Milngavie sufferer: ‘Covid-19 has been a rollercoaster’

Now the 48-year-old mum-of-two wants to raise awareness of the debilitating long-lasting symptoms which can occur – and to let others know they are not alone.

There is growing evidence, say scientists, of people with Covid-19 suffering symptoms for six weeks or longer – one more mystery to add to list of unknowns about the 
virus.

Dr Rachel McKay, Professional Lead for Orthoptics and Optometry at NHS Lanarkshire was healthy, fit and active with no underlying conditions when the virus struck. Visits to the gym four times a week and runs, part of her routine.

She has described the past two months as a real “rollercoaster”.

Rachel said: “In the weeks running up to lockdown I had put plans in place for my staff who were considered high risk. My biggest concerns were for my parents, both over 70 and about bringing anything home from the hospital.

“I had no concern for myself, thinking if I got the virus I would be at home with cold-like symptoms and back to work in seven days”.

On March 26. Rachel came home from work feeling not quite right and a bit tired.

She said: “I decided to isolate from family for seven days just in case. Within hours, I had a fever. Next day, tightness in my chest - it was like a belt being pulled tighter and tighter. This was followed by a dry cough and wheeze.

“Lying prone (chest down) helped with comfort and breathing. Other symptoms, loss of sense of smell and taste, pains in legs and arms and unusual pain in my scalp.”

Rachel made several calls to the Covid helpline and was advised to stay at home as she was able to breathe.

When symptoms didn’t go away after two weeks, her GP prescribed antibiotics in case of a secondary chest infection. But symptoms persisted.

Now on week eight, Rachel has post-viral 
fatigue symptoms which she says are debilitating both physically and mentally.

Added to this are feelings of guilt and frustration at not being able to resume normal life.

She said: “A short walk (1.5k) led to two days in bed. I kept asking myself why was I not recovering in the two-week period reported as the norm given my age and lifestyle?”

Rachel was advised by a colleague in respiratory physiotherapy to adopt ‘pacing’ strategy commonly used in patients with ME. On a good day, do half of what you think you are capable of and on a bad day, rest. Rachel said: “Each day is a lottery - you think you are getting better, then you are floored again. A rollercoaster.”

She said after reading a blog in the BMJ by tropical medicine specialist Paul Garner, himself with similar symptoms, she realised others were suffering, too.

She said: “There are potentially lots of people in the same situation, who do not have the same support network or access to information. I want to raise awareness and let others know they are not alone.”