Maxime, 43, has a long form of Covid-19. Sick for over a year, he has still not been able to return to work. He explains his condition and warns about the situation of patients in France.
Maxime’s life came to an end on October 16, 2020. After participating in a short film festival, this Dijon resident tested positive for Covid-19. He immediately felt the symptoms: runny nose, fever, muscle pain. More than a year later, he has not returned to work and still spends days in bed.
His family life is also turned upside down by the disease. “I don’t go out anymore, I can’t share anything with my joint“, he saddens. “My handicap falls back on her. To my children, I send back the image of a destroyed parent. I have no more life, I am not the same man as before.“
In perfect physical shape, the 43-year-old man never imagined being so affected by the virus. “It was a huge shock“, he confirms.”I was dynamic and athletic. I had no health concerns.“However, new symptoms appear over the days. General physical exhaustion sets in. He even develops tachycardia, despite having no history of heart problems.
We feel abandoned.
Maxime
long Covid patient
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For Maxime, people with long Covid are not sufficiently recognized by the authorities and scientific bodies. He particularly calls into question a study published in early November, in which several scientists affirmed that the long forms of the virus would be a psychological disease.
“It’s very hard to live because we feel abandoned“, he explains.”We were told that we would not be left by the wayside, but it’s been a year. Personally, I have a hard time living with denial.“
According to him, inviting patients rather than doctors or journalists on television sets would better show the reality of the disease.
Maxime also denounces a lack of support from health professionals. According to him, finding the specialists for treatment is a real obstacle course.
“It was very hard to live with because some professionals were not very supportive. There are several patients who have been prescribed Doliprane and antidepressants. But what many have not understood is that the long Covid is a physical attack with psychological consequences, and not the other way around. And when we find doctors who believe us, they are often overwhelmed.“
The 40-year-old now spends several days a week in an exercise rehabilitation center in Dijon. Within this establishment, cardio exercises, team sports or even psychological follow-ups, at the request of patients, are offered.
During his visits to the hospital, Maxime keeps a video logbook. He explains his approach.
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© Auberi Verne / France 3 Burgundy
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Friday, November 26, the deputy for the second constituency of Belfort, Michel Zumkeller, defended before the National Assembly a bill that aims to set up a platform for monitoring people with long Covid. The law was adopted unanimously.
A glimmer of hope for Maxime, who admits that this proposal has acted as a breath of fresh air for the sick.
“It’s the first step of the stairs“, he confides.”Now we all know, and the member for Belfort too, that this is not enough. In one year, we have taken a step forward. That’s good, but it has to speed up. The urgency is there.“
Ultimately, he would like the long Covid to be recognized in France as a handicap. This measure has already been taken in several countries such as the United States or the United Kingdom.
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