest family members and some colleagues didn't believe me. Why on earth they would think I would choose to sit down or lie down most of the day after previously being able to cycle huge distances is something I will never get to grips with. It still upsets me.

The Long Covid clinic was a lifeline. Prior to attending I had over a year to do my own research and help myself as much as I could. I had a good knowledge of yoga and although I could literally just sit on my mat at first, this  gave me routine and kept my spirits up becoming very therapeutic. Gail at the clinic was able to give me further advice and the support I so much needed. She also arranged other services that could support my recovery and help me adjust and made me feel it was alright to ask for help. I did experience a lot of kindness and understanding.

 Having someone to talk to and who listened to me was invaluable. I was at last believed and had the support I needed. Gail has so much knowledge and I have taken on board everything she suggested. It is down to her that I have got as far as I have now.  I have lost many 'friends' and have been forced to leave my 30 year career and retire early but I am improving and I am in a position to start re building a very different life. Last week I managed to take myself to a yoga class, driving there, walking to the venue, crossing roads , going up a spiral stair case, completing a class and managing to say hello to the people who spoke to me. The first really 'normal ' thing I have managed in 2 years. It was massive for me. I was elated but absolutely wiped out for the remainder  of the day having to rest and allow my brain to recover from the amount of processing it had had to do..   A celebration of how far I have come but a reminder of how far I still have to go.

Recovery is a long journey and the Long Covid clinic is definitely the service station along the way, with good advice , a chance to pause and reflect before setting off on the next  mile stone.

Thank you Long Covid Clinic and thank you Gail.