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Chat for those who are shielding

956 replies

AuntieSocia1 · 22/04/2020 16:06

Apologies for the very unsnazzy title but as it suggests a place to chat for those who have to shield at the moment. A few of us have been talking on the the Shielding after lockdown thread in the coronavirus topic.

Thought I'd put this in chat as some days I'm guessing we'll want to chat about anything other than coronavirus!

I know all of our circumstances are quite different as well as the reason we need to shield but it's a pretty big thing to have in common. Despite my username I look forward to interacting with you and as my username suggests I might also slink off from time to time!

OP posts:
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Egghead68 · 07/05/2020 09:35

I have a funny image of you with a soapy washing up bowl full of boxes of chicken dippers @redcherries!

I am not optimistic they will let us out for walks (but I might go out for a weekly early morning walk anyhow).

mrswishywashy1 · 07/05/2020 10:05

I really hope they don't extend the shielding, I got offered a new job just before the lockdown and they put it on hold for me due to the shielding but they definitely won't hold it any longer for me.
I don't want to shield and I'm quite prepared to ignore it and just go back to work or start my new job but occupational health won't let me. I've already told them its detrimental to my mental health because i live on my own in a flat and don't have family and find it hard not seeing anyone.
I was a key worker and even with the risk I enjoyed going to work every day.

Sirzy · 07/05/2020 10:11

I have just had a text which specifically says 30th June as the date to stay shielded until?

Sorryoo · 07/05/2020 10:15

I also feel we are a bit forgotten about. The "messages" in the media are definitely shifting. I have a shielded friend in the U.K., but not England who has been given to understand that the rhetoric will change towards (and how our government love things like this) that everyone will be pulling together to protect the most vulnerable (aka us!) and people are going to be our "shielders" Hmm

I'm not quite sure how they square that circle with those of us still working or with household members, sorry our shielders, still working. Does anyone imagine they will be paying or making employers pay full wages to such people?

It also appears this will be for a period of twelve weeks after lockdown restrictions have been lifted for the "healthy" but again this is just gleaned from various sources and it will be very interesting to see the announcements.

(My friend joked about us all packing our bags and being shipped into the empty Nightingale Hospitals, which was funny at the time but not so much at 3am! Still it is a shame we can't meet in RL as I'm sure it would make people feel less alone)

Thanks to all. I hope we get some proper information and plans so we can stop worrying and speculating and face what we have to instead of worrying what it will consist of...it's very tiring I find.

Redcherries · 07/05/2020 10:26

Has anyone else not had a single text?

OculusThrift · 07/05/2020 10:29

A friend has also received that text Sirzy, wonder if they're going out in blocks. Will await mine. 🙄

I decided to go for a walk with my dog last night at dusk, hoping there wouldn't be anyone around. It was awful, I felt panicked and as soon as I saw another dog walker I turned and came home. Was out maybe 3 minutes. I feel awful and panicky this morning, stupid I know.

Does anyone else feel a bit ridiculous about being shielded, almost embarrassed. I look healthy, feel mostly healthy, yet I'm being classed as vulnerable. I had the same feeling when I was told I'm classed as disabled for work purposes, so maybe it's more a mental processing thing than anything.

Other than shopping slots, has anyone had any further support?

AldiAisleOfCrap · 07/05/2020 10:37

@Redcherries
I think I have had them all, particular patronising was the suggestion to play Suduko!
Here they are if want to read them.

NHS Coronavirus Service: Your condition means you may be at high risk of severe illness if you catch Coronavirus. Please remain at home until the end of June unless a healthcare professional tells you to leave. You will get a letter from the NHS to confirm this
Support is available for you if you need it to get help with getting food and basic care. Please complete this short form to tell us whether you need this: www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
If you cannot sign up on the website, call us on 0800 028 8327
The NHS is still here for you. You will get the care you need, but it is more likely to be via phone or online

NHS Coronavirus Service: You can open a window but do not go outside your property. Ask others to take rubbish to bins and to walk any pets.
If you need a repeat prescription, order online via the NHS app or your GP's online services www.nhs.uk/health-at-home

Please ask your family, friends or neighbours to pick up your prescriptions from a pharmacy. Remind them to leave them outside your door.
Wash your hands more often, for at least 20 seconds after contact with anything from the outside and moisturise after.
We will send you more messages with information. This service is automated, to opt out reply STOP.

NHS Coronavirus Service: Do you live with others? To stay safe from the virus please try to:

  • Stay 3 steps away from others
  • Sleep separately if you can
  • Use separate bathrooms if you can. If you share, use it first and clean between uses
  • Eat separately, use separate cutlery, dishcloths, towels
  • Clean and wipe down door handles and surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom before use
Only essential carers should visit. Ask people to leave your supplies at your door. If you haven't registered for help already, you might get a call from the shielding helpline to ask if you need help, please answer this call from 0333 3050466. This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: If you live alone, text a friend or a family member to let them know you are following advice to stay at home until it is safer to mix with others. Talk to someone over the phone at least once a day.
If you are working and cannot work from home, let your employer know that you have received these instructions to stay at home from the NHS.
If you get coronavirus symptoms, such as a high temperature or a new persistent cough, seek clinical advice using 111.nhs.uk/service/COVID-19/ as soon as possible. Only call 111 if you can't get online.
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: Check you have a few important items for the next few weeks such as fresh, frozen or tinned vegetables, dry food and soap for handwashing. If you need support, use this website to ask for help www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
If you're missing any essential items ask a friend, neighbour or relative to leave a small number of items at your door.
In case you do need to go into hospital during the coming weeks, get a single bag ready with your key health information and essentials for an overnight stay.
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: You can do simple things to stay healthy at home:

  • Look for ideas for exercises to do at home online
  • Do simple stretches and walk around. This may help you rest at night
  • Look after your mental wellbeing. There is advice for this on the NHS website
  • Spend time doing things you enjoy - reading, cooking or other indoor hobbies
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
  • Try spending time with the windows open to let in fresh air where you can. If you can get out into the garden or sit on your doorstep, but keep 2 meters away from others
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: Plan to call a friend or family member at least once every day. Stay socially connected via your phone, internet and social media if you use it. Remember, you're keeping yourself and others safe by staying indoors.
If you are struggling, or finding things hard to cope with, then please call NHS 111 or the Samaritans on 116 123 for help and advice.
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: We know staying home until the end of June may be frustrating. Having some structure to your day may help.
Try reading, watching films, learning something new or sudoku. Make a plan for each day in the morning and each week on a Monday.
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

NHS Coronavirus Service: Remember, millions of people are staying at home at the moment. You are one of many doing your best to protect yourself, your community and the NHS. Share your staying at home experience over the phone and on social media. Stay apart from others until you are advised that it is safe to return to normal.
Read more about the latest guidance about the virus: www.gov.uk/coronavirus
This is an automated message. Please do not reply, other than to STOP receiving texts from us

Redcherries · 07/05/2020 10:37

@Oculusthrift I haven't had any texts at all, absolutely nothing other than the letter.

It is hard to get around this when you don't ever feel unwell but all of a sudden your one of the most vulnerable people in the country.

chunkycoke · 07/05/2020 10:41

@Pebble21uk We share with 12 people but it’s tiny. There was talks of having an hour a day each, but it caused an argument with one very nasty NDN, who now spends the whole day outside with her children who she doesn’t control at all. So I’d rather not risk it!

I’ve woke up today feeling slightly more positive than I did yesterday. I really hope shielding isn’t extended.

Egghead68 · 07/05/2020 11:25

Edinburgh paper recommending ongoing restrictions for shielded people:

www.wiki.ed.ac.uk/display/Epigroup/COVID-19+project?preview=/442891806/447360858/van%20Bunnik%20et%20al.%20SS%20manuscript%20050520.pdf

Pebble21uk · 07/05/2020 11:53

That's SO inconsiderate of your NDN chunky... I should imagine that your other neighbours aren't very keen on that arrangement either. Do they know you are shielding with young children... God... some people!! This has really bought out both the best and worst in people!

Yes Redcherries! Every night when we go up to bed I look out of the landing window before drawing the curtains and think now would be the time to go for a walk... the only time people aren't walking past the gate! Far too risky at the moment, it would just heighten anxiety.

I've had no texts. Had an initial phone call (which was via my mobile number) and the letter - that's all.

I have quite brittle asthma... most of the time I'm fine and I have stupidly huge lung capacity. But the moment I get a chest infection it all goes to sh**! But to meet me you'd think I'm perfectly healthy (as I am a lot of the time) yet I'm sure as soon as people think about 'The Shielded' they picture something quite 'other'!

OculusThrift · 07/05/2020 11:58

The last text I received was on 29 March suggesting I tell people how I feel on social media.

Megatron · 07/05/2020 11:58

I had to 'government' messages at the end of March and a load of NHS ones at the start of April. Haven't heard a dickie bird since.

Megatron · 07/05/2020 12:02

I also had a call from our local hospital yesterday saying they were going ahead with routine surgery and was I available. I explained I was shielding but they were willing for me to have the surgery. I've done everything I was supposed to do over the last 6 weeks so I don't feel a stay in hospital after surgery would be the best thing right now?

Sorryoo · 07/05/2020 12:02

I've had no texts or calls at all either, just three Hmm of the initial shielding letters (from different hospitals/depts). I have also registered (twice!) on the government page but still not being offered supermarket slots (apart from Ocado as I have a smart pass).

That text "do not step outside your property even to your bins" makes it sound as though you can't even go in your garden if you have one, and is different advice to the letters.

KatyMac · 07/05/2020 12:10

DH with bronchiectasis has the wrong kind of prophylactic antibiotics as they aren't inhaled antibiotics or macrolides

which tbh is I think because he has been stable (poorly but stable) and hasn't been to see a consultant since 2013

Which after today's news is bloody marvellous as he is Jamaican

OculusThrift · 07/05/2020 12:22

What was today's news Katy?

Butterflytown · 07/05/2020 12:49

Hi all, please can I join you too. I’m shielding due to a lung and kidney condition (perfect for this virus Hmm). I live with my DC (3) and DH. I’ve not left the house since mid March. Im wfh, which I’m lucky to be able to do and my employer is happy for me to work from home for as long as needed. My DH is also wfh but on a temporary basis (his employer took some persuading as the rest of his team have been going in throughout as essential to the business). I very much doubt they will allow him to continue to wfh once lockdown eases which is a worry as there’s no way of socially distancing into London on trains/tube. After the initial stress we’re getting shopping deliveries/ click and collect although it’s still hard to get a slot (had to do a lot of logging on at midnight to have a chance). My DH and DC we’re going for walks but we’ve stopped that also now as it seems silly if I’m shielding- obviously no chance of socially distancing with a 3 year old. I’m really struggling at the moment with everyone else talking about lockdown being released and how hard it is only to go out once a day (if only!), and how they can’t wait to get back to ‘normal’. I feel like that’s going to be a very long way off for us. Sending hugs to all fellow shielders xx

Nanajanesmith · 07/05/2020 12:53

Hi everyone
I feel we are put in this category then we have been totally forgotten about .Iam having a bad time this week crying a lot thinking to much ,during this time I have had to push hard to get deliveries off Tesco proving I have a letter my work haven’t paid sick pay so trying to sort that out ( head office not answers phones or replying to messages)which is proving difficult .i had my letter then not had anything else to hear the government is giving us help makes me mad because where is it

KatyMac · 07/05/2020 13:07

Black people are 4 times more likely to get covid more seriously

On radio 2 news but I can't see the article anywhere

Megatron · 07/05/2020 13:10

Black people are 4 times more likely to get covid more seriously

I didn't hear the news @KatyMac, what did the report say? Do they say why they think that is?

AldiAisleOfCrap · 07/05/2020 13:16

That text "do not step outside your property even to your bins" makes it sound as though you can't even go in your garden if you have one, and is different advice to the letters.
@Sorryoo it means don’t leave your property ie garden /drive to put bins on the pavement , rather get someone else to move your bins.

KatyMac · 07/05/2020 13:19

Found it seems different to the radio news

MrsJBaptiste · 07/05/2020 13:21

Just popping on to ask a quick question...

I'm shielding and have been in for 7 weeks now until this morning when I went out for a hospital appt - woohoo!

I also have a doctors appt this afternoon (today really is all go!) which I'll have to walk to. I'll obviously keep my distance from other people but it just feels wrong. I've been in the house for so long that I feel I really shouldn't be out but I have to.

Have any of you people who are shielding left the house at all?

Megatron · 07/05/2020 13:21

I saw an article in the paper this morning from a woman who was advised to shield but has decided she will go on her normal daily walks as she believes the only person who is at risk is herself.

Fine for her, she has access to woodland and green open spaces - not so fine if you live in a town or city when you could literally bump into anyone the minute you set foot out of your door. I live in a little country village with lots of open space around, but my, it's so busy just now because every bugger seems to be out for a walk! Grin