Life with Long Covid

Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week I reflect on an occupational health assessment. Reflecting on our own chronic illness can be hard, but this time I discovered unexpected gains. www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I reflect on the challenges of having a chronic illness after five years of Long Covid. I also give an update on oxygen therapy.www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This episode focuses on my early experiences of high-dose oxygen therapy. With Rachel, I delve into how it has made me feel and the way my life has changed over the past four years.Join the community at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I reflect on a question I was asked recently:“What do you do all day?”It sounds simple, but living with Long Covid means the answer is anything but. I share an honest “day in the life,” from waking with fatigue, attempting small wins like walking the dogs, to the crashes, pacing decisions, and quiet frustration that often shape my days. I also talk about the boredom and guilt that can come with enforced rest, the invisible work of managing energy that most people never see.If you’ve ever wondered what chronic illness life really looks like behind closed doors, this episode offers a window.Visit our website to become part of the community. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Life with Long Covid is more than a podcast; it is a community. This week, we read out some of your messages and reflect on how the community is helping one another. www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode of Life with Long Covid, I reflect on what illness quietly teaches us about control.Long Covid doesn’t just disrupt plans or routines; it exposes how much of life we assumed we were managing in the first place. When the body becomes unpredictable, effort no longer guarantees outcomes, and familiar systems stop working, the illusion of control begins to unravel.If you’re living with Long Covid, chronic illness, or simply feeling worn down by the pressure to hold everything together, this episode is for you.Join the community, visit www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

January can feel heavier than we expect.The decorations are down, the light is scarce, the weather has turned cold, and the new year arrives carrying a quiet pressure to feel motivated, hopeful, and ready to begin again. For many of us, that’s exactly when everything feels harder.In this episode, Paul & Rachel sit down to talk honestly about why January can leave us feeling low — emotionally, physically, and mentally. Using Blue Monday as a starting point, we explore the impact of winter, fatigue, lowered energy, and the expectations we place on ourselves at the start of a new year.This isn’t a conversation about fixing yourself or forcing positivity. It’s about noticing what the season does to us, naming the chill we carry, and offering a little warmth in the middle of it.Come and join the community at: www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

As a new year begins, we are often encouraged to think about fresh starts and big plans. But what if hope looks different now?In this episode, I reflect on reaching five years of living with long Covid and the quiet mental shift that has come with it. I’m no longer waiting to be better before allowing myself to live. Instead, I’m learning how to live honestly within the limits of my energy, health, and circumstances.I talk about a brutal Christmas period, ongoing exhaustion, the dread of benefit renewals, and the reality of not being able to work. I also reflect on the small but meaningful role that writing and recording play in sustaining both purpose and connection.This episode isn’t about giving up on hope, and it recognises that listeners will be in different places. It’s an invitation to consider a gentler, more realistic question as we enter 2026:What are you hoping for now?Join the community: www.lifewithlongcovid.co.ukBuy the book hereThank you to everyone who listens and subscribes — your support truly matters. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I am joined by Rachel to talk about the fear of getting the flu and managing energy levels over Christmas. To join the community, visit our website at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Christmas can be magical… but navigating chronic illness makes that harder. This episode explores the hidden labour, the energy budgeting, and the emotional weight of big occasions when your body doesn’t cooperate.Visit www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk to become part of the community. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I recorded something a bit personal this week. Some friends visited recently and reminded me that I’ve made progress this year. I have a little bit more energy, capacity, and can do things I genuinely couldn’t have done twelve months ago.But there’s a tension there, isn’t there? As soon as we say “I’ve improved,” people hear “I’m getting better and it’s never that simple.If you’re living with Long Covid or any chronic condition, you’ll get this one. ”Hope it helps someone feel a little less alone today.Life With Long Covid is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

It’s the 50th episode of Life with Long Covid — and what better way to celebrate than by talking about the most baffling, bizarre, and frankly ridiculous symptoms long Covid throws at us?In this episode, I explore the strange side of chronic illness: the jelly legs, the electric zaps, the temperature chaos, the sensory weirdness, and that moment when you forget why you opened the fridge in the first place. If it’s odd, unpredictable, or impossible to describe… I will probably cover it.Episode 50 is all about validation —Life can be exhausting and sometimes the only way to cope with these ridiculous symptoms is to talk and laugh about them together. www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Living with long Covid means explaining the same things again and again — what fatigue really is, why brain fog isn’t just forgetfulness, and why rest isn’t laziness. In this episode, Paul shares the things people with long Covid wish others understood, without having to repeat them every week.I talk about unpredictable symptoms, cancelled plans, the emotional labour of keeping up appearances, and why recovery isn’t a neat, upward line. If you’re living with long Covid or supporting someone who is, this honest conversation is for you. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

How do you rebuild a future when so much is uncertain? In this episode, I try and explain how I am coming to terms with chronic illness and what things might look like in the future. It is raw and unfiltered (even my dog Maisie makes a background appearance!). To subscribe to receive an update and for all my previous work, including details of my book, visit: www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I discuss how Covid has caused secondary conditions and go on a rant about what it is like to live with them! I also reflect on the difficulty of making and keeping hospital appointments. Subscribe and become part of the community at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week, Rachel joins me as we discuss very honestly how my frustration at not being able to do things makes me question my self-worth. We also discuss whether Florence Nightingale might have had ME/CFS. www.lifewithlongcovid.co.ukTo receive weekly posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

It's impossible to live up to others’ expectations when you have a chronic illness. In this episode, I reflect on the negative influence of social media and the feeling that I should be contributing to the workplace.Visit www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk to subscribeMy book is available on Amazon. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this update, Paul shares openly and honestly about how long covid affects his mental health, particularly during a crash. www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I have now had the symptoms of Long Covid for more than three years. In this episode, I reflect on the journey so far and how the world seems to have moved on without us. To subscribe, please click here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What does it feel like to have not only your job, but your self-identity stripped away? In this episode, Paul reflects on how much his life has changed since contracting Covid in 2021 and how the journey is far from over.www.lifewithlongcovid.co.ukBook Available on Amazon now, please click here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

My scooter and wheelchairs have given me some of my freedom back and I am incredibly grateful for them. However, they also come with a lot of stress and sometimes I get fed up with having to use them. In this episode, I reflect on buying and using my wheeled friends and the shock of how much they cost. Please consider visiting and subscribing to my community here You can purchase my book here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What is it like to suffer from chronic fatigue? In this episode I try to describe living with this aspect of long covid and peoples reactions to it. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

After a summer break, the podcast is back! This week, I reflect on the experience of going on holiday and the challenge of changing routines with a chronic illness. If you find this podcast useful, please do consider following and reviewing. There is a lot more to 'Life with Long Covid', visit our page here to subscribe and receive all my updates. My book is available on Amazon here. Thank you so much for your support. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Sometimes I get stuck in the past and think that I am the Paul who used to have lots of energy and had lists of things to do everyday. Living with a Chronic illness has meant a period of adjustment, which I am still struggling with.You can purchase my book hereYou can subscribe to the community here Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

The covid pandemic might be a thing of the past for most people, but to some, it has changed their lives forever. In this episode, I reflect on having to stop doing some of the things I loved and coming to terms with a new life, with long covid. You can purchase my book here. Please subscribe to become a member of the community. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Chronic Illness can get you down. In this episode, I talk about why I have not uploaded an episode lately and how my illness affects my mental health. It's a candid, raw and honest exploration of how it affects me. Please do consider subscribing hereYou can purchase my book here Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week I reflect on a visit to London on the train and rant about assessments! Please support the podcast if you can by subscribing here.My book is available here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week, I reflect on a recent post and a trip to our local hospital for a blood test. Rachel joins me again, and we read through some of the responses to the post and how, by sharing experiences, we can feel less alone. Subscribe to the show here to join the community and to receive posts and episodes. You can purchase Paul's book here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I turn the tables on my wife, Rachel, and ask her about what it's like to live with someone who has Long Covid. It's a candid and honest conversation that will benefit anyone navigating chronic illness or supporting someone dealing with it.You can subscribe to receive more articles and episodes here.You can buy the book here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week, I reflect on an assessment I was asked to complete for benefits, aimed at judging how disabled I am due to Long Covid. It helped me reflect on my journey and how my life has changed in the past few years. Join the community here You can purchase Paul's book here Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I triumph on achieving a small task and reflect on Long Covid awareness day. Five years on from the pandemic's beginning, are we doing all we can to explore and treat this illness? You can support the Podcast and receive my articles here.My book is available from Amazon here. Paid subscribers get a free signed copy! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I often talk about 'crashing', but what does it really mean? In this episode I reflect on the different things that cause me to crash and the ways in which I attempt to explain it to others. You can purchase my book, Living with Long Covid, here.You can subscribe for extra content here, and also send me a message/comment on this episode or your Long Covid journey. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Organising a day out with mobility aids is no small task, but I thought I had cracked it. Armed with meticulous, military like planning and a new wheelchair I confidently planned a trip to Manchester. However, the unknown's are hard to plan for! You can purchase my book, Living with Long Covid, here. You can subscribe for extra content here, and also send me a message. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this week's episode, I discuss how important it is to maintain or rekindle friendships, even though it can be tough when you have an energy-limiting illness.Visit and subscribe to my substack here You can purchase my book here Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week, I am joined by my wife Rachel as we discuss how I plan my day and how essential it is to look ahead with chronic fatigue. I also talk about using Visible, a useful tool for monitoring and measuring 'pace points'.This Podcast is now hosted with Substack, which means you can comment and subscribe for additional content here.Living with Long Covid, the book is out now! Get it here. Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

When the lady on the phone told me I had accessible parking for my visit to a football stadium, I was pleased. However, what she left out could have meant being stranded. In this episode, I reflect on a recent day out and how we can feel vulnerable and at the mercy of others.Please take the time to review this podcast wherever you listen from. Living with Long Covid, the book is out now! Get it from Amazon here. Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

This week, I reflect on a 'mini crash' and the difficulty of deciding what to do. I also discuss the difficulty of gaining weight and what I have tried to do about it. Exciting news! I have released a book based on this podcast. You can find it on Amazon using this link; please do consider purchasing the Kindle or paperback version:  Buy it hereSend Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Living with long covid can feel like you are in limbo. I have felt like that for the past three years, and in this episode, I ask myself, "What am I waiting for?".  If you live with chronic illness, you will recognise this question. I also read out some of your messages. Please consider supporting my podcast by using the links below and leaving a review wherever you listen. Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I am back after a short hiatus! In this episode, I explain what I have been up to and consider how Long Covid affects my mental health. Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Long COVID has transformed the way I view my life and my identity, especially as I navigate the unexpected path of early retirement. How do you explain to others the profound impact of an invisible illness that alters every aspect of your life? This episode is an invitation to walk with me through the maze of isolation and misunderstanding that comes with long COVID. By sharing my personal experiences, I aim to create a space where others facing this condition feel seen and heard. We tackle the complexity of expressing these challenges to those who may not fully grasp the reality of living with long COVID, while also reflecting on the identity shifts that accompany such life-altering circumstances.The unpredictable nature of long COVID is mirrored in the surprising relief I’ve found with the recent winter weather in the UK. While typically averse to the cold, I’ve discovered that this season brings an unexpected respite from the relentless fatigue, offering glimmers of hope in my weekly journey. Join me as I express encouragement and solidarity with those who are enduring similar struggles, reminding us all of the resilience we possess. This episode is a reminder that brighter days are possible, even if they come in fleeting moments, and that we are never alone in this journey.Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

I find myself constantly being grumpy with people who just want to help, and equally grumpy with people who don't offer! It is this contradictory mindset that I explore in this episode which hides a deeper fear of being vulnerable. As I come to terms with my disabilities, the move from being carer to being cared for is hard. As always, I offer you this latest episode in full recognition that I am a bit foggy brained today and my dog Maisie is barking at everything that moves! Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

In this episode, I try to describe what it feels like to feel isolated with long covid. If you have a chronic illness and sometimes feel alone, this one is for you! Imagine feeling trapped in an invisible world, where the echoes of long COVID linger long after the rest of the world has seemingly moved on. That's been my reality since January 2022.  I talk openly about the mixed bag of reactions I encounter—from those who offer empathy to sceptics who blame everything but the virus itself. Through this episode, I hope to reach others on this difficult journey, reminding them that they're not alone.Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

How do you maintain your sense of self when living with a chronic illness like long Covid? Join me, Paul Clarke and my wife Rachel, as we uncover the emotional landscapes and societal hurdles that come with my journey of ill health retirement. In our latest conversation, we confront the misconceptions and judgments that arise when trying to live fully while managing a chronic illness. Rachel and I share our honest experiences, from the sting of social media criticism to the struggle of balancing joy and reality. We also read out two of your messages, which add to the conversation of how to live life with Long Covid. Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What happens when the world moves on, but your body doesn't? From the isolation of feeling misunderstood to the frustration of being dismissed by others, I share my personal journey of living with persistent symptoms. Whether you're personally affected, know someone who is, or simply wish to broaden your understanding, this episode offers an unfiltered glimpse into the daily reality of living with an illness many choose to ignore. Let this conversation be a reminder of the importance of compassion and support for those facing chronic health battles. Miranda's new book: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You (Audio Download): Miranda Hart, Miranda Hart, Penguin Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Audible Books & OriginalsSend Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What happens when you find yourself facing long COVID for the third time, and the dread of uncertainty looms larger than ever? Join me, as I navigate my way through another bout of illness coinciding with my ill-health retirement. I found myself reflecting on the persistent fear of worsening symptoms and the isolation that comes with a healthcare system seemingly moving on from the pandemic. This episode serves as a reminder of the solidarity we share, with an assurance that solutions will eventually be found.Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

Can long COVID turn your life upside down? For me, Paul, it certainly did. Join me as I recount my deeply personal and ongoing battle with long COVID, an invisible illness that has forced me to retire prematurely from my role as a vicar. I recorded this on my retirement day, at the age of 52. Through the lens of my daily struggles with chronic fatigue, discover practical tips that have been pivotal in my symptom management. I discuss the critical role of antihistamines, the importance of pacing your life according to your energy levels, and the benefits of using mobility aids. Hear about strategies like alternating between rest and small tasks, which can help you maintain a sustainable rhythm. This episode is not just about my journey, but also aims to build a community of solidarity and understanding for everyone grappling with this condition. Tune in, and learn how sharing personal experiences can foster mutual support and resilience.Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

The UK Government has recently once again made it clear that the national welfare benefit budget needs to shrink. What does it feel like for somebody with a chronic illness to apply?     I share my deeply personal and often frustrating journey through the maze of seeking validation and support for a condition that many misunderstand. You'll hear about the moments of despair, the exhaustive paperwork, and the sheer emotional toll it took to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK. But there's also light at the end of the tunnel—I'll recount the sense of empowerment and relief when I was finally granted PIP and my blue badge, both of which have been a game-changer in making my daily life more manageable.This episode also shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Their invaluable guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in my successful reapplication for PIP.  I'll also discuss the broader support systems, such as Employment Support Allowance and occupational health assessments, which have been essential in helping me feel validated in my daily struggles . My aim is to offer insight, solidarity, and a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar struggles, encouraging you to seek the support you rightly need and deserve.Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What happens when you're grappling with the relentless symptoms of long COVID and suddenly your daughter is hospitalized? In this heartfelt episode, I share the raw realities of balancing my own health struggles while supporting a loved one in crisis. From the emotional and physical exhaustion to the spiritual toll it takes, I discuss the importance of pushing through and adapting, knowing that recovery is on the horizon. Discover how my life took a turn for the better with the addition of a foldable mobility scooter. This three-wheeled e-folding explorer has been a game-changer, offering newfound independence and freedom. I'll explain how it has outperformed my traditional powered wheelchair, enabling me to navigate curbs and rough terrain easily. Plus, I share the joy of customising and using it, especially for those daunting hospital visits. We'll also reflect on the critical role of a robust support system, whether it's family, friends, or simply knowing you're not alone. https://efoldi.com/index.html - I have the explorer model. Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe

What happens when you feel like your life has been put on pause indefinitely? Join me, Paul, as I share my raw and personal journey through the relentless battle of long COVID. In the chapter, 'When Will This End?', I open up about the emotional turmoil and physical setbacks that have marked over two years of my life. From fleeting moments of hope to the crushing reality of isolation, listen to how this invisible illness has not only impacted me but also created a rift in my family's daily existence. Finally, I offer a message of resilience and hope, reminding us all that feeling stuck is not permanent. Let's draw strength from one another and look forward to a future full of promise and connection. If you are feeling alone and isolated, this episode is for you! Send Paul a text hereSupport the showBuy me a coffee Here! Get full access to Life With Long Covid at www.lifewithlongcovid.co.uk/subscribe