I have been a member of this group since October 2022. I first caught Covid 19 March 2020 and then Covid 19 March 2022. I spent two years basically with lots of musculoskeletal issues and no support. I spoke to my GP as things were getting worse, not better. My GP said I had long covid and referred me to this group. It was only then that I got the help and support I needed.
The group provides excellent peer-to-peer support through its members and if you ever need answers or support with issues, this is the right place to find it. It might be through WhatsApp, twice-weekly Zoom, or monthly face-to-face meetings.
I was worried when the NHS removed funding, and Val retired until Val and the trustees of this Charity got together to continue providing this essential support. Despite the health issues that we all share, everyone is always willing to help each other.
I hope the group can continue to flourish with support from further funding.
Rob
I can honestly say that belonging to this group for the past year has been a real lifeline for me. Just when I thought there was no hope of finding a way through life with Long Covid you all gave me the support and encouragement I needed to persevere with my Long Covid journey. We’ve become such good friends who really understand what each of us is going through and Val’s commitment to this group has gone well beyond what I hoped for, especially since she’s now retired from working in the NHS. This hasn’t been an easy few years with Long Covid but this past year, as part of this wonderful Long Covid group, has been a huge help. Thank you all so very much! God bless you all for raising awareness of Long Covid and enabling me and many others to not give up hope of better health ahead. I am looking forward to seeing you all next week at our Zoom Long Covid-19 support group meeting.
Many thanks, Catherine
I contacted covid 19 in March last year, 2022.
I was diagnosed with long covid in May /June the same year. I live in a rural area with a partner who works long hours.
I spend a lot of my time on my own.
The symptoms of long covid vary from sufferer to sufferer l know my symptoms of breathlessness fatigue, brain fog, aching joints, pins and needles memory loss and nightmares. I had terrible periods of black despair, leaving me with intrusive thoughts daily. I could not get help despite repeated attempts to get an appointment at the long covid clinic.
I spotted the long covid WhatsApp group and contacted Val and my life changed completely. Val is so very kind and caring, never rushing my phone call. She was totally reassuring and a very good listener. Helpful with information and telling me help is out there.
It was in the shape of the group. This support group is amazing giving advice support and love to all letting me know l am not alone. It's vibrant enthusiastic and funny. With the lifeline l know where l would be.
Thanks, guys, so very much.
Having caught Covid 20.12.2020 it has been a minefield trying to negotiate my way through the NHS with every GP and A&E doctor having their own opinion about Long Covid. I finally this week received a confirmed diagnosis of severe post covid syndrome.
This group support is so valuable, shining a light on this very difficult path.
Thank you, Ginny