How rehabilitation services have helped a community patient with her recovery from long COVID.
Patient overview
The 53 year old female works for the NHS in a non-patient facing role.
She was fit and well prior to contacting COVID-19 and had no significant medical history. She describes herself as very active and health conscious although she can be stressed and anxious at times.
She became unwell with suspected COVID-19 in April 2020. No test was available and she was ill for approximately 2 weeks with a high fever, cough, fatigue, loss of sense of taste and smell.
After 3 weeks the patient attempted to return to work but felt that she was unable to function. She reported increased fatigue, breathlessness, myalgia, cognitive issues and increased anxiety.
She remained off work with enduring COVID symptoms which were of a relapsing and remitting pattern.
All tests and investigations suggest that there are no significant clinical concerns, or origin for the ongoing symptoms.
She attempted to return to work again in October 2020 and failed. This left her significantly distressed and increased her symptoms.
Patient rehabilitation
In January 2021 she was referred and assessed by the COVID rehabilitation team and the NHS Wellbeing Service. This support has helped her gain a better understanding of strategies she can use to manage her symptoms within her work and home life.
The COVID rehabilitation service provided significant advice around vocational rehabilitation and worked with occupational health services on a slow phased return to work and adaptations to her work environment.
This helped manage her fatigue, anxiety and its cognitive presentation.
She has now returned to work and feels better equipped to cope with symptom management.