"It has been life changing for me"

I was referred to CMP after a diagnosis of long Covid and having a complex medical issues and health conditions too. I had not heard about the service prior to my Long Covid Nurse talking to me about it at an appointment and explaining how it could benefit me. I'm so glad I agreed to this as it has been the best support to me over this past year. I was assigned a member of staff and they contacted me to have a brief chat initially and to set up a 1st appointment. It was easier for me to be done via skype as I unfortunately sustained a broken kneecap and fractured wrist just after the 2nd  appointment. They do offer face to face appointments should you feel that is better for you. 

Completing the CMP has been the best thing for me. They have helped me to re-evaluate things, encouraged me to listen to my body and treat myself with care. I previously was pushing myself and bullying myself to do things in my daily life that really were not helping me. I was constantly exhausted and in pain and not coping very well, The regular appointments where I was able to talk to someone and get support and guidance to manage myself has been invaluable. I feel heard, understood and very well supported by my CMP health professional. 

They also offer virtual workshops on various things such as sleep, pain management, nutrition, building motivation and lots more. These sessions are also very helpful as it gives you an opportunity to discuss things with others who are going through similar things as you are. You get to speak to the health professionals leading the sessions for more information and advice. You are sent the presentation from each sessions for you to keep and refer back to. 

I had access to a dietician through CMP as I needed to lose weight due to my health conditions. She was like a breath of fresh air!, as previous contact with other dieticians had been negative. This dietician really(!) listen to me and I felt heard and understood. She helped me with lots of useful information and gave me strategies to help myself. It helped me to lose 24kg in 8 months which has delighted me and made me feel empowered to carry on. 

I would encourage anyone who is offered this service to complete it. I'm so glad I said yes to this offer, as it has been so vey helpful and empowering for me. I am a very different person than I was 12 months ago. I've still got my health conditions and still in recovery from my fall, but I have a wealth of information, strategies and tools so that I can carry on once I'm discharged. I've learned to be kind to myself and to advocate for myself with confidence no matter who I am talking to. 

I cannot thank everyone at CMP enough for all the help and support they have given me. It has been life changing for me and it has made my life manageable, comfortable and easier for me to do.