Ollie
He had a slight headache at first.
And although it was painful for Ollie to move his eyeballs, his COVID symptoms were generally mild.
But headaches turned to migraines before other symptoms started to creep in. Ollie’s mum remembers how her 9-year-old boy would often say his brain’s “not working anymore” - and this disorientating fog was joined by fatigue, tummy aches and leg pains. The latter was so severe that Ollie was forced to use crutches and a wheelchair. What’s more, an ultrasound revealed his liver had become worryingly enlarged too.
But despite this, GPs and paediatricians won’t prescribe anything stronger than Calpol and ibuprofen. An Epsom salt bath is a relief from the pain but isn’t a practical solution to get through every day.
Today, Ollie’s overall attendance at school sits around 64%. With no other choice, he was put on a reduced timetable (9-12.30) each day - something his mum had to fight for.
The reality is, this is still too much for him.
So what would a good recovery look like for Ollie’s mum?
“I’d love to see him play again. At the moment, he can’t physically play at all. I’d be happy with tiny steps forward,” says Mum.
That is why Long Covid Kids is committed to supporting research and creating resources like the LCK Educational Toolkit, and with your help, we can continue our work. Please consider donating today and help us be there for every family who needs us.
Long Covid Kids supports children and young people living with Long Covid and related illnesses, as well as the families and caregivers who look after them. We rely entirely on donations to fund our vital work. This is why we need your help to continue helping children like Ollie who are struggling with Long Covid.
Please donate today to give children with Long Covid a brighter future.
£20 could help us continue championing the rights of children like Ollie whose lives have been turned upside down by Long Covid.
£10 could help us run weekly support sessions for children like Ollie who are immensely isolated by their illness.
£5 could help us moderate chat forums for young people like Ollie desperate to connect with others in the same situation.
Your gift can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these brave young people. Thank you for your support.
If you are a young person who has been affected by the ongoing symptoms of COVID, support is available, with or without a diagnosis. More info here.
If you, or someone you know has had a change in their health following a COVID infection reliable support and information can be found here:
