176 - When Your Body Becomes a Stranger: One Man's Path Back to Health

Long Covid Podcast

Karl Robottom shares his remarkable journey from Long Covid symptoms to running marathons, offering hope and practical insights for those still struggling with the condition.
• Former PE teacher whose active lifestyle was completely derailed by Long Covid despite having only mild initial Covid symptoms
• Experienced breathlessness, severe fatigue, significant weight gain, dysautonomia, and cognitive difficulties that placed him in the bottom 7% nationally on tests
• Endured 18 months of inconclusive medical testing before being referred to a Long Covid clinic
• Found relief through cold water immersion, beginning with morning swims in a natural seawater pool in Devon
• Developed a comprehensive recovery protocol including breathing techniques, yoga nidra, electrolytes, and fasting
• Breakthrough came through participating in a clinical trial using Simproof, which he later supplemented with homemade kefir
• Gradually returned to exercise through careful listening to his body, eventually completing his first marathon
• Now training for a 45-mile challenge around Bristol, marking the complete circle of his recovery
If you've found hope or inspiration from Karl's story, please consider sharing this episode with someone who might be struggling with Long COVID. Your support helps us reach more people who need to hear these recovery stories.

More info & support Karl on the Green Man Ultra Marathon Bristol - 45 miles - week beginning 26/5/25:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/k-robottom-1717842870657?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Message the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :)

For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com
(music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life)

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The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costs
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**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Chapters

1. Introduction to Karl's Recovery Story (00:00:00)

2. Life Before Long COVID (00:02:55)

3. Early Symptoms and Misdiagnosis (00:04:53)

4. Medical Tests and Waiting in Limbo (00:11:00)

5. Self-Directed Recovery Attempts (00:19:00)

6. Clinical Trial Breakthrough (00:30:54)

7. From Walking to Marathon (00:38:48)

8. Life After Recovery and Final Reflections (00:44:03)