Page 47 - Mancave Sept 2021.cdr

should be performed if you are struggling with fatigue. If COVID left a bad taste? The generally accepted guideline for laboratory testing
you are unable to perform a walk test, a timed up and is: LONG-TERM EFFECTS
go test and/or repeated chair stand test, are standard Olfactory (smell) or gustatory (taste) effects are the • FBC – Full blood count just to check the bloods all
testing protocols which should be applied. Manual most common signs of infection for the COVID-19 virus. round
muscle testing (MMT) should be performed to determine The degree to which you lose your senses of • Blood chemistry - including electrolytes to determine OF COVID-19
muscle and strength loss. Again, a GP or Biokineticist is taste/smell, and the duration of this loss will vary from fluids and organ function
most probably your best port of call for this screening. others. While the loss of these senses might be a • D-dimers – to determine the risk of blood clotting
nuisance at worst, this could lead to unintentional weight diseases
Your functional capacity (and progress) should be used loss due to a lack of interest in food or hydration. • Additional laboratory tests which might be
to guide your personalised rehabilitation programme. appropriate for certain patients may include
Energy conservation plans, such as well-planned days, If you are suffering from nausea and diarrhoea • Inflammatory markers – to determine any remaining
pacing and prioritisation of activities, should be put in (gastrointestinal effects) this too may lead to weight loss inflammation/damage
place to reduce your fatigue. and improper inadequate nutrition management during • Thyroid studies in those with unexplained fatigue or
and post illness. Prolonged, new, or increasing weakness.
Just think about it (the neural system) nausea/diarrhoea should lead to you considering
laboratory testing for cultures (to determine correct For the diabetics
COVID-19 has been largely connected with neurologic antibiotic use for the purpose of beating the culture).
(nervous system) complications. Decreased If you have always suffered with mild diabetes, you are
oxygenation to the brain and nerves, and sleep A nutritional assessment or diet plan from a dietician at risk of becoming insulin-dependent or developing a
deprivation during illness may have led to concentration could assist in healthy re-gaining of lost weight or greater requirement for insulin during COVID-19 illness.
or memory problems, commonly referred to as “brain- nutrition or rectifying BMI (Body Mass Index) to a In the odd, rare case, patients who might have been
fog”. Decreased oxygenation can lead to muscular healthy weight. This could be beneficial to some of us, borderline or unaware of their diabetes risk may become
weakness, seizures and even strokes. regardless of COVID-19. newly diagnosed.
Your complete neurological history and examination
(mental status, depression and anxiety questionnaires, Take the lab for a walk Your normal diabetic treatment regimes, blood glucose
reflexes, coordination, and sensory examinations, and insulin usage may be monitored by your nurse or
walking and postural assessments) should be done to Laboratory testing should not be necessary if you are doctor. Finger-prick or lab based fasting glucose tests
determine any remaining effects of the infection and the completely symptom free. If laboratory tests were are unusual in post-COVID testing – but should be
impact which they might have on your functioning. performed during your illness; those test results should screened in everyone.
be a guideline for your doctor on re-testing post-illness.
Imaging of your brain and it's functioning is not Any abnormalities in your bloodwork during illness Antibody and Antigens
recommended unless there are unexplained deficits or should be an alarm for retesting the same bloodwork
concern unrelated to your COVID illness. Referral for during recovery. If you present with unexplained There is no clinical use in having antibody (produced by
neuropsychologist or a speech therapist for continuing symptoms however, laboratory testing, if the human body - triggered by antigens) or antigen
assessments and management would only appropriate advised by your doctor could be done to determine any (proteins that exist on the outer shell of the virus itself)
if you are suffering from prolonged brain-fog or unresolved abnormalities. tests performed if you have had COVID-19 diagnosed
neurological issues. A referral for the management of with a PCR test (Lab based polymerase chain reaction
depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or sleep swab). If you suspect you may have had undiagnosed
disorders may be recommended depending on your COVID-19 you might find some value in an antibody test
concerns and the healthcare professional's scope of to determine the presence of antibodies for the virus.
practice.
To the Executive Summary

The management of long-term effects and psychological
disorders post-COVID-19 is a “swept under the rug”
aspect due to the lack of clinical knowledge. It is
important for you to undergo cardiovascular, lung
function, physical functioning, neurological and
laboratory (as advised) screening post COVID-19 Illness.
Your nutrition, hydration, sleep management and
physiological health can all affect your recovery. Whilst
the jury is still out regarding certain medications and
supplements for the prevention, management, and
recovery of COVID-19, these should be administered
under the guidance of your healthcare professional to
ensure safety.

COVID-19 is not over but you can manage it. Get
screened, mask up, wash up, stay home, stay safe.
Ensure that you are up to date with your vaccinations,
maintain your nutrition, sleep and health, exercise
regularly and always stay positive, but test negative!

44 45