Yearning to Restore Daily Routine

Yearning for a Return to Everyday Existence - "Seeking a return to everyday routines"

In Lower Saxony, a growing concern is the care and support for individuals affected by Post-Covid syndrome. According to the Medical Association of Lower Saxony, approximately five to ten percent of those infected experience long-term symptoms, a number that equates to around four million people in the state.

The complexity of Post-Covid syndrome is evident, with patients suffering from over 100 symptoms including concentration disorders, tingling, shortness of breath, cough, muscle pain and weakness, joint pain, visual and auditory disorders, and more. This has led to a sense of isolation and powerlessness among the affected, and it is outdated to assume a primarily psychological illness for Post-Covid syndrome, as stated by Prof. Weissenborn.

One such individual, a man in the article, spends 15 minutes on an email due to repeated mistakes, and takes 20 minutes to climb the stairs to her apartment. These physical and cognitive challenges underscore the need for specialized and interdisciplinary care, a network that the deputy president of the Medical Association, Marion Charlotte Renneberg, believes is crucial for Lower Saxony.

Currently, there are only two Post-Covid outpatient clinics in Lower Saxony, located at the Hannover Medical School and the University Medical Center Göttingen. However, these facilities are considered insufficient for a large and spread-out state like Lower Saxony, and the Medical Association has called for more Post-Covid outpatient clinics to be set up.

Research on Post-Covid is not where it should be, and clinical care is also not yet up to par. Prof. Schomerus from the University Hospital Leipzig stated that people with Post-Covid syndrome are "catastrophically underserved" and often experience discrimination. This is further compounded by the lack of biomarkers for Post Covid, making diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.

To address these issues, the Medical Association of Lower Saxony is relying on medical training for knowledge exchange. Over 250 doctors have registered for medical training, a promising step towards improving the understanding and care of Post-Covid patients.

However, Prof. Schomerus warned of a "loss of trust in medical care" due to the complexity of Post-Covid. It is essential to remember that "You need time, you have to listen" to those affected, as a point of contact for those struggling is crucial. Especially for women and young people, people with overweight, and those with immune system diseases, who are considered at risk for Post-Covid, empathy and understanding are key.

As the number of officially registered Coronavirus infections in Lower Saxony approaches four million, the need for comprehensive and compassionate care for Post-Covid patients becomes increasingly urgent. Prof. Weissenborn from the Clinic for Neurology at the Hannover Medical School stated that "We actually know nothing" about the exact causes of Long or Post Covid, but with continued research and support, progress can be made.