"Equipped with tools to help me"

I was diagnosed with Long Covid a few years ago after working as a nurse. I had problems with swallowing and other issues. I was eventually seen by Susie who made a huge impact in my life.

My GP did not want to know about my symptoms and I felt very alone whilst trying to adapt to the changes in my abilities. Susie listened, advised and took me seriously, she referred me to Respiratory Phsyio Jill and between them both my symptoms have been mostly alleviated. Psychologically for me their input had an enormous effect as they acknowledged Long Covid as a disease and helped me process things that had happened. I was allowed to chat to both of them but Susie in particular let me explain how I was grieving for the person I was before contracting Long Covid, I had to retire early as a nurse as would not have been able to cope with long shifts also being so debilitated made me think I needed to stop working and concentrate on living my life as I survived Covid and was aware many people died so I felt fortunate. Without their help I believe I would have had significant physical and psychological issues. Primary care still sadly are uninterested. 

I have now been equipped with tools to help me and have been discharged from Long Covid clinic but know I can self refer if needed in future.