From problems sleeping after Covid to help with 24/7 pain – Dr Jeff answers your health questions

DR Jeff Foster is The Sun on Sunday’s new resident doctor and is here to help YOU.

Dr Jeff, 43, splits his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his clinic, H3 Health, which is the first of its kind in the UK to look at hormonal issues for both men and women.

See  and email at drjeff@the-sun.co.uk.

Q) IN 2020 I was in hospital for three months on a ventilator with Covid.

Ever since I have had irregular sleep. I’m a yoga teacher and Pilates instructor.

I practise meditation and breathing techniques but nothing has helped.

Is my only option to use sleeping tablets?

I don’t really want to do that

Maisy Milner, Brighton

A) Being in intensive care can be incredibly traumatic, and as doctors, we often don’t think about the psychological impact this can have on patients as we are pre-occupied with getting the body back on track.

In your case, you may be suffering with Post-Intensive Care syndrome.

Up to 50 per cent of people who spend time in ITU can suffer with this and the condition can impact one’s physical health, cognitive function, and mental health.

The condition can last from months to years and treatment is based around your specific symptoms.

In terms of sleep, sleeping tablets are generally not a good option as they are addictive and they are associated with other medical problems in the future.

It’s important to make sure you have good sleep hygiene and a stable bedtime.

You could see a psychologist to see if the sleep disorder is a manifestation of having been in intensive care with Covid.

Q) I’M 58 and seven years ago I fell 40ft from a ladder.

I broke two bones in my neck, most of my ribs and punctured my lung.

I’ve been left with a paralysed left hand and traumatic nerve damage in my neck.

The pain is 24/7 and I take several prescribed painkillers daily, but they are hit and miss.

Are there any other drugs you could recommend?

George Perrie, Nantwich

A) Chronic pain can be debilitating.

It is one of the leading causes of depression and impacts negatively on quality and quantity of life.

In short-term injuries or conditions, painkillers are very effective but in long-term conditions, evidence suggests they become less effective over time.

The best treatments tend to involve a multi-disciplinary approach, including medicine, lifestyle changes and psychological therapy.

I would suggest looking at your overall lifestyle and how that could improve your quality of life.

See a health psychologist and also ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist pain clinic where they may be able to offer more specific treatments for your condition, such as injections.

Tablets are not the answer.