So, there I was, in the midst of the Long COVID chaos, juggling fatigue, dizziness, and the ever-persistent muscle weakness. Then came the day my Occupational Therapist OT told me, with a completely straight face, that I needed a perching stool. I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or both. Let’s be honest when you hear the word stool, your first thought is not exactly something stylish.
I imagined a plastic, hospital-grade monstrosity that screamed “sick person on board” every time someone walked into my kitchen. You know the type designed by an engineer who had never seen a home. But oh, how I was wrong about this perching stool well, kind of.
The Arrival of My New White and Blue Friend
It arrived the day the NHS team dropped off my new best friend. The delivery guy first brought what I can only describe as a WC on legs. Panic moment avoided, the correct perching stool arrived: a humble white and blue contraption, somewhere between a space-age toilet and tired IKEA design.
I thought it would be ugly and uncomfortable. But when I sat, something magical happened. My body was actually comfortable. The stool took weight off my legs, supported my hips, and allowed me to stay upright without overexerting myself. It was not glamorous, but wow game-changer.
After weeks of dizziness, weakness, and the risk of collapse, this little stool became my trusty sidekick. Honestly, I started thinking there might be a market for a designer perching stool. Someone please give this thing a makeover while keeping the comfort intact.
Why a Perching Stool Helps People With Long COVID and POTS
For those with autonomic dysfunction or chronic illnesses like POTS Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, standing for long periods can trigger dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Perching on a stool helps by letting you stay semi-sitting, reducing strain on your cardiovascular system while supporting proper posture.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence NICE highlights that simple adaptations like perching stools can improve quality of life for individuals with Long COVID and POTS. It is like sitting and standing at the same time just enough to keep moving without overdoing it.
Life With a Perching Stool
With autonomic dysfunction, your body struggles to regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Even light tasks can feel overwhelming. Using a perching stool reduces the risk of falls and allows you to rest while staying functional. I have had more than a few close calls that could have ended badly, but my stool caught me literally and figuratively.
And yes, even my little cat loves it. There is something very comforting about having a small, functional sidekick that supports your body during the most unpredictable moments of Long COVID.
A Funny Love Story, With a Bit of Medical Backing
While the design could use a facelift, I appreciate my perching stool for what it is: a functional companion during my recovery. Comfort trumps design when you are dealing with chronic illness, and this stool has earned its spot in my home.
It is not just a quirky piece of furniture it is a tool that supports my daily life with POTS, helping me manage dizziness, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction safely.
Related Topics for Long COVID and POTS Recovery
Perching Stool Tips · Fatigue and Energy Management · Muscle Weakness Support · Homemade Electrolyte Drinks · Brain Fog and Cognition
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor, just a person navigating Long COVID and its quirks. Always consult your GP before making any health-related changes.
Long Covid Journey 