So, there I was, in the midst of the Long COVID chaos, trying to juggle fatigue, dizziness, and the ever-persistent muscle weakness. And 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. I mean, let’s be honest—when you hear the word “stool,” your first thought isn’t exactly something stylish.I had visions of a plastic, hospital-grade monstrosity that would scream “sick person on board” every time someone walked into my kitchen. You know the type—something that looks like it was designed by an engineer who had never seen a home, much less a home with any sense of style.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. I thought I was prepared. I really did. But when the delivery guy appeared with what I can only describe as a “WC on legs,” my heart sank.”That’s not the perching stool I was expecting!” I said, trying to keep the panic from creeping into my voice. The basin adapter? Really? After a quick check (and I’m sure he was regretting this trip up all those stairs), he realised it was a mistake. So, down he went, and up he came again with my actual perching stool, a humble, white-and-blue contraption that looked a little bit like it had been inspired by a space-age toilet and a tired IKEA design.Now, I know what you’re thinking. “That’s a bit dramatic, isn’t it?” But I really had no clue that a perching stool would be anything other than ugly, uncomfortable, and one more reminder that my body was failing me. But once I set aside my initial judgment and actually sat on it, something magical happened.
Comfort Found in the Most Unlikely of Places
I carefully sat down on my new seat. At first, I was ready to hate it. How could anything that looked so… well, industrial, be comfortable? But then, as I perched, something unexpected occurred: I didn’t want to get up and not because I couldn’t this time. My body was actually comfortable. The stool took some weight off my legs, supported my hips, and allowed me to stay upright without overexerting myself. It wasn’t glamorous, but wow—this thing was a game-changer.Now, I know what you’re thinking.It still looks like something you’d find in a hospital waiting room. But trust me, after weeks of feeling dizzy, weak, and like I might collapse at any given moment, this white-and-blue hero became my trusty sidekick. And honestly, I’m starting to think there might be a market for a designer perching stool. Someone, please, please give this thing a makeover while keeping the comfort intact.
The Perching Stool: More Than Just a Sitting Solution
So, here’s where the medical bit comes in. The perching stool isn’t just a quirky addition to your kitchen—it’s actually incredibly useful, especially if you have autonomic dysfunction or chronic illnesses like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a common condition for people with Long COVID. Research has shown that people with POTS often struggle with standing for extended periods, as it can lead to dizziness, fainting, and increased fatigue. Perching on a stool helps by allowing you to stay in a semi-sitting position, reducing the strain on your cardiovascular system.The beauty of a perching stool is that it supports your body while encouraging proper posture, without putting too much strain on your legs or back. This is especially helpful when standing for even short periods can feel like an Olympic event. A study published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) highlights how such tools can help manage fatigue and improve quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses like Long COVID and POTS.
Why It’s So Great for Autonomic Dysfunction and Chronic Illness
Here’s the thing: with autonomic dysfunction, your body’s ability to regulate things like heart rate and blood pressure is impaired, which often leads to symptoms like dizziness and fainting when standing up. Using a perching stool helps alleviate some of the pressure on your body, reducing the risk of falls and allowing you to rest while still staying active enough to perform light tasks around the house. It’s like sitting, but also kind of standing—just enough to keep things moving, without overdoing it.In fact, the gentle support offered by a perching stool can be a real lifesaver during those fun episodes when you’re in danger of collapsing at the most inconvenient times. I’ve had more than a few “close calls” that could have ended with me on the floor, but instead, my trusty perching stool caught me—literally and figuratively.
A Funny Love Story, With a Bit of Medical Backing
So, while I still think the design could use a little bit of a facelift (hello, anyone from the world of interior design?), I’ve learned to appreciate my perching stool for what it is—a functional and incredibly helpful companion during my Long COVID recovery. It might not win any design awards (yet), but it’s definitely earned a spot in my home. Even my little furry cat have found a love and is very affectionate to stool And let’s face it—when you’re dealing with chronic illness, sometimes comfort trumps all. So here’s to the perching stool—ugly but functional, awkward but supportive. It’s like a funny little sidekick that keeps me from falling apart—literally.
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, just a person trying to make sense of Long COVID and its strange quirks. Always consult your GP before making any health-related changes.
Long Covid Journey 