In this episode of the Long Covid Hope Podcast, we speak with Andy, who is an IT professional and father of two young children, living in the West Midlands of the UK. Andy caught Covid in March 2020 and experienced respiratory symptoms such as extreme breathlessness and chest pain, which in time progressed into Long Covid with POTS or dysautonomia symptoms as well as post exertional malaise. Andy describes how he experienced gas lighting and a lack of help from healthcare, but found the Body Politic Slack community early on, which was pivotal in finding out about possible treatment options. He went on to radically rest away from his family for some time, as well as trying prescription medications such as a beta blocker and SSRI which helped his heart rate and dysautonomia symptoms. Andy describes his gradual reduction in symptoms and increase in activity, and how he returned back to working full time as well as taking up exercising such as kickboxing. We also discuss the chronic illness experience as a parent to young children and the difficulties and challenges around this, as well as the resilience and adaptability of children.
Disclaimer: **Please note that we are not medical professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or medical practitioner before starting any new treatments, supplements or beginning a new exercise routine.**
Join Sarah, Long Haul Yogi, live for her Thursday Zoom Yoga for Long Covid classes, or for her Monday in-person class in Sheffield, UK. Or catch on in your own time, on the OnDemand Series on Subkit ( www.longhaulyogi.subkit.com ) and Insight Timer. All links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/longhaulyogi
