A UAE expat whose health collapsed at 21 following Covid transformed his recovery journey into a mission, now supporting others through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and holistic approaches to regain wellbeing.
How a UAE-based expat left paralysed at 21 after Covid now guides others toward better health outcomes
From Covid collapse at 21 to wellness advocate: How a UAE expat turned personal illness into a mission to heal others
At just 21, Liam Kotecha believed his path was firmly set. Enrolled in dentistry in Madrid, he was steadily working towards a profession he had dreamed about since adolescence. Living abroad, maintaining structure, and planning ahead gave his life a sense of certainty.
Then the pandemic changed everything.
After contracting Covid, Liam assumed recovery would be straightforward. Instead, his health began to unravel in unexpected ways. Extreme exhaustion took over, pain spread through his body, and everyday movements became unpredictable. Tasks he once did without thinking — walking short distances, lifting shopping bags, even twisting open a bottle — suddenly required effort and concentration.
“At first, I told myself it was temporary and that I’d bounce back,” Liam said. “But internally, I could feel everything slipping.”
What began as lingering tiredness soon turned into an exhausting daily battle. No matter how long he slept, he woke feeling drained. His legs lost sensation at times, his thoughts felt clouded, and coordination became unreliable. The moment he truly understood something was wrong came not in a clinic, but alone at home, when his body simply stopped responding. “I remember thinking, how can I feel decades older when I’m barely out of my teens?”
Over the following year and a half, Liam sought answers from 17 doctors across Madrid and Dubai. Most medical tests showed nothing unusual. Some professionals attributed his symptoms to anxiety, others labelled it long Covid and advised patience. One specialist dismissed his concerns outright.
“It was incredibly isolating,” he said. “When there’s no visible proof, it feels like your suffering doesn’t exist.”
Eventually, Liam received a diagnosis: fibromyalgia — a chronic condition associated with widespread pain, persistent fatigue, and neurological challenges. Particularly in young patients, it is frequently misunderstood or minimised.
The diagnosis was both reassuring and frightening. “Finally knowing what was wrong gave me relief,” he said. “But hearing there was no cure filled me with fear.”
By the age of 22, the physical demands of dentistry became impossible. Long hours on his feet, fine motor skills, and clinical endurance were no longer manageable. With only two years left in his degree, Liam made the painful decision to step away.
“It felt like mourning a future I’d already built in my mind,” he said, explaining that the loss extended beyond academics. Social plans were cancelled, energy was rationed, and he constantly worried about being judged as lazy or exaggerating his illness.
Yet leaving dentistry marked the beginning of a new chapter. Determined to understand his body beyond rushed consultations, Liam explored nutrition and naturopathic approaches. Progress was slow and required patience. He restructured his diet, reduced inflammatory foods, learned to respect his physical limits, and prioritised rest. Gentle movement through yoga and reformer Pilates, along with stress management and regular sleep, became essential tools.
“There was no overnight recovery,” he said. “But little by little, I felt my life returning.”
Now 26, Liam is completing his final year in nutritional therapy and naturopathy. Through social media, workshops, and wellness events, he speaks openly about chronic illness, post-viral fatigue, digestive health, and mental wellbeing. His story resonates with thousands of young adults who share similar frustrations — feeling unwell, unheard, and overlooked.
He believes the aftermath of Covid has left many young people silently struggling, forcing themselves to function while questioning their own experiences.
For Liam, the lesson he shares is grounded and hopeful. “Healing isn’t always about eliminating every symptom,” he said. “Sometimes it’s about learning how to live well again, with compassion, patience, and the right support.”
“I couldn’t follow the path I once planned,” he added. “But I found another way to help people — and that gives meaning to everything I went through.”
Beyond his studies and advocacy work, Liam has also become deeply involved in one-on-one support for individuals navigating chronic illness. Through online consultations and group discussions, he helps people understand how lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset can work together in managing long-term conditions. He emphasises realistic expectations, reminding clients that progress is rarely linear. “There are good weeks and bad weeks,” he explains, “and that doesn’t mean you’re failing.” By sharing practical strategies and lived experience, Liam bridges the gap between theory and reality, offering reassurance to those who feel overwhelmed at the start of their healing journeys.
Liam is also vocal about the need for greater awareness and empathy within healthcare systems. He believes many patients fall through the cracks when symptoms don’t fit conventional diagnostic patterns. “Young people are often told they’re too healthy to be sick,” he said, noting how damaging that mindset can be. He hopes his story encourages medical professionals, families, and employers to listen more carefully and respond with compassion. Looking ahead, Liam plans to expand his education platform, combining science-backed knowledge with personal insight to create spaces where people feel believed, supported, and empowered to take charge of their wellbeing.
