Long‑Haul in the Lion City: Madam Loh’s Battle With Post‑COVID Fatigue
Meet Madam Loh Luan Kim, a 50‑year‑old Malaysian cashier at a massage parlour who’s quietly fighting a twin‑enemy. She has lupus, an autoimmune condition kept under wrap by medication, and now a stubborn case of Long Covid that’s been nagging on for almost two months.
From Sunny Vaccination to Unwelcome Breakthrough
- Got her COVID‑19 shot as soon as it hit the shelves.
- Three weeks later, on November 2, a breakthrough infection lands her belly.
- Glossed over the initial waves, but the aftermath refuses to let go.
What Is Long Covid?
It’s the lingering leg‑wenching shadow of a once‑quick infection—pain, breathlessness, loss of taste or smell, and a sudden, exhausting onset that can last from weeks to a dreaded year.
Statistics say:
- Globally, about half of all patients report some form of Long Covid.
- In Singapore, 1 in 10 people stay in the “long‑struggle” for longer than six months.
Madam Loh’s Symptoms Check‑list
- Hard to breathe, even after walking a few steps.
- Heart racing – a blissfully unwelcomed sprint in the can.
- Night‑time fatigue, a morning battle that eases by afternoon.
- Need for 2 L/hour of oxygen even post‑viral clearance.
- Chest “black spots” on a post‑infection X‑ray.
Hospital Journey: From TTSH to Ren Ci Community
She spent a week in Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s wards before moving to the Covid‑19 Treatment Facility at Ren Ci Community Hospital for the rest of her recovery.
Her story? “When I walked, my heart kept racing. It felt like my lungs had decided to take a nap,” she told the nurses in Cantonese.
CTF Rehab: Learning to Walk Without Sinking
While charting new ground, a nurse guided her through a gentle “exercise” routine. Think of it as a brisk stroll with frequent “well‑done” rest breaks.
She admits: “Even after a quick trip to the bathroom, I had to sit down. I was worried about how tired I’d become for a simple task.”
Yet, the nurses had the confidence: “You’ll recover.” That optimism pulled her out of the depression that might have swallowed a younger, oxygen‑free elder.
Key Takeaways for the Community
- Long Covid doesn’t discriminate – it can hit any age or health status.
- Pre‑existing conditions (like lupus) amplify risks.
- Stay upbeat; a bit of humor and positive support can be a lifesaver.
- Medical facilities are ready to help, but the recovery pace is your own.
So, as we keep sweeping up those nasty sneezes, let’s remember that some folks are carrying a double‑blow: chronic illness plus Long Covid. A gentle nod, a hearty laugh, and a steady heartbeat are our tools to support them. Cheers to Madam Loh and everyone else on the road to recovery!
From ICU to the Corporate World: Madam Loh’s Comeback Story
After stepping out of the hospital on 23 November, Madam Loh found herself on a two‑week medical leave. Her oxygen saturation was still a bit low, but her doctor deemed a level above 90 % as “good enough.” Most folks keep an eye on the 95‑100 % range, but she was holding her own.
Slow‑Motion Recovery
Determined to rebuild her stamina, Madam Loh made exercise a daily quota—except every move had to be done like a snail in a marathon. “If I pace myself, my heart starts racing,” she mused with a laugh.
The CTF Experience
Patients like Madam Loh are ushered into a Community Treatment Facility (CTF) only after surviving the acute phase and achieving a stable condition. Their stay in the hospital typically spans five to eight days.
By the end of October, Singapore had set up about 3,700 beds in CTFs to free up spots in acute hospitals. TTSH (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) runs two CTF units at the nearby Ren‑Ci Community Hospital: a 36‑bed ward and an 18‑bed ward.
Patient Profile Snapshot
- Less than half of CTF patients are fully vaccinated.
- The average stay clocks in at just over nine days.
- More than half require follow‑up care with specialists for Covid‑related issues.
- Older patients, especially those over 80, tend to linger longer regardless of vaccination status.
- Unvaccinated patients with lingering symptoms often need extended stays.
Despite feeling stable, CTF patients can slip, necessitating a transfer back to TTSH or the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Dr Chan recounted unsettling cases: two heart attacks, a gastric ulcer bleed, and a severe drop in oxygen for a fourth patient. “The CTF close to NCID gets the more seriously ill,” he explained, noting that milder cases usually go to other facilities.
Day‑to‑Day Care
Nearly every patient in the 36‑bed TTSH CTF needs oxygen. Older folks may also suffer from confusion and delirium—helped by isolation and being away from home.
Eating is a challenge for many, which only adds to their frailty. The majority need:
- Physiotherapy to regain muscle strength after bed‑bound periods.
- Speech therapy to check swallow safety.
- Dietary assessment to monitor intake.
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills like dressing.
Keeping a Close Eye on Oxygen
Ms Wee Fong Chi, the deputy director of nursing, stressed the urgency of monitoring oxygen levels accurately. A drop below safe limits—even for a few minutes—can damage vital organs.
Rather than manually checking vitals from bedside to bedside, the hospital is trialing a pocket‑sized device that constantly watches oxygen, heart rate, and temperature. The gadget is strapped to a patient’s arm and triggers an alert if any reading strays from preset norms.
“We hope to spot deteriorations earlier,” said Ms Wee. “In the ICU, we need immediate response; with this device, hands can move faster to help the patient.”
Physiotherapist Ms Lynn Chua noted that if oxygen dips while a patient is in the bathroom, the device will warn staff, allowing oxygen to be rushed in promptly. Patients are advised to ease up—they’re told that overexertion could trigger oxygen desaturation.
Surviving the Lung Aftermath
Dr Chan pointed out that the biggest hurdle for Covid survivors is lung complications. “Some take longer to wean off oxygen and may develop scar tissue. Others recover completely.” Madam Loh falls into the fortunate camp.
Her black lung spots have vanished. Though she’s not yet back to her pre‑Covid state and sometimes feels breathless, she’s grateful she can return to work and close the chapter on this difficult phase.
This article was originally published in The Straits Times. Permission is required for reproduction.
