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Original poster

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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FuzzyPuffling · 12/05/2020 21:08

And actually you've really really upset me by calling me twisted. That's a very ugly thing to say. I'm stepping away from this thread.

kirstinm · 12/05/2020 21:10

I also don't think we need to be 'humbled' (strange choice of word) by a free box of food that is, ultimately, not very good. I'm not expecting gourmet but it really was poor quality at best and some things were downright mouldy. It smacks a bit of 'right you've had something so shut up.'

kirstinm · 12/05/2020 21:13

Twisted is a horrible world to throw about on this thread I agree. Can't see how anyone has done anything to deserve being called that at all.

FuckThisWind · 12/05/2020 21:14

I'm struggling to get a delivery for my Mum. Even though I work for a major supermarket (yes, I know that shouldn't make a difference, but they know how difficult my situation is)

I think people on this thread shouldn't feel like they should explain or apologise. But that's the problem isn't it? Being made to feel inadequate or invisible.

MNHQ
LilyMumsnet · 12/05/2020 21:23

Hi all

Just popping on to remind everyone that this is a support thread - can we try and keep it supportive? Flowers

AldiAisleOfCrap · 12/05/2020 21:26

Thank you @Redcherries and @FuzzyPuffling please stay if you want support would hate you to need to leave.

Redcherries · 12/05/2020 21:36

@FuzzyPuffling don’t you go anywhere!

I just had to scroll back up to find the twisted remark, I had missed it.

Please, let’s get back on track with a day to day thread, chatter, updates, moans and support.

I for one will need you, my kids (adults tbf) have made biscoff fudge, couldn’t get all the ingredients so they had to make their own condensed milk and a few swaps, but my waistline is rapidly distancing from where it used to be! Exercise at home support next 🤔

Pebble21uk · 12/05/2020 21:38

I had an email from Iceland tonight saying I was on the gov list and would I like some priority slots!?
I have to say I've never used Iceland before a couple of weeks ago - but found they had occassional ('normal') slots available at random times - so gave one a go as I have been struggling to get any anywhere. They were great - you can get a lot of fresh food and fruit & veg (and the bill was quite a bit cheaper than my usual Tesco orders!) and quite a lot of brand names. Anyway - given I've been shielding for 8 weeks now, but only had my letter 2 weeks ago, Iceland have really stepped up to the plate more than any of the other supermarkets for me!
I have managed to get priority slots at Tesco now as well by giving them a call - but I still have to wait until they are realsed at midnight if I want to be in with a chance of getting one.

Redcherries · 12/05/2020 21:39

@FuckThisWind does she have a local Iceland? I found checking each day between 9 and 12 I could get some, have kept experimenting because it’s my nature and that seems a good time. Also, once you are signed up they send the odd email to advise your local store has free slots.

Redcherries · 12/05/2020 21:45

@Pebble21uk it’s been Iceland (through persistence for me not an email due to shielding as I only got my letter recently too) and Tesco who have been great. Had a few fruits that weren’t quite fresh but other than that Iceland kept my fridge healthy over a couple of deliveries and were fantastic. Friendly waving through the porch window from the drivers too!

I found when Tesco say midnight it can be a bit after but the slots available look a lot different for me now, I don’t think it’s the same everywhere but I can get the day I want, sometimes an hour slot but always the longer slots and they text to let you know on the day when they’ll likely be with you.

2old4thissite · 12/05/2020 21:52

Hi all.
My husband is the extremely vulnerable one. We have 2 teenage children (and a dog!)
We got the letter a while after it was announced, but had got a standard letter from gp by the end of the first week.
We didn't go for the box at first, but after being unsuccessful at supermarkets, we did. Now we get both and are feeling a bit guilty about it.
We haven't eaten everything in the box, but I am grateful. The govt rarely gives you free stuff and - did they have to - has this been the case in other countries?
FWIW it isn't gourmet and it wont make you fat, but is is supposed to be basic and emergency so...
It is only supposed to be for one person though, which means the rest of the family have to get their own food, which is a bit daft

2old4thissite · 12/05/2020 21:56

I do think the household hasn't been considered at all. The idea that everyone apart from the 'ill' person can and should carry on as normal, makes a mockery of shielding
In practice, none of us have left the house (apart from one dog walker)

Original poster
AuntieSocia1 · 12/05/2020 22:05

Evening all

Sorry I've been absent, had a hard few days and some bad news about a friends parents.

I am disappointed to see there has been so much unnecessary upset on a thread that has been predominantly supportive. I'm sure we can get back to that. In some ways it's to be expected, our nerves are being frayed.

We will all cope with this situation in different ways, we will have moments that aren't our finest I'm sure but it would be good if we could try and start any comments from a place of kindness and respect.

OP posts:
OneNightTimeMenaceStrikesBack · 12/05/2020 22:07

because i cant seem to get registered for priority slots, ive been taking my chances with getting Tesco slots and check at random times during the day and have always managed to get one so far. Im not sure how long that luck will hold though ha

Original poster
AuntieSocia1 · 12/05/2020 22:11

How is everyone's concentration levels doing? I'm finding myself procrastinating at work because I just cant focus. It's the same with everything, even TV shows. A friend suggested mindfulness/meditation.

I wouldn't know where to start with that kind of thing. Maybe YouTube. Willing to try something so I will report back if I get any hot but she suggested it days ago and I haven't so much as googled it!!

OP posts:
tobee · 12/05/2020 22:22

Butting in lurker here but there's lots of meditation and mindfulness on YouTube. I would suggest trying Jon Kabat Zinn for mindfulness. And see where that leads you. If you don't get on with it, there are plenty of others. I've listened to Glenn Harold for various meditation/hypnosis. Also there are a gazillion different "pleasant sounds" recordings (forests, ocean waves etc) on YouTube. I've been doing some yoga and some tai chi too.

If you listen to mindfulness, meditation, hypnosis etc I recommend using headphones and aiming for no distractions. And not worry if you fall asleep! Grin

OneNightTimeMenaceStrikesBack · 12/05/2020 22:31

my concentration is AWFUl but, and its a big but, thats not anything new, i have a few neurological issues and they don't help with that. plus im on an awful lot of medication and that doesnt help with it either really. I keep meaning to pick a book up and read but just cant muster anything up to actually do it

Egghead68 · 12/05/2020 22:49

We can only see the headline (unless anyone has access) but
www.gponline.com/government-plan-smarter-shielding-will-relax-advice-at-risk-patients/article/1682854

Original poster
AuntieSocia1 · 12/05/2020 22:50

Thank you @tobee I will be more likely to do it if I have someone specific to search for. I like the idea of maybe falling asleep to it, wish I could find my headphones right now

@OneNightTimeMenaceStrikesBack I know what you mean there has been a marked difference since I was diagnosed with my condition but I'm definitely experiencing a new low bar. I used to be an avid reader, could read a book in a few days. I've been meaning to read the same book for months. To be fair that might also have something to do with young dc Grin

OP posts:
OneNightTimeMenaceStrikesBack · 12/05/2020 22:58

Ive got so many things wrong with me its ridiculous. Both mental health wise and physical health wise. My medical records are in two seperate folders because theres that much in them haha

Some of its only recently been disagnosed though because it had been missed because id always been told i was attention seeking and hysterical because of my mental health and its only since i moved to a new Gps surgery that somones actually listened to me and its being dealt with. One of the neuro issues is in fact soemthing i was born with but it was missed my whole life because no one would listen

Egghead68 · 12/05/2020 23:01

@AuntieSocia1 sorry about your bad news and hard days Flowers

The Headspace app is good for mindfulness and you can download a free trial.

Butterer · 12/05/2020 23:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OculusThrift · 12/05/2020 23:13

I've had a shitty few days, teenage DS was a bit of a dickhead yesterday so felt doubly worse. Was also in pain and had to take codeine all day, so made me groggy. Not the best.

Out food boxes are not great, the tins are all dented, bread usually squashed and veg on the turn. I've tried cancelling as have been extremely lucky to get a weekly Asda Slot, but they still keep turning up. Will send most of it to the food bank.

I am unsure what to do with my DC and returning to school, they are in Y6/10/12 so all the prime years for returning, can't make this crap up. I know they can stay at home, but they are all keen to go back, and all in important years. I suggested to DH that I move in with my dad, I can socially distance from him no problem. Last resort kind of thing though.

Egghead68 · 12/05/2020 23:44

Thank you very much @Butterer. Very interesting.

BlueBrian · 12/05/2020 23:58

Millions with health conditions at risk from Covid-19 'if forced back to work.

Eight million people with underlying health conditions should be exempted from plans to get the country back to work and normal life, according to scientists who warn that easing lockdown too quickly could propel the Covid-19 death toll to 73,000 this year.

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/12/millions-with-health-conditions-at-risk-from-covid-19-if-forced-back-to-work