Background 
I am 50 years of age, I live in Wray, Lancashire and I am a busy mum of three teenagers. I work as a primary school teacher with children aged between 4-11 years taking them on residential outdoor learning experiences. I was very energetic and active undertaking many sports and I ran the London Marathon in 2019.
My name is Kris, and this is my story.
- On 17 January 2022 I started to feel unwell with a high temperature and decided to take a covid test which was positive. Initially feeling unwell for five days, I began to feel a little better.
- We were looking forward to a family skiing holiday which was booked for February half term.
- Before our holiday, I became unwell again and was progressively getting worse. It was decided that my family would go on holiday without me.
- On the day, my family went on holiday I visited CHOC at Westmorland General Hospital (WGH) who referred me to the Emergency Department at Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) for intervenous antibiotics.
- In April 2022, my GP referred me to Covid Rehabilitation Services at UHMBT for support and advice on Long Covid.
- In June 2022 I returned to work four days a week alongside another teacher for significant support but was struggling.
- In September 2022 I decided to return to work two and a half days a week in my original role and to date I still work these days.
- From September 2022 – May 2023, I took everything step by step, day by day, and slowly I started to feel my energy returning.
After contracting Covid in January 2022, I became a shadow of my former self, after initially feeling a little better after five days, I soon began to feel unwell again. I had breathing difficulties, was suffering from fatigue, and was struggling to focus or do anything.
As a family we were due to go on a skiing holiday in February half term. As the holiday got closer my health got worse and I was too ill to travel. I did not want my family to miss their holiday so I assured them I would be ok without them, I was hoping if I rested while they were away, I would be better by the time they arrived home.
I was referred to the Emergency Department at RLI from Cumbria Health on Call (CHOC) on the day my family went on holiday for treatment. My family wanted to fly back from holiday. However, my father moved in with me whilst they were away to look after me, so the decision was made that they stayed.
In April 2022 I was referred to the Covid Rehab team who gave me ideas on how I could start to recover and made me realise I could not take big steps. They gave me a toolkit for support so I could make a slow and steady recovery; they empowered me with many tools and enabled me to have a plan which was sustainable. I could slowly and carefully make progress rather than feeling frustrated and not knowing where to aim. The support included mental health, diet, lifestyle changes, cutting out alcohol, online courses, and self-referral to councillors.
I had to give up being a Cub leader which was heart breaking, but knew my priorities had to change. I was unable to do housework, or any other daily tasks and I was having to use walking sticks to get around the house. If I had a difficult day and things went backwards, I learnt to accept it and that it was ok.
In June 2022 I returned to work but soon realised that due to long covid I could no longer work four days a week so I decided with agreement from my employer that from September 2022 I would reduce my hours to two and a half days per week.
From September 2022 – April 2023 having taken on board all the advice and support I have received from the Covid Rehab team I began taking everyday tasks step by step and day by day I began to feel my energy returning and I was discharged from the Covid Rehab team in April 2023.
My point of contact in the Rehab team was Claire who was so supportive, I felt I could ring at any time for support. Claire was positive, but realistic and was a lifeline. When I felt at my lowest and did not know where to start or turn to get over this illness, the team were there to help. I knew the recovery would be long and Claire gave me hope. Claire was my guiding light and helped me weather the storm of this unknown condition.
The Covid Rehab Team’s support was invaluable; they were pivotal in supporting me and I would not have recovered as quickly without their support.
I am now in a good place, and I have learnt how to manage my energy levels, when my body tells me to rest, that is what I do, and this is all thanks to the support I received.
Extract from Friends and Family feedback
