Helen/OT_Skiff

@otskiff.bsky.social

1967 Followers 2926 Following

Occupational Therapist (neurorehab) on pause due to #LongCOVID, #POTS, #PwME, #ChronicMigraine, #VestibularMigraine #HSD, #MCAS & #TeamClots đŸ« Swiftie đŸ«¶, F1 🏎, cricket 🏏 fan London, UK

A photo of two migraine medication boxes stacked on a wooden surface. On top is a white and orange box of Aquipta (atogepant) 60 mg, containing 28 tablets for oral use, manufactured by AbbVie. Underneath is a white, teal and purple box of Vydura (rimegepant) 75 mg oral lyophilisates, containing 8 doses. Both boxes have braille on the packaging and are positioned neatly one on top of the other.
A close-up photo of a bright pink Hotteeze Heat Pads packet being held in someone's hand while they are sitting down. The packaging states that the heat pad is made in Japan and provides up to 14 hours of heat. Text on the front lists uses including temporary relief of muscular aches and pain, period pain, joint stiffness and backache. It also highlights that the pad is air-activated, self-heating, slim and lightweight, odourless, eco-friendly, and sticks to clothing rather than directly to the skin.
A close-up video of an orange butterfly with black markings fluttering its wings while feeding on a pink buddleia flower in bright sunshine. The butterfly moves gently between the flower heads as the camera follows it, with green leaves, faded flower clusters, and a wooden fence softly visible in the background.
Screenshot of a laboratory sputum culture result on a patient portal. The heading reads "Resulted Orders – Sputum - Culture and Sensitivities (C&S)." Under "Culture result," it states: "Growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (A)." The result is displayed in a table with columns for Result, Value and Reference Range.
A vibrant peacock butterfly with striking red wings and blue eye spots rests on a cluster of pale pink buddleia flowers in a sunny garden. The background is softly blurred with green foliage, making the butterfly and blooms stand out beautifully.
A collage of two photographs. The top image shows a white specimen pot wrapped in white tissue being held in a person's hand, ready for transport. The bottom image shows a box of co-amoxiclav 500 mg/125 mg film-coated tablets by Milpharm, with the label stating that it contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and noting that it contains penicillin.
Close-up of a hand holding a white and green pharmacy paper bag that reads "100% Recyclable & Compostable" against a bright summer scene with lush green trees, grass, colourful flowers, and blue skies.
Screenshot of a heart rate variability (HRV) app showing a 4-week view (22 March–18 April). A graph displays 7-day averages with early data points in green (balanced) around the low 30s, gradually increasing and turning orange (unbalanced) from early April onwards. The baseline range is shown in grey. Recent values reach around 41 ms and remain in the unbalanced zone. Overnight averages show 37 ms during sleep and 36 ms while awake. The latest entry (18 April) shows a 7-day average of 41 ms and an overnight average of 40 ms.
A flat lay of medical supplies on a wooden surface, including a pack of non-sterile gauze swabs, a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, a syringe in sterile packaging, a capped needle, and a small brown glass ampoule of injectable medication.
Pink blossom trees in full bloom line a residential street with brick houses and parked cars under a grey, overcast sky.
A handmade thank-you card on brown kraft paper sits on a wooden surface next to a small pack of iced biscuits wrapped in clear plastic. The card features a bouquet made from small colorful paper flowers (yellow, pink, purple, and white) with drawn stems and a silver ribbon bow. “Thank you” is handwritten at the bottom. The biscuits are round with white icing, thank you is written in the centre with a heart at the bottom and a small label on the clear packaging that reads “Handmade with love.”
Three boxes of medications arranged on a light patterned surface. At the top is a white box labeled “Brilique 90 mg (ticagrelor)” by AstraZeneca. In the middle is a white and blue box labeled “Apixaban 5 mg film-coated tablets” by Sandoz. At the bottom is a yellow box labeled “Aspirin 75 mg gastro-resistant tablets” containing 28 tablets. The medications are stacked vertically and appear unopened.
A screenshot of a reflective written post on a light grey background. The text describes the author’s involvement in the Long Covid Physio Covid Inquiry team for Module 3, which focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. It explains that the work has been a significant and difficult undertaking while being unwell. The post reflects on the release of the Module 3 report, expressing mixed emotions—particularly disappointment, though not surprise. It highlights validation in seeing criticism of infection prevention and control guidance, while also acknowledging the pain of “what ifs” and how different policies might have changed the author’s health outcome. The final paragraph notes the emotional timing, as it is nearly six years since the COVID infection that changed their life.
A collage of eight photos arranged in a grid. In each image, a hand is held open with different groups of tablets, capsules, and supplements resting in the palm. The pills vary in size, shape, and colour, including white, cream, pink, blue, and black tablets, as well as clear and white capsules. Some photos show just a few pills while others show larger mixed groups. The background appears to be a pale patterned bedsheet. The sequence of images illustrates multiple sets of medication taken throughout the day, highlighting the large number of tablets required to manage chronic illness.
Screenshot of a text message on a dark background inviting the recipient to complete a 3-minute outpatient experience survey, with a link provided to give feedback to help improve care.
Screenshot of a clinic letter with most text obscured by blue scribbles. The visible sentence at the top reads: “She is pretty certain all her medical issues started after covid infection.” The rest of the letter content is deliberately hidden to protect privacy.
Flyer for the “2026 International Forum on COVID Rehabilitation Research” at the University of Toronto, Friday April 17, 2026, 10am–5pm EDT, hybrid (Zoom and in-person).
Three boxes of medication stacked on a wooden surface: Aspirin 75 mg gastro-resistant tablets on top, Apixaban 5 mg film-coated tablets in the middle, and Clopidogrel 75 mg film-coated tablets at the bottom, indicating triple antithrombotic therapy.
A collage of nine photos showing life with PoTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). 1. Colourful weekly pill organisers filled with medication. 2. A pulse oximeter showing SpO₂ 89% and heart rate 152 bpm. 3. Helen sitting on a mobility scooter outdoors, carrying shopping. 4. A backpack resting on a four-wheeled walker. 5. A smartwatch alert reading “Abnormal High Heart Rate Detected.” 6. Two boxes filled with prescription medications and bottles. 7. A pulse oximeter reading SpO₂ 99% and heart rate 141 bpm. 8. Helen v unwell at an appt, lying on a medical examination couch, having her heart rate & blood pressure checked. 9. A fitness tracker graph showing heart rate data throughout the day, with peaks around activity.
A peaceful garden in autumn with bright pink roses in full bloom surrounded by green foliage and plants. Behind them, trees with orange and brown leaves show the change of season. A wooden bench sits to the left, creating a calm, reflective scene.
A white mug with the words “A big hug in a mug for Helen” printed on it, placed on a red checkered tray beside a small cupcake topped with white icing and chocolate chips arranged in a smiley face.
A travel brochure from “Exodus Adventure Travels” titled The Collection 2026 | 2027, featuring images of people hiking in the mountains and a scenic street view with a yellow archway and volcano in the background.
Two screenshots. The top image is from the Garmin app, showing HRV data from September to October. Green circles mark “Balanced,” orange squares “Unbalanced,” and red triangles “Low.” A label “start Pred” points to where HRV rises after beginning prednisone, and a label “stop Pred” points to where HRV falls after stopping. The bottom image is from the Visible app, showing a “Morning Stability” score of 1.
Three blood sample tubes inside a sealed biohazard transport bag, placed on a wooden surface. A yellow absorbent pad is visible inside the bag.
A phone notification that reads: “Congratulations! You have been migraine free for 1 week.” The message is displayed in a rectangular banner with an icon of a purple-haired woman’s face in profile on the left.
Silver blister pack of Prednisolone tablets on a pink blanket, with six small white tablets placed in front of it.
Chart of 7-day averages from 23 Aug to 19 Sept. Values start within baseline, then drop below baseline—shifting from balanced (green) to unbalanced (orange) and finally low (red) by mid-September.
Two boxes of Prednisolone 5mg tablets on a green and white pharmacy bag.
A health tracking app screenshot. At the top, large numbers show: Stress 86% (High, in red), Energy 21% (Low, in orange), and Health 100% (Resilient, in green). Below is a graph with green circles (Balanced), orange squares (Unbalanced), and red triangles (Low) plotted across dates from 16/08 to 12/09, showing a decline from balanced into unbalanced and low.
Bright rainbow in a cloudy sky over rooftops and trees, with a faint second rainbow visible to the left.”
A screenshot of a WhatsApp message white background with "Honestly haf the best day. Only thing missing was you!" written in black text
A health and wellness dashboard displaying three metrics at the top: Stress at 85% (labeled "Taxing" in yellow), Energy at 26% (labeled "Low" in red), and Health at 100% (labeled "Resilient" in green). Below is a timeline chart from July 19 to August 15, showing a decline in wellness scores. The chart uses colored symbols: green circles for "Balanced," orange squares for "Unbalanced," and red triangles for "Low." The graph shows a transition from mostly green circles to orange squares, and then to a series of red triangles, indicating a progressive drop in overall balance or wellness.
A Participant Activity Diary from the University of Salford titled 'Exploring the real-world experience of adults with Long-Covid in Salford: a feasibility study.' A small orange and black ActivPAL4 activity monitor rests on the paper, with a bright pink padded envelope partially covering the diary
The image shows a health tracking app dashboard with three key metrics at the top: Stress: 97% – labeled "Very high" in red. Energy: 14% – labeled "Shortage" in red. Health: 45% – labeled "Vulnerable" in yellow. Below, there’s a line chart from 14/07 to 10/08 tracking daily scores. The chart uses: Green circles for "Balanced" days, Orange squares for "Unbalanced" days, Red triangles for "Low" days, Gray background band showing the baseline range. The trend starts in the balanced range but gradually declines over time, moving into unbalanced and then low levels near the end of the period.
A small bunch of bright yellow sunflowers with dark centers arranged in a pale cream metal jug, placed against a plain light purple wall. The flowers are slightly tilted and vibrant, with green leaves adding contrast.
Entrance to a Clinical Research Facility, showing a stairway with metal railings and a platform lift for accessibility. The words "CLINICAL RESEARCH FACILITY" are displayed above the entrance. The interior beyond the glass doors is well-lit with a visible clock and posters on the wall.
A box of medication - flunarizine
Person lying in hospital bed but only foot of bed in view & zoomed in on feet. Person is wearing red hospital grippy socks.
Bruised hands on a pink barbie blanket. Two beaded bracelets are on each wrist
A letter that says: "We had a long conversation about these results which are compatible with both migraines dizziness and also dizziness related to a vestibular insult typical of COVID-19.
A phone notification saying "congratulations you have been migraine free for 1 week"
A collage split into two sections titled "Pre 2020 - 'old Helen'" and "Post 2020 - 'new Helen'." The top half shows two images of "old Helen": one of her skydiving with an instructor through the clouds, and another of her smiling on the Brooklyn Bridge in summer attire. The bottom half shows "new Helen": one photo of her sitting on a mobility scooter in a park, dressed warmly and carrying shopping bags, and another close-up of a smartwatch screen displaying a warning that says "Abnormal High Heart Rate Detected.
The image contains a handwritten message on a beige or light brown background. The text is written in different colors, including blue and green. It reads: **"I THINK OF GRIEF FOR MY OLD LIFE. I keep getting clots on my lungs despite blood thinners, I'm exhausted, I have POTS and migraines. The symptoms are relentless. #LongCOVIDAHP Helen"**
The second image features a black background with pink and red text that reads: "5 YEARS OF LONG COVID HALF A DECADE OF NEGLECT! WHERE’S THE ACTION?!" At the bottom, there is a logo that says "BERLIN BUYERS CLUB" with two small plus signs. This image, like the first, highlights the prolonged struggle of those with Long COVID and the frustration over a lack of action or recognition. It uses bold, contrasting colors to emphasize urgency and advocacy.
The third image has a black background with bold white and red text. It reads: "LONG COVID AWARENESS DAY 2025 THIS IS NOT FATIGUE, IT'S LIFE DESTROYING!" At the bottom, the "BERLIN BUYERS CLUB" logo appears again. This message strongly conveys the severity of Long COVID, challenging misconceptions that it is merely fatigue. The use of "life-destroying" emphasizes the profound and lasting impact on those affected.
The image contains a pink background with bold black and pink text that reads: "I'VE BEEN SICK FOR 1819 DAYS. HOW MUCH LONGER?" In the bottom right corner, there is a small logo that says "BERLIN BUYERS CLUB" with two small plus signs. The number "1819" is inside a black rectangular shape with white text.
A view of the Houses of Parliament across the River Thames on an overcast day. In the foreground, a stone wall and paved walkway line the riverbank. Bare tree branches frame the top of the image, adding to the somber atmosphere. The perspective is from the COVID Memorial Wall (the plain side)
A Facebook memory from five years ago featuring a story post. The image shows a wooden table with a bouquet of tulips in a white vase, a 'Sorry You're Leaving' card with colorful stick-figure drawings, and a glass of sparkling wine. The overlay text reads: 'Start dream job on Mon!' with the song 'Celebration' by Kool & The Gang playing in the background
A plate of freshly made Welsh cakes, golden brown with a dusting of sugar, sits on a wooden table. Behind them, a cream-colored enamel jug holds a bouquet of bright yellow daffodils, some in full bloom and others still in bud form.
A garden entrance on a cloudy day, with a paved pathway leading into the green space. The garden features grass, trees without leaves, and some flowering plants. Three short stone bollards line the roadside in the foreground, separating the pavement from the street. There is an information board near the entrance, along with a bench further in. The scene suggests late winter or early spring.
A whatsapp message sent on 26th April 2020 saying "I honestly think I have cognitive impairment post corona"
A screenshot of a heart rate variability (HRV) status chart spanning January 14 to February 10. The 4-week graph shows a 7-day moving average of HRV values, with a noticeable dip into the "low" range (red triangles) before recovering to the "unbalanced" (orange squares) and "balanced" (green circles) zones. Below the chart, the overnight averages are displayed, with a sleep average of 40 ms and an awake average of 41 ms. On February 10, the 7-day average is 45 ms, and the overnight average is 47 ms. The interface is dark-themed, with labeled categories for balanced, unbalanced, and low HRV states.
The image is a screenshot from a health monitoring app displaying heart rate variability (HRV) status over a 4-week period, dated from December 21, 2024, to January 17, 2025. The graph shows a decline in HRV values, with dots indicating states of balance (green), unbalanced (orange), and low (red). The user's 7-day HRV average on January 17 is 46 milliseconds, with an overnight average of 34 milliseconds. The overall 7-day averages are 54 ms during sleep and 55 ms while awake. A shaded gray area on the graph represents the baseline range for HRV.
The image shows a colorful birthday balloon with "HAPPY Birthday!" written on it. The design includes a cupcake with pink frosting, a rainbow-colored wrapper, and confetti patterns surrounding the text. The balloon is being held by someone's hand.
A card with a black background featuring a cloud-shaped design in the center. The text inside the cloud reads: 'Invisible things that are nevertheless real: gravity. air. chronic illness.' Below the cloud, in smaller pink text, it says: 'I see you, and I'm here for it
An assortment of handmade Christmas ornaments displayed on a wooden surface. The decorations include colorful designs such as glittery stars, Christmas trees, stockings, snowmen, bells, and pinecones, along with ornaments featuring vibrant patterns. Each ornament is attached to a ribbon for hanging.
A photo of a Taylor Swift inspired book list. It includes photos of Taylor Swift & Taylor Swift album covers with recommended books related to that "Era" The sign in the middle says "Welcome to the Eras booklist"
The image shows a vast, open countryside landscape under a mostly clear blue sky with some scattered clouds. The foreground is covered in lush green grass with a few patches of taller, dry grass. In the middle ground, there is a single tree with orange and brown autumn leaves, standing prominently against the open field. Beyond, rolling farmland stretches into the distance, with a mix of green and brown fields, indicating agricultural land. The horizon is faintly visible under a soft, cloudy sky, giving the scene a peaceful, expansive feeling.
Person with long brown hair wearing a red teddy coat rides a mobility scooter, shown from behind. They turn around, laugh, and flash a peace sign toward the camera at the end.