After covid, even climbing stairs is a sporting feat for me

How do you retrospectively evaluate the course of the disease in your case?

I would characterize it as moderate. I was incapacitated for two months, but the worst was the first fortnight when I had very high fevers up to forty degrees. I even swallowed maybe seven pararens, but nothing could bring the temperature down, which left me very exhausted. It went on for a very long time. I hadn't been ill for thirty years, I'm not in the risk group, and yet I was taken to the General University Hospital to the pulmonary ward with a more severe course. My taste and smell were distorted and my whole body ached. But I didn't have much difficulty breathing despite the findings on my lungs.

This is relatively unusual, most patients complain of breathing difficulties.

So from the bed I could breathe well (laughs). I even refused oxygen. I only felt the breathing problems afterwards and they have persisted for three months.

What other problems are still bothering you today?

Sometimes a coughing fit comes over me. This is very unpleasant and especially nowadays people look at me with horror in their eyes. I do keep my spacing, but coughing these days is so unpleasant and it doesn't even make me feel good personally. And I also feel that the physicality has gone downhill, I try to exercise a bit at home but I find it hard to breathe with more exertion. Especially when walking up stairs I get short of breath and much more so than before I got sick. But it's gradually getting better.

How did you actually find out that you could recover at a spa?

I found that right on my discharge report from the hospital, I had a recommendation written for recovery at a spa. The GP wrote out an application form where I could choose not only the location but also the spa company I wanted to stay with. This was then approved quite quickly by my insurance company. And then I was contacted by the spa with a start date.

Why did you choose Lázně Luhačovice, a. s.?

Because I know the area well, I have family nearby and on the other hand the spa has a good reputation in general. The district doctor gave me the choice of Luhačovice, among other things, saying that they have a long experience in treating respiratory problems, so I did not hesitate at all.

How was the arrival process and what procedures have you already undergone?

I have been in Luhačovice for a few days so far, but my expectations have been fulfilled. As far as the care is concerned, I am very satisfied. During the initial examination, which is really comprehensive, i.e. not only for respiratory problems, Mr. Hnatek, the chief physician, of course, found out that I also have arthrosis of the knee. And so he automatically prescribed me treatments to deal with the arthritic problems. It was very unexpected, but nice that I would actually cure other health problems here, and not only the ones I came for. Even in the short time I feel that the inhalations and the carbonated water baths are benefiting my lungs. Everyone here is helpful and accommodating. And the environment is very nice. Walking around Luhačovice is beneficial in itself.

Is there any advice you would give to others who are considering a post covid treatment at the spa?

I can definitely recommend the spa treatment! In general, I think rehabilitation is very important in any illness. However much care they can give you in hospital, once you are discharged the GP has no chance to work with you any more. In general in the current situation they are overloaded and will only give you some recommendations. They work with you every day at the spa. I definitely expect a top-up and recommend it to everyone. In my opinion, mental recovery is also important, and here you really relax. You can really focus on yourself, your body and the recovery.

Thank you for the interview.

BOX OF THE EXPERT: Not Just Inhalation, but Breath Gymnastics

Among the most important procedures for post-covid patients I would include inhalations with natural mineral water, which have a so-called "mucolytic effect", that is, they dissolve mucus in the airways. They allow people to clear their airways, to clear their throat and thus increase the functional capacity of the lungs. In Luhačovice we use natural mineral waters that have a high carbon dioxide content. Furthermore, there is a whole range of physiotherapy methods in which we exercise or train breathing gymnastics with our clients. During this, the physiotherapist instructs the patient to breathe correctly and to take full diaphragmatic breaths, which allows all the lung lobes to be ventilated, improves blood oxygenation and thus allows the residual inflammation in the lung tissues to be eliminated. During the stay, patients will not only learn breathing gymnastics, but also therapeutic gymnastics, i.e. rehabilitation techniques, thanks to which they can then continue the regeneration of the lungs in the home environment.

MUDr. Petr Pšenica,
primary physician of Lázně Luhačovice, a. s.

Categories: Spa, Luhačovice, COVID-19, Spa Luhačovice, Coronavirus, Interview, Postcovid treatment