If you are suffering from the after effects of Covid-19 you are not alone, with current evidence suggesting that 10 to 20 percent of people experience various symptoms long after the infection has disappeared.
Symptoms remaining up to 12 weeks are known as post-Covid, whereas it becomes long Covid if you still have symptoms after 12 weeks.
I recently had Covid-19 and for me, it was like a bad head cold – sore throat, cough, fatigue and runny nose. But then came the next phase, a week or so later. Heart palpitations, chest discomfort, brain fog, and disabling dizziness. I was devastated.
Given the disease is so new, the only research I found for the treatment of long Covid was that both physical and mental rest during the infectious phase can decrease the severity of the disease and the odds of getting long Covid.
Undeterred by the lack of information available, I started my own research. Several news articles mentioned pacing. Whilst the evidence was anecdotal, I was willing to try. Pacing involves thinking of your energy levels like a bank account with a limited budget. Each day, working out how much energy you can expend before needing rest. Spending too much energy one day, usually impacted the following day. But stopping before getting tired, meant my next day was possible.
Researching treatment for dizziness lead me to a profession that was new to me – neurological physiotherapy. This profession helps people with brain issues such as stroke and concussion and rehabilitate patients. They also help with dizziness. So I met Lily from Hibiscus Neuro Rehab. She explained to me that she had started to see some post-Covid patients and believed that many of the neurological symptoms were similar to those of a person with concussion. Lily explained to me that we would try and do exercises to help my brain, eyes and ears start to co-ordinate again. I was elated that I had a plan!
With inflammation a strong component of long Covid, I am now also turning to natural remedies. Research shows that Curcumin and Omega 3 have good anti-inflammatory effects. I am hopeful this will also help me get better faster.
After eight weeks I am still not back to my normal self. It is frustrating, scary and debilitating all at the same time but I am making progress.
Luckily for me I have been surrounded by my amazing family, my wonderful supportive Unichem Manly colleagues and some caring health professionals. I will get there!
Note: this is my personal experience. Others responses to treatments may differ.
Pharmacist
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