Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Laurence

Laurence spent 29 days in an induced coma on ICU, and a further 6 days in hospital on a general ward. His recovery has included physiotherapy and speech therapy. Laurence's ICU stay has changed his outlook on life, and he is now looking to raise awareness about lifestyle effects on health. Interviewed for the study in February 2021.

  • Background

    Laurence fell ill with Covid in March 2020. He is married and has two children in their early twenties. Following his discharge, he quit his job that required a lot...

  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Carl

    Carl was admitted to hospital and ICU in the early days of the first Covid wave in the UK. He had no contact with this family for 2 weeks due to visitor restrictions. During his stay he experienced terrifying dreams, was isolated and craved normality. 10 months later, his recovery was ongoing. Interviewed for the study in February 2021.

  • Background

    Carl works as an interior designer. He is married with two children aged 13 and 15. Ethnic background: White British

  • Age at interview 50
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Adele

    In March 2020 Adele became unwell. Initially she had textbook; symptoms of Covid - a sore throat, temperature, cough and headache. After a week she became very unwell. After experiencing a wide range of symptoms, more recently she has been able to return to her work part-time. Being able to share experiences and treatment ideas with others has helped her recovery. She regrets pushing herself too soon and too much, both physically and mentally.

  • Background

    In March 2020 Adele became unwell. Initially she had textbook; symptoms of Covid - a sore throat, temperature, cough and headache. After a week she became very unwell. After experiencing...

    • Jennifer

    Jennifer had Covid in March 2020. She developed symptoms of long Covid a few weeks after thinking she had recovered from Covid. It has taken over a year to begin to recover. She has found it helpful to share her experiences with other people with long Covid.

  • Background

    Jennifer had Covid in March 2020. She developed symptoms of long Covid a few weeks after thinking she had recovered from Covid. It has taken over a year to begin...

    • Judy

    Judy has struggled to recover from long Covid for over a year at the time of the interview. She continues to experience symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, headaches and occasional breathlessness.

  • Background

    Judy has struggled to recover from long Covid for over a year at the time of the interview. She continues to experience symptoms, including post-exertional malaise, headaches and occasional breathlessness.

    • Jamie

    Jamie had cold or flu-like symptoms, but no cough, early in the pandemic (2020). He developed breathlessness and general malaise. His main challenges were getting a clear diagnosis for his illness and getting some people to take his symptoms seriously.

  • Background

    Jamie had cold or flu-like symptoms, but no cough, early in the pandemic (2020). He developed breathlessness and general malaise. His main challenges were getting a clear diagnosis for his...

    • Salma

    Salma has granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), an ANCA associated vasculitis. Since being diagnosed, she has developed other health problems including steroid-induced diabetes, chronic kidney disease, fibromyalgia and high blood pressure.

  • Background

    Salma has been medically retired for 15 years from her job as a hospital administrator. Her primary language is English, but she uses Gujarati with her husband. Ethnic background: Anglo-Indian.

  • Age at interview 51
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Grant

    Grant has granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a type of ANCA associated vasculitis. He tries to live as normal a life as he can and is hoping to build up his fitness.

  • Background

    Grant is a self-employed heating and ventilation engineer in the oil and gas industry. He lives with his wife and their two daughters. Ethnic background: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 34
  • Sex/Gender Male

    • Isabel

    Isabel has giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of systemic vasculitis. She is delighted with the care she has received.

  • Background

    Isabel worked in a bank from the time she left school until she retired. Her husband died recently, and she has two grown-up children. Ethnic background: White Scottish.

  • Age at interview 76
  • Sex/Gender Female

    • Roberta

    Roberta has giant cell arteritis (GCA), a type of systemic vasculitis. She has been offered a biologic medication to help her come off steroids but worries about the possible side effects of medicines.

  • Background

    Roberta is a retired office and call centre worker. She has three grown-up children and lives with her husband. Ethnic background: White British

  • Age at interview 69
  • Sex/Gender Female