Thread by @kirrabrean

I reluctantly watched this show and if I had a bingo card for how NOT to treat #longcovid I’d have had a full house. A thread 🧵1/

https://twitter.com/RTEOne/status/1574731831471218688

2/ Steve is unable to complete the first interview as he becomes dizzy and lightheaded. Opportunity to investigate Steve for the condition POTS that commonly overlaps with Long Covid?? No - a quick check on a static BP and HR and this is never mentioned again

3/ The voiceover on the trailer and throughout, along with the comments from @DrPhilCork repeatedly state that he is “de-conditioned” and has a “sedentary lifestyle“. These are presented as causes - yet this has been roundly debunked in the international literature

4/ the doctor continues to theorise (bingo cards ready?) that the fatigue is caused by a)anxiety and b) deconditioning as all the tests that he can think of doing are yes …. normal

5/ An exercise plan is presented without any reference that I could see of screening for PEM / PESE. The @WHO , @WorldPhysio1951 @LongCOVIDPhysio @NICEComms and more have specifically highlighted this. Steve looks in agony for the exercise and this was really hard to watch TBH

6/ On the beach, Steve tries to tell the doctor about the “bad days” (?PEM please let this be the time they discuss it and raise awareness among the public?). No, Steve is told he needs to just stay motivated yadda yadda

7/ Steve’s weight is also wrongly implicated as causing the symptoms despite Steve describing himself as being in the gym several nights a week prior to his Covid infection, an active Dad and with a busy physical job.

8/ While we clearly cannot diagnose Steve from a TV show, the types of symptoms he describes are typical of Long Covid - a post viral illness with a wide ranging symptom profile and a debilitating impact on peoples lives that is affecting thousands and thousands of Irish people

9/ There are healthcare professionals in Ireland who are aware of safe rehabilitation approaches, including @AOTInews members like myself. There is a HSE model of care in development. Patient groups are also organised and supporting thousands in online communities.

10/ @rte please reach out to people who have done their homework on this and use your platform as the national broadcaster to create awareness of #StopRestPace and other safe rehabilitation approaches.