Brits still suffering the side effects of Long Covid claim the condition triggered a secondary illness - but doctors refused to believe them.
A number of people are feared to be ill with conditions caused by persistent cases of coronavirus, in which people suffer for weeks and even months with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, breathlessness, aches and pains, a lack of concentration and memory loss. Among the illnesses believed to be triggered by Long Covid is the immune disorder mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
The NHS says symptoms include severe itching and swellings as well as allergic reactions which can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. Among those who suffered from MCAS was Londoner George Cooper, 27, who was diagnosed with Long Covid after falling severely ill in March 2020 when he was recovering from glandular fever.
A number of people are feared to be ill with conditions caused by persistent cases of coronavirus, in which people suffer for weeks and even months (Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)It took two years before he was told he might have it, although his GP dismissed it saying it was most likely ME. He told the BBC he started having thoughts about taking his own life, adding: "I'd gone from being 87kg (13st 10lbs) and playing rugby to 47kg (7st 6lbs) and I was near to not being around, I think, because I was eating food that was making me sick, and I was in so much pain.
"I was so low. I think it had taken everything from me, and I didn't trust anything around me or anyone, including myself. I'm more wary around doctors now, I don't think I'll ever actually fully process things from that time, and PTSD has been discussed.
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"It's OK to say 'I don't understand'. But to say 'you're wrong, that's not happening', is a totally different kettle of fish."
The NHS does not recognise MCAS, although other countries are leading the way, including the USA. Earlier this month it was reported people who can’t smell after suffering from long Covid may finally see the sense restored with a new 10 minute treatment.
Whilst loss of smell was a common symptom of coronavirus, some patients never recovered from the illness and have been left without the ability to smell for years after they were first infected. But this could now be cured with an image-guided minimally invasive procedure, scientists say.
This new treatment involves injecting anaesthetic directly into the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which is accurately achieved with CT guidance. It takes less than 10 minutes and no sedation is necessary. It has been used in the past to treat several other conditions including cluster headaches, phantom limb pain, Raynaud’s and Meniere’s syndromes, angina and cardiac arrhythmia.
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