"Post Covid-19 rehabilitation"

I was one of those to be hit early with Covid-19, admitted to Barnet Hospital in mid-March 2020. 

Initially I was in ICU, intubated and then ventilated for 5 weeks in a coma. After 7 weeks in ICU I was released to a Covid-19 ward, where my post-viral symptoms started to become apparent to me. 

Having lost 25kgs, I was affected in many ways, ironically mostly through the necessarily invasive ICU procedures, rather than the corona virus itself. I had neuropathy (no movement or feeling) in both feet, a frozen shoulder, severely restricted lung function, impaired kidney function, no swallow reflex (I was fed through a stomach PEG), no voice and palsy on the left side of my tongue. A bit of a mess really! I'd like to thank everyone that supported my wife through a hugely worrying time for her, particularly when I was in ICU and my survival very uncertain.

After 3 months in Barnet Hospital and amazing Speech & Language therapy and  Physiotherapy, I was discharged to continue my recovery at home and into the care of the Edgware Neurological Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). I had a daily exercise regime of speech, swallow and physiotherapy exercises that I did religiously every morning at home for 2 hours. This was tough, mentally and physically, but I was determined to make progress. The encouragement from my wonderful wife, daughter and son were key.

I had almost daily therapy from the caring NRC Speech and Language therapists (SLT), initially via video, but later face-to-face at home. I was told, and was prepared for, a very long rehabilitation before my swallow reflex would return. It is no exaggeration to say I owe my speedy recovery to the amazing care and encouragement from the community Speech and Language therapists. After only 3 months I am now enjoying eating and drinking normally and am planning to have the feeding PEG removed in a week. The Edgware SLT team exemplify the professional and dedication for which the NHS is rightly renowned. 

I still have very limited movement in my feet and my shoulder is still painful. However I am having twice weekly physiotherapy from the NRC community physios. They too are wonderfully dedicated and skilful therapists and are helping me make slow but steady progress. I can now walk up to 5 miles, can drive and am back on my road bike. 

I hope my story has given an insight into the amazing people that work in the NHS and in particular at Barnet Hospital and the Edgware NRC Unit. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.