The Rest Repair Recover Podcast

Beyond Painkillers: A Holistic Roadmap for Long Covid Recovery with Dr Deepak Ravindran

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode, Suzy sits down with Dr Deepak Ravindran, consultant in pain medicine, lifestyle medicine practitioner, and lead of one of the UK's NHS Long Covid clinics. Together, they dive deep into what long Covid really is a complex, whole-system condition that cannot be fixed by a single pill, scan or protocol. Drawing on his experience treating chronic pain, fatigue syndromes and post-viral conditions, Dr Ravindran explains why the traditional "one symptom, one specialist" model falls short, and how a more holistic, compassionate, and science-backed approach can make a profound difference. Dr Ravindran introduces his MINDSET protocol (Medication, Interventions, Neuroscience & Stress, Diet, Sleep, Exercise, Therapies of Mind & Body) as a practical framework for recovery. Suzy and Dr Ravindran discuss how patients can safely use these pillars to calm a sensitised nervous system, reduce inflammation, rebuild resilience, and regain a sense of agency when tests come back "normal" but symptoms remain debilitating. Together they explore: * Why long Covid pain often stems from nervous system sensitivity rather than structural damage * How gentle movement, visualization and pacing can help even on your worst days * The immense value of community, group support and feeling understood * Why lifestyle medicine is becoming essential for long Covid recovery * The mindset shifts needed when the "silver bullet" drug may never come Whether you're navigating long Covid yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply wanting to understand this condition better, this episode blends evidence, empathy and truly actionable advice leaving listeners with clarity, comfort and hope.

Long Covid Brain Fog, Fatigue & Recovery: Expert Answers You Need

Struggling with brain fog, fatigue or returning to work after long Covid? In this in-depth interview, Suzy sits down with neuro specialist occupational therapist Sabina Fife to answer the most pressing questions from the Long Covid community. From understanding the science of cognition and fatigue to practical tips for daily life and self-care, this session is packed with expert advice and relatable experiences. Sabina shares her insights from working both in neuro rehab and on the frontline of long Covid clinics, helping you understand what's happening in your body, how to pace yourself, and the importance of building your own toolkit for recovery. Suzy also draws from her own long Covid journey, making this an authentic, supportive and informative discussion you won't want to miss. What You'll Learn in This Video: * Why fatigue and cognition are so affected by long Covid * The difference between chronic fatigue, ME and neurological overload * How to know when to rest and when to rebuild your stamina * Practical pacing & energy conservation tips * The real role of cognitive rehab and brain training * Managing work, routines and the tricky return to employment * Insights on nutrition, antihistamines, supplements and sleep * The link between anxiety, neurological changes and recovery * How to cope with screen strain, sensory overload and more * Why kindness and peer support are key in the recovery journey Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions 01:31 – Sabina Fife's Background in Neuro OT & Long Covid Clinics 03:39 – Are There Reliable Neurological Tests for Brain Fog? 05:18 – Understanding Fatigue: The Hidden Symptom 07:52 – Should You Retrain Your Brain or REST? 10:30 – The Body's Natural Healing: Homeostasis & Recovery 12:48 – The Challenge of Returning to Exercise 14:55 – Sensory Overload: Lights, Noise and Visual Processing 18:13 – What to Do While Waiting for Specialist Support 21:13 – What If Cognitive Issues Persist After Fatigue Improves? 24:06 – Can Covid Cause Anxiety or Depression Physically? 28:28 – Systemic Approaches: Medical, Lifestyle & Supplements 33:14 – Personal Experimentation & Tailored Recovery 38:01 – Returning to Work, Part-Time Routines & Warning Signs 43:39 – Legal Rights, Employer Support, & Practical Resources 47:32 – Finding Hope & Peer Support in Recovery 53:42 – Coping with Screen Usage & Visual Strain 57:46 – Community Insights, Resources & Wrap-Up 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights, honest conversations, and practical tools to support your long Covid recovery. Don't forget to like, comment and share your experiences below to keep building this incredible community! #LongCovid #BrainFog #Fatigue #OccupationalTherapy #Cognition #Recovery #ChronicFatigue #Pacing #HealthAndWellness

Long Covid vs Menopause: The Hormone Mystery Explained

What happens when Long Covid symptoms look identical to perimenopause? In this eye-opening episode, Suzy is joined by two brilliant doctors Dr. Tanya Patrick, a GP navigating Long Covid herself, and Dr. Claire Phipps to unravel one of the most confusing questions many women are facing right now: Is it my hormones… or is it Long Covid? They explore how the two conditions can blur together the fatigue, the brain fog, the mood swings and where the subtle differences lie. Dr. Tanya shares her real-life turning point of finally discovering she had POTS, and both doctors offer practical steps you can take to get clarity, feel heard, and get the right support. If you've ever felt dismissed, confused, or unsure what's happening inside your body, this conversation is validation. You're not "just stressed." You're not making it up. And you're definitely not alone.

Lessons from the Frontline: Dr Paul Glynne on Treating Long Covid

In this open and insightful episode, I sat down with Dr Paul Glynne, a consultant general physician at University College Hospital with a unique specialism in supporting people with Long Covid and other unexplained post-viral symptoms. We dive into Dr Paul's journey as a doctor and how his interest in general medicine rather than narrow specialisms, led him to become a go-to clinician for those struggling to find answers or adequate support after Covid. He shares what it was like during the earliest waves of the pandemic, the surge of Long Covid cases, and how he's developed a consistent approach to care despite a lack of robust formal evidence. We discuss practical strategies and observations from Dr Paul's experience, including the importance of rest, avoiding over-exertion, addressing sleep deprivation, gut and hormone health, and how antihistamines have helped many suffering with chronic symptoms. Dr Paul talks candidly about the current research landscape, the frustrations within the medical system, and the challenges of treating a condition that impacts every system in the body. All while acknowledging the psychological toll and the vital role of community, social support and non-pharmacological interventions. If you or someone you love is feeling lost, dismissed, or unsupported on the Long Covid journey, this episode will help you feel seen and offer valuable insights and hope. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but as Dr Paul says, "all you can do really is become an enthusiast for the field and observe."

Finding Meaning in the Mess: Gez Medinger's Story

In this special conversation, we turn the tables on Gez Medinger, usually the one behind the camera asking the questions. With 94 videos and counting exploring the science and lived experience of Long Covid, Gez has spoken with more specialists, researchers, and patients than almost anyone else. But this time, it's his turn to share his own story. Gez opens up about his journey before illness, from studying engineering, economics, and management at university to his early career at IBM that left him questioning purpose and meaning. That moment of realization, that life couldn't just be about changing numbers on a corporate balance sheet, became a quiet foundation for how he later approached his recovery journey. Following his Covid infection in March 2020, Gez began an ongoing mission to understand what was happening to his body and mind. Along the way, he has gathered an extraordinary depth of knowledge, perspective, and humility. In this honest and reflective conversation, we explore who Gez was before all of this, what he has learned through years of investigation and dialogue, and how his experience continues to shape his understanding of what real healing looks like. A rare and revealing glimpse into the man behind 94 and counting, and the story of one person's ongoing search for meaning, purpose, and recovery.