"I Am Not the Same Man…": A Case Report of Management of Post-COVID Refractory Dyspnea.

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brings with it a significant number of post-COVID symptoms, including persistent dyspnea and neuropsychological sequelae. The palliative approach in the treatment of these refractory symptoms is effective and widely applicable in different settings. We report the case of a patient with refractory dyspnea admitted to a specialized palliative care unit with a very poor prognosis. The application of different tools of the palliative approach proved to be effective: a detailed advanced care planning and open communication, the respect for the patient's wishes and optimal use of his resources-the <i>salutogenesis</i>- an adaptation of the rhythm of care to that of the patient. The patient was then discharged for rehabilitation, and finally returned home.