22 October 2021 was when I received 'that' phone call from the British NHS. I was waiting at Heathrow airport to return back to NZ. This kickstarted a journey I could not have prepared for.
Context, in September 2021, I competed at the World Coastal Rowing champs in Portugal. I was as fit as I had ever been and at the age of 48 was feeling pretty darn good. Whilst in Portugal I also proposed to my lovely lady.. and she said yes! Phew!!
Anyways, if you ever want a reminder of the gazillion physical things you had happen to you during your lifetime, get long-covid.
* I stuttered as a 13 year old - this came back
* Every old injury made its presence known
* Brain fog, forgetfulness, inability to make decisions
* Tired!!!
* Lost my smell
* Fatigue... oh boy, the fatigue. The fatigue symptoms present themselves as chronic fatigue.
* Mental Health - depression was massive. Lots of demons with loud speakers in your head. It would have been ok if the music was half decent but imagine a mix of yodeling, hare krishna, heavy metal, and rap.
As per my previous blogs, I tried a bunch of things and found antihistamines worked the best for me. This was roughly 9 months into this journey. They gave me the ability to function both physically and mentally. To be frank, it was a game changer.
Then in August 2022 I had a downwards turn. My lower back spat the dummy and I found myself unable to walk. I had to drag my self on my arms commando style, legs trailing behind me. A trip to the toilet turned into an hour ordeal. It was like someone had hooked my lower back muscles up to the power mains. I don't cry often because of pain but these spasms had me going.
I may have been somewhat grumpy during this time.
But... and a big but... and this may sound a bit hippy'ish, it actually felt like it was a last hoora from covid before departing.
Since 1 October I have been training as in row training. I am back running, going to the gym, and participating in life. I have set the Aussie Nationals in Coastal Rowing in July 2023 as my goal (NZ doesn't really have a coastal rowing scene yet) and in the meantime, will do masters surfboats with the lads.
And yes, I still get tired. I still get the demons but their music choices are actually pretty good now and they have surround sound too so it is quite pleasant.
I share this so others who have the same challenges can feel comfortable talking about their journey. Let's be honest, it sucks. I have been so very very fortunate to have people around me (family, friends, work) who supported me, poked fun at me, helped me up, and gave me the confidence that things will be ok.
