Dr Athmaja Thottungal, an anaesthesia and pain management consultant at East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming Long Covid and achieving a remarkable feat. At the peak of the pandemic in December 2020, Dr. Thottungal contracted the virus, leading to a debilitating experience that left her bedbound for two and a half months.

During her challenging battle with Long Covid, the 52-year-old doctor was on the brink of being intubated and relied on her husband for daily care. The condition affected her heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system, requiring oxygen and steroid treatments for recovery.

Despite the hardships she faced, Dr. Thottungal decided to set herself a monumental goal – climbing Mount Kailash in Tibet, standing at an impressive 18,400 feet (5,600 meters) above sea level. This ambitious trek was part of her ’50 things to do before turning 50′ list, a dream she refused to abandon even when struggling to climb a simple flight of stairs post-Covid.

With determination and preparation, including dietary changes, increased activity levels, and breathing exercises, Dr. Thottungal embarked on the challenging three-day trek with her husband and 11-year-old son in July. Despite facing low oxygen levels on the second day, she persevered and completed the journey with a deep sense of accomplishment.

Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Thottungal emphasized the importance of appreciating life’s blessings and finding strength in adversity. She acknowledged that while she may have limitations due to Long Covid, there are always ways to pursue goals and dreams with resilience and determination.

Dr. Thottungal’s inspiring story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem. Her journey from battling Long Covid to scaling a mountain exemplifies the human spirit’s resilience and unwavering determination to achieve remarkable feats.