'Everything I like takes too much energy', Joris van Caulil (42) summarizes his situation. 'It is quite confronting to realize that three young, enthusiastic children are very taxing for a sensitive father. But I do not want to take away their enthusiasm. It now takes so much energy that I only came back early from our vacation this summer. Previously, I was active in the evenings and I had a nice job. But my social contacts are now limited to a minimum and working is hardly possible.'
Joris is the first in his family to be infected with corona in the spring of 2021. His wife and three children (6, 9 and 12) follow. But now, half a year later, the rest have recovered and Joris is still ill. So ill that he can hardly work. 'My employer is very understanding. I struggled with the occupational health and safety doctor for a while, who wanted me to build up again. But when it turned out that I really couldn't do that, my employer said that we would choose our own path. That meant working an hour a day. Now my temporary contract is not being extended. I understand that under these circumstances. It gives mixed feelings. On the one hand, I have unfortunately lost my job. I had a nice job as a commercial director at an office furnishing company. But on the other hand, it gives me peace. You constantly put yourself under pressure because you want to work more. I think this peace is good for me. Even though that hour gave me a lot of satisfaction and I liked staying in touch with the company.'
Don't worry
Joris accepts the situation as it is, he says. 'It takes far too much energy to worry. That leads to a relapse, I have learned in the meantime.' In addition to the enormous fatigue, Joris suffers from severe muscle pain and loss of strength in his upper legs. As a result, even walking around is a painful effort. In addition, there are cognitive complaints, tinnitus and tingling fingers. When asked about the treatments he receives for this, Joris says: 'I receive physiotherapy and occupational therapy. For the sensitivity to stimuli, I follow ASIT therapy, for people with a non-congenital brain disorder. That helps me. My GP advises treatment in a rehabilitation centre. And I have visited an internist and a cardiologist, but that did not yield much. The appointment with the neurologist has been made.'
Find each other!
Joris' life has changed drastically. He can no longer do many things. 'What used to give me energy now costs energy. Yet I am someone for whom the glass is always half full. Many people have surprised me, both positively and negatively. But the vast majority in a positive way. There is a lot of understanding. And what I am very happy about is the peer contact I have with two long-covid patients here in the village. I can really recommend that to everyone. Seek each other out! Not to start whining together, but it is a celebration of recognition and recognition.'
As an expert by experience, Joris is one of the speakers during the webinar Long Covid and loved ones that the Dutch Lung Foundation is organizing on November 25.
