A Lochearnhead woman has been left struggling with the effects of long Covid after catching the virus last year.
The woman, who only wishes to be named as Angela, has been left to deal with the effects since she tested positive for the coronavirus in September 2021.
Angela’s case was raised by Stirling SNP MSP at a parliamentary debate last month.
Angela said: “My average day is a struggle to get through basic tasks. To get up, have a shower, have something to eat – I need to have rests between each task.Some days are okay, others days the fatigue hits hard. For months I couldn’t do anything at all.”
The 37-year-old went from going kayaking, cycling and hillwalking to now struggling to have enough energy to do simple household chores.
“I worry about how long my symptoms will last and whether I will ever be able to lead a normal life again, whether I’ll be well enough to keep working and if not I am very concerned about how I will manage financially,” she added.
“Trying to balance the needs of long Covid with the needs of work is difficult. I want to keep my job and do my best, contributing through work is something that’s always been important to me, but when the fatigue is so bad that you can’t walk across a room, there’s not much you can do.”
Ms Tweed highlighted Angela’s case at the debate which saw £3 million allocated to supporting patients with the disease.
The MSP spoke alongside other members in the debate at which Health Secretary Humza Yousaf announced the targeted package – allocating £142,020 to NHS Forth Valley.
The funds will help develop a long Covid co-ordinator at NHS Forth Valley, as well as bolster the ‘ReAcH’ rehabilitation teams. ‘ReAch’ teams enable long COVID patients who are requiring physical and respiratory support to access specialist care at the point of need.
During the debate Ms Tweed said: “We need a system that offers long Covid sufferers quick access to a range of services depending on their particular needs, and that is flexible enough to develop and change as the our research and understanding improves.
“I believe that the Scottish Government is supporting health boards across Scotland to do this, augmenting existing services with £10 million of additional funding. I am also delighted to hear of the additional £3 million funding.
“Keeping people like my constituent, Angela, with lived experience at the centre of policy will ensure we get this right. Angela told me she feels like she’s waiting for her life to start back up again.
“Let’s help all people suffering from long Covid to get their lives back.”
