I spoke with the doctor at the service, and he was very good. He asked lots of questions which led us down the route of long covid and sleep apnoea.
I also have other health conditions so it’s difficult to work out what is causing the problem. It’s probably a combination.
I completed the four week exercise programme in January. The exercise program is very well run by Michael, being designed for each individual. As you progress through the weeks your improvement is monitored carefully and adjusted accordingly. The exercise equipment is all the latest and very easy to use following expert tuition. I have a great relationship with Michael. He checks in with me regularly over the telephone, as I don’t get out much at the minute. We catch up and have a laugh and a joke.
Life is quite difficult at the moment, and I am waiting for a plan, but when the time is right, I know what support is available from the service when I am ready.
I was diagnosed with long covid in July 2022 and referred into the Long Covid Service via the GP. I had some initial assessments, and it was agreed I had long covid.
I have completed four sessions with Michael, which I have enjoyed doing and have found really useful.
The exercise programme has helped me see where the weaknesses are – which parts of the body are stronger and weaker.
Since having long covid the thing I have learnt most is that if I do too much I crash afterwards. Michael has shown me the value of more intense exercise for a shorter period. I would recommend the exercise programme to those with long covid. We are all different – we all have a huge range of different levels of ability.
I started to receive treatment and support from the Long Covid Service mid to late 2021, about 18-24 months after having Covid.
I had been to the GP on a number of occasions with chronic fatigue, brain fog and long lasting lethargy after taking exercise that left me drained for days afterwards, sometimes for over a week after completing a simple 5km Park Run that I had always found challenging but I was normally ’recovered’ after an hour or two and a shower!
My care and support has been first class, from the GP to exercise practitioners to mental health monitoring and also monitoring my response to exercise and to rest. I can’t explain how much of a difference somebody listening to my needs has made, and not just to be rebuffed as ‘you are tired because of your age’… I’m 50 not 90! And, recognising the level of fatigue I experience is abnormal has allowed me to better recover from my now long standing malaise… or at least gives me better information and a better chance!
Making appointments out of 9 to 5 working hours is one thing I can think of to help accommodate people still trying to work and hold down a job. The level of care and kindness is so welcome when you are feeling unwell. It’s made my life a lot better in recovery.
