Graham Tooze
Tayside Health Fund Covid-19
Fundraising for NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation
Story
Having tested positive for Covid 19 in February 2021 I had mild physical symptoms, but it also caused paranoia, insomnia and anxiety. Whilst unpleasant, this didn't last too long and I returned to work about 3 weeks later, thinking it was all behind me.
How wrong I was...about 2 weeks later the insomnia was back and my brain felt like it was in shutdown. Unable to concentrate or follow simple processes I was even struggling to make the kids tea. Speech became affected as I couldn't get my words out, and it was really getting me down.
A telephone consultation with the GP confirmed the decrease in cognitive function was the result of mental fatigue caused by Long Covid and I was signed off work.
I spent the next few weeks following all of the guidance from the experts. I continued to exercise regularly, did yoga, walks on the beach, and tried brain exercises. As it is such an unknown field all the medical profession could say was my brain had a shock from Covid and it would take time to recover. Many others were suffering similar psychological symptoms.
I self referred to the Long Covid Clinic, known as CARES which is run by the NHS but due to such high demand the waiting list was over 6 months.
I decided I needed a focus, and as a member of Dundee Thistle Cycle Club threw myself into endurance cycling. Being out on the bike offered such freedom, got me out the house and the club members have been very supportive (I've bored them rigid with stories of Long Covid and Mental Health). The ability to have a social element combined with exercise has enabled me to really speed up my recovery and I am extremely grateful for this.
I still have ups and downs, one of my lowest points was when a complaint was made to my employer that I was out cycling when on sick leave. I was fully supported by my employers who understand the link between physical and mental health but it really struck a chord with me...I had been so proud of how far I had come and had just arranged a return to work. I honestly felt like the dark clouds were gathering again and throwing in the towel.
I cannot emphasise enough how much physical exercise correlates to mental wellbeing!
That was when I decided to turn a negative into a positive, and share my story to raise awareness and hopefully help other sufferers.
Additionally, along with my clubmates at Dundee Thistle I am taking on a 140 mile cycle from Dundee over the Cairn O'Mount, along to Braemar, and back via Glenshee. It will be my longest ride to date and I am buzzing for it.
I decided this would be a good opportunity to raise funds for the NHS Tayside Covid 19 Appeal, which includes the CARES initiative.
I have been so lucky having a supportive wife and family, friends and colleagues and clubmates who have got me back to a good place, but there are so many who don't have this support, so any donations to this worthy cause are very much appreciated.
The ride is planned to take place on Saturday 19 June but if the weather's howling we may change the date!
Thank you in advance, Graham (Toozy)
