"My long covid story"

* In October 2021 I first took covid 19. Afterwards I then took long covid.

* I was then referred to the long covid clinic.

* After going back to work after 6 months off. I was only back 4 to 5 weeks and I took covid 19 again for the second time . Which made my existing symptoms worse.

* I then attended the respiratory clinic at the Ulster Hospital 

* I also attended the respiratory physio at Newtownards Sport Centre.

* I also attended an online fatigue physio sessions via zoom.

These sessions where limited to 6 weeks.

* Because of long covid and constantly being unwell with infections,  I had to leave my work. 

* I was also referred to a psychologist ( Dr Brownlee) at McQueen Home, Ards Hospital.  Where I'm still attending twice a month. 

* I was also referred to pain physio (Seana). Who give me as much sessions as I required and has also informed me that I can self referre myself back. Which is reassuring.  

* I also took covid 19 for the third time in August 2024.  Which resulted in my long covid symptoms  worsing.  I also took a chest infection afterwards. 

* due to my long covid i have found that my teeth have weakened . Two of my teeth have broken and another had decayed in a way that my dentist had never seen. Resulting in a crown being fitted. He also informed me that the effects of long covid on dental health is being more aware of the problem. 

* In September I was sent by my gp  to A&E. Where I was treated for a blood clot in my lung. 

Treatment include : chest xray , CT scan , sent home with injections , blood tests. 

The injections thankfully help the blood clot to disappear.

But the CT did also show that  my right lung ( lower lobe ) that was damaged in my first infection is still deflated. And that he said I have hyper sensitive lung due to covid . 

My long symptoms:

Tinnitus/ear ache

Sore head

Sore throat 

Vertigo BPV 

breathless 

Sore chest, side and back 

Coughing ( can be very painful) 

Pain in my limbs ( arms, hands ,legs and feet etc )

Fatigue ( always feeling exhausted) 

Stiffness ( feeling like my body has aged)

Depression ( low mood, anxiety,  mental health)

Insomnia ( trouble sleeping) 

Social anxiety