194 Navigating the Unknown: Ivor Clark’s Long Covid Recovery Story

Nov 12, 2025

Ivor Clark, a Long Covid survivor and author, shares his transformative 15-month recovery journey. He discusses navigating the complexities of pacing, breathwork, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy after a COVID infection combined with a UTI. Ivor highlights the critical role of a supportive GP and the importance of self-advocacy. He emphasizes the value of structured routines, gradual return to work, and the mindset shift from illness to rebuilding confidence. Expect insights on practical strategies that foster resilience and well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Life Before Illness

Ivor moved from Scotland west coast to Musselburgh, blended families and pets shaped his life before illness.
He was working full-time and health coaching part-time when he caught COVID in 2023 alongside a UTI and antibiotics.

ANECDOTE

Slow Onset And Normal Tests

After antibiotics he felt better then worsened over weeks with fatigue and slower movement.
Normal blood tests delayed clarity and he only got a long COVID label after 12 weeks.

ADVICE

Find A Listening GP And Advocate

Seek an advocate and supportive GP to push for tests and referrals early.
Use specialist advice lines like Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland for pacing guidance.

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We trace Ivor Clark’s Long Covid recovery from a 2023 infection and UTI to a careful return to work, highlighting the routines and supports that made progress possible. Pacing, breathwork, oxygen therapy, and a rare GP who listened shaped a steady path back to confidence.

• athletic past, late-pandemic infection, UTI and antibiotics complicating onset
• post-exertional malaise, normal test results, delayed Long Covid recognition
• limits of early medical support, value of an advocate and listening GP
• pacing by heart rate, non-sleep deep rest, reducing stimulants and sensory load
• hyperbaric oxygen therapy via charity, structured protocols and consistent care
• workplace adjustments, graded return, boundaries and restorative breaks
• targeted tools later: diet cleanup, selective supplements, peptides
• mindset shift from ill to deconditioned, micro-strength and balance rebuilds
• fewer crashes, rebuilding trust, gradual confidence in everyday capacity

Connect with Ivor: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveWellbeing

Ivor's book "In it for the long haul": https://amzn.eu/d/0zfjQ6n

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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**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**