Simon
“Most days he can barely leave the sofa, let alone the house.”
The reality is, Simon hasn’t attended school since September 2021; a place where he and 23 other members of his class caught COVID-19.
Ten days after his initial infection, Simon’s symptoms began to get worse. General aches and pains became chronic and a general lack of appetite turned into nausea and weight loss.
But five months into the infection, these are just some of the symptoms Simon struggles with. Physically, he experiences heart palpitations, pins and needles, nosebleeds, constipation and ulcers. The latter leaves him with a constant taste of blood in his mouth. And he’s never in enough comfort to get a good night’s sleep.
The problem is, though, the constant pain and lack of rest are now beginning to affect Simon mentally as well. Angry, anxious and frustrated, Simon is often left feeling low and emotional.
“He has dark and intrusive thoughts,”
says Dad.
But maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
Diagnosed with Long Covid four months into his infection, Simon is now under the care of a specialist consultant for his headaches. He’s also been referred to a psychologist, dietician, cardiologist, occupational therapist and physiotherapist. Simon’s family are also hopeful that he will be referred to Great Ormond Street for the pain as well.
“We feel supported but are also acutely aware of the lack of knowledge and research that’s out there. It’s a scary place to be when your child continues to suffer,”
says Dad.
That’s because although his symptoms come and go these days, the chronic pain, fatigue and weakness are always constant.
“Rarely, there are ‘better’ days,”. “So that’s something.”
says Simon's dad
The family is cautious to celebrate these though, as they know Simon will decline again. “He often says the better days are harder as he spends the hours petrified of when the decline will start again.
We stay hopeful something will help,”
says Dad.
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. And this is why we need your help to continue helping children like Simon 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 Simon whose lives have been turned upside down by Long Covid.
£10 could help us run weekly support sessions for children like Simon who are immensely isolated by their illness.
£5 could help us moderate chat forums for young people like Simon 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:
