My coronavirus story - by Lisa Cromack

Lisa Cromack, an Involvement Coordinator, talks about her recovery from coronavirus

Hi my name is Lisa and I want to share my story of coronavirus. When lockdown started I felt worried about not going to all my jobs because I like to be busy but I was ok, I kept myself busy in my house with my house mates and my staff. We did lots of crafts, BBQs, karaoke, and baking and shared the love with other supported living houses.

1 day I just woke up feeling achey and had a sore throat and chest, I told my staff and they looked after me, they checked my temperature and I was hot. I had to have Paracetamol quite a lot. I had to have a swab in my nose and the test came back positive, I had coronavirus.

I felt poorly and had to isolate in my room, it was hard and lonely but staff always looked after me and made me feel better and cheered me up. When I was poorly I did lots of sleeping and resting and I drank lots of water and juice. I had to have my meals in my bedroom, my staff brought these up to me and checked on me lots. When I started to feel up to it I watched movies, listened to music, looked at family photos and did my diary every day. I spoke to my family on the phone lots.

I was very worried about myself because I am usually always busy and happy but I felt a bit scared. My staff always look after me and told me everything was going to be ok.

When I was able to come out of isolation and I felt much better, it felt like “FREEDOM”. It was nice to see my house mates and spend time with others. I had to try and chill out and rest still as I kept feeling tired. It felt weird that my staff were still wearing masks and aprons but I understand that it’s important. We had a tenants meeting about coronavirus and staff keep us happy and up to date.

Things are very different now, staff are doing my shopping for me, I tell them what I want and need, I don’t need to worry about any of that. I can order any clothes or things I need on the laptop. I still get 1-1 with my staff but we social distance, I like to do my book with my staff and talk about my feelings.

Coronavirus has been a very hard time for me but I am coping. I am looking forward to getting back to my normal life but I know this might take a long time. We need to listen to the government and stay safe.