A question about post Covid

[Phdgranny]

I have been advised that I have long Covid. My GP said that when I feel a bit better to start to do some graded activity. I am miles off running at the moment but wondered whether to try following the C25k program but alternate slow and faster walks. I thought it might provide a structure to follow. What do my lovely C35k experts think?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Did your GP give you any further guidance beyond “graded activity”? Usually with that sort of thing, you’ll be given a programme suitable for you and clear help with how to progress over time. Someone who knows your history and your current baseline is in the best position to advise you about how to proceed.

It must have been so hard having long covid and I’m sending you best wishes with your road ahead. ❤️

[Phdgranny Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I think to be fair, I’m not quite there yet as at the moment the most I can do is down to the end of the road and back then I have to get my breath back before tackling the 3 steps up into my bungalow!! I was trying to think ahead as the worst part about this is that there is no actual timeline but thank you for your advice x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Phdgranny]

Sorry, I missed this reply. I had post viral fatigue a few years ago and it’s miserable. It’s so hard not knowing how long it will last-that was the worst for me. At least if you break your leg, there’s a predictable recovery course and you can plan for that. The uncertainty is a killer.

Take it slowly. On good days, try not to do too much so you don’t end up setting yourself back and having days of feeling exhausted. Celebrate any progress, no matter how small it seems. Thinking of you ❤️

[PeggySusi Graduate]

Sorry to read this Phdgranny.

My thoughts (usual disclaimer as I’m not a medic!) A couple of previously very fit family members and some friends have long Covid. Symptoms seem very variable, so I think it will depend on your particular issues. Definitely daily walks, ideally in the countryside if you can do that. My feeling would be that anything too structured might be a mistake, as if you have a bad day and can’t stick to a programme you might feel you have failed? Maybe just do what you can when you can. Conserve your energy for the essentials - that is, anything that might be fun! Also, check out the body battery on your Garmin and rest if it’s low.. mine seems to know I’m flagging before I do.

Wishing you the best of luck with your recovery.

[Phdgranny Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

hadn’t really thought about the ‘failure’ aspect. You are right when you say about the variability of this thing. Yesterday I felt quite well but today back to coughing and really tired. I am so fed up with this now!!

[PeggySusi Graduate in reply to Phdgranny]

it’s so frustrating not being fit enough to do what you want, but I really think you shouldn’t try to do too much too soon.. be kind to yourself.. after all, you’re (almost?) a state pensioner now.. (like me - just had my first payment.. at last!🙄)

[Phdgranny Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

hi, I got my first payment in September!!

[PeggySusi Graduate]

yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk/app/

Screenshot from NHS website

[geoh95 Graduate]

Do what works best for your body - try not to push yourself as rest and pacing can often be the best thing. My partner has long Covid and has found taking things slowly and pacing to be most effective. Hope you feel better soon!

[LillaMy7]

Hello, I can really empathise with you. I’ve had long covid for a year now, and can’t run yet. My strongest advice would be not to ‘push through’ and keep going and so on- this will put your progress back and just delay eventual recovery. Listen to you body and be gentle with yourself. The Long Covid handbook was recently published and I’ve found it so helpful- it also has lots of advice on pacing and talks about exercise. All the best best to you!

[Roxdog Graduate]

Poor you! What bad luck for you. I don't have any advice, but to help encourage you, I have a runner friend who had long covid and built back to running by walking a lot. When your body tells you it's OK I'm sure you will know when you can do longer walks.Take care of yourself.

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

I am almost one year post-diagnosis of long Covid and I still have bad days, and even weeks, I am sad to say. However, on better days I do whatever I can and on bad days I do nothing and don't feel guilty. It is what it is.

I'm 63 + 4 months now, so not quite ready for my pension, but I would happily take it tomorrow if I was offered it as I really struggle still working full-time in a pretty full on job now. I try not to have too many sick days, as I need the income, but I will take a day off here and there if I'm really just not up to much more than getting out of bed and showing willing!

On my bad days, I feel like Covid has taken everything from me, but then I remind myself that at least I am still here and managing OK, which many people didn't have luck to be able to say.........................On my good days, I can be pretty much the same as I used to be before October 2021 when I caught the first of three bouts of covid in 7 months, and I can even get an odd run in here and there. I am thankful for those days.

Do what you can, when you can and don't put to much pressure on yourself or have too many expectations. It does gradually get better, b ut recovery (at least in my case) has been VERY gradual.

[Birdlady64 Graduate]

So sorry to hear you have long covid - I can't imagine how tough that must be.

I don't have any advice over and above what others have already said. Get outside in the fresh air when you can - even if its just to sit on a bench somewhere.

Hopefully you can get the help you need with a proper recovery program - take care 🤗