"I have never been given any proper advice or support"

I contracted COVID in Oct 2021. It was a rough ride and although I was never hospitalised I was very unwell and as a result, absent from work for over 4 months.

During that time my body was hit with a multitude of issues and I never felt like I fully shook the virus off. During 2022 I experienced some terrible symptoms, but each time I went to the GP I was told they don't know enough about long COVID to treat me, and was sent away with new medication to try. 

I often left the GP surgeries feeling mentally poorer with some GPs acting like it was anxiety and referring me to a CPN to discuss my mental health. My body felt like it was breaking and I went from being an active fit mum of three to relying on the kids to look after me, our home and themselves.

In March 2023 I was given vitamins and told that the better weather would help and to try not attend the surgery until round about August time where we could work out if the vitamins worked. By then I was emotionally exhausted with what I feel was medical gaslighting and lost all faith in my surgery which until then I was fairly satisfied with. 

I've had to join local long COVID support groups and fight my way through this living hell with no real support. I was diagnosed as having fibromyalgia/CFS in November 2023 and whilst I felt initially relieved, it now means if I contact my surgery for help they see the fibromyalgia diagnosis and put everything down to that.

I completely understand that our GPS are overworked. I've tried to be mindful that they themselves are human beings and don't have all the answers. But the things I have been told by various GPS, the attitudes I've had, the fobbing off and lack of care has been astonishing. I am in my 40s and feel like the fun part of life is over. I am reluctant to ask for help as I don't feel listened to. I hear of long COVID services over Scotland but have never been given any proper advice or support - merely just painkillers and left to get on with it. 

I am now 2.5 years in and am shocked at my physical limitations. I can only work part time as I am in pain every day. I have asked for further investigations but am always told specialists couldn't do anything so to keep taking painkillers and exercise. I feel very let down in terms of my needs. GPs say I am proactive at helping myself but that is due to lack of family or outside support - and I do not wish my children to have to care for me. But there is no proper care plan in place for me out with medication which causes even more issues.