Thread 3 shielding chat

[AuntieSocia1]

I hope this unimaginative thread title doesn't put off all the amazing posters from this group!

As we transition into this new phase things could get interesting....

Waves to lurkers

We did a bit of coast path walk today (it was misty so kept the twonks away - or maybe it was just we couldn't see them) and it was lovely.
Felt like a good workout (if I can remember what one of those is) and the few people we met were very good at keeping distance. Apart form one family who clearly wanted to sit on the bench we had just occupied for our flask of coffee...but since we have just heaved ourselves up 102 steps from beach to cliff we weren't shifting. No good hanging around here, people.

We're very, VERY appreciative of living close to the sea and being able to get out to it every day. It is our life saver. Speaking of which, we don't go terribly early if we're going in the sea we sensibly wait until the lifeguards show up at 10am. There's been a big swell this week and I don't want to die of either covid or drowning.

Sending thoughts to all those who have work issues. I feel so fortunate I don't.

Hi everyone. Havent been able to write for a while but I have been lurking. Belated happy birthday @Redcherries and lovely to see you back @MarieVanGoethem. Great to read you have the date for your op @Babysharkdoodoodood. Glad you enjoyed your walk @FuzzyPuffling.

Well as we are in NI homeschooling finished this week for us as it was the end of term on Friday. Received DC1 school report up to March and it was brilliant. Teacher said some lovely things about him even commenting on his beautiful singing voice when he sang a solo at christmas. Really cheered me up.

There was a news report here this week talking about how there is a chronic shortage of special school places here in NI and loads of kids have no placements yet for September. We are one of those families. Ed psych agreed DC2 would benefit greatly from special school provision but as yet the education department havent issued him a statement. I called them this week and they said they had received all the information they needed from his various health professionals and just need to wait for department specialists have a meeting and decide whether to issue a statement or not. Then and only then if a statement is issued can we look at applying for special school provision. I am starting to worry if everything will be in place for September. He has a place in main stream but he would never cope and it wouldnt be fair. I also need to know what uniform to buy thinking practically.

I think it is inevitable that there will be another lockdown and a second wave and shielding will be reinstated. I have almost resigned myself to the fact. With this in mind I have started making lists (I just love me a list!! )for things I want in place before we go again. I want to have lots of craft things at home and plenty of books and puzzles to entertain the kids and to help with homeschooling. I am going to stock up on paper and ink too. I want to keep the kitchen well stocked too so I dont have the added worry of feeding the family if there are stock shortages again or if supermarket slots are hard to come by again. Same goes for basic medicines. Don't want to run out of calpol!!

This then led me to think about Christmas (I know it seems a bit early!) So I am going to start my Christmas shopping in the next few weeks to both spread the cost and so that we dont have to go out in the winter months surrounded by crowds or queueing in the cold and wet and dark days. Of course shielding may mean that is a no go anyway!

We also have a December birthday for DC2 so I want that to be sorted. It is my birthday next Sunday and if I manage to get off my antibiotics (chest flaired again with the exceptionally high pollen levels) I may even have a drink and raise a glass to 2020! Lol.

As you can see from the time I am not sleeping the best at the minute so my membership of club insomnia has been renewed!

I've not had my letter from Matt but wondering if that's because I got my shielding letter (that went up until June 30th) from my doctors.
Highly frustrating.

My shielding came from my GP and another from the hospital
It may be worth talking to your GP to check if you are still being shielded.
I am feeling quite defeated by the virus at the moment, DH may well be loosing his job, I can't go out and I really feel for the restrictions I am imposing on my DC1 as lockdown eases and his friends start going to shops and I don't want him going with them.

@Babysharkdoodoodood, good luck for your op on Tuesday. I hope it goes well and resolves the problem you’re having with UTIs.

Lovely to see you back again, @MarieVanGoethem. See, I got your name right this time!

@FuzzyPuffling, I like the sound of your seaside outings. We’re kind of in the middle of Scotland so as far from the sea as is possible- though that’s never very far in Scotland. But we’re a carless household these days so it’s really not that accessible for us.

@outnumberedwoman, I’m a keen list maker too though I do it less than I did. I find if I getting harassed with too many tasks to do a list helps. I’m starting to think about birthdays and Christmas too - I tend to shop for presents all year round. This was essential when they were small partly because we were skint and had 4 of them but we also have birthdays in December and January. Terrific family planning! I hope your little gets a place sorted at special school. DS2 was at special school for the first few years, we then moved areas and he got support in mainstream. Special school was great for him, mainstream less so though it worked well enough most of the time.

Last night I made a change to routine and sat in the living room with 2 of the others - I watched an episode of Call the Midwife. Not everyone’s thing, I know, but it was just what I needed. A gripping story and a few laughs. I’ve been hiding away a lot and tend to be online or knitting and/or reading. Reading much less than I did - my ability to focus is shot. I’ve not been out for walks as the weather’s been rubbish but I’ll go tomorrow regardless of the weather. Fortunately my eldest son has ended his steroids and has been told he doesn’t need to shield now. His IBD has gone back a bit but he’s to try another med. There are loads still to try so I’m hopeful. But him not shielding is great news as it means they can get up here in a few weeks. Hopefully before the bampots are out doing all the things they’ve been told not to during shutdown. I think to travel on a really dreich day would be best as fewer people will be out.

Take care, everyone. Be safe.

@UnholyStramash Thanks. The consultant described the op and I feel nauseous. Blasting away at my bladder with lasers, cutting open my kidney, putting in a stent for 4 weeks. Blehhhhh. And that's not to mention they'll be biopsying the weirdness in my bladder so I'll find out what it is.

And they take the stent out later without anaesthetic. Aargh!

Anyway work is ok. Boring as heck, but plowing on. Majorly long shifts this weekend: 7am until 5pm. Nearly fell asleep on my break. I'm starting to want human contact , other than DH and ds, so at least the daily Skype with work sort of gives each that. But I'm going to be here until September now. I just want to go out and be normal again dammit!

If I hear 'new normal' again I think I'll scream. It's what everyone said to me after my masectomy! I must've been a real shit in a past life.

@morethanmeetstheeye I only got a letter from GP too and never anything from hospital. I am in NI and got a 2nd letter a few weeks ago but nothing since. No doubt it will arrive soon.

@UnholyStramash my memory is so bad and I also suffer from crippling anxiety and I use lists as a way to cope. We have several birthdays in December and January too and a few in February so it is a busy time. Spoke to hubby today and we have agreed to make time in the next few days to sit down and do our Christmas list and birthday list and also to make some plans for the winter. DC2 is not toilet trained (something I am hoping special school would help with) and at the start of the lockdown we had great difficulty getting nappies in the correct size. I was really panicking so I don't want to be left in a similar situation if or indeed when a second wave hits. I want to be as prepared as possible because I think in the dark and cold days of winter where I wont even be able to go out to the garden my mood will suffer anyway so anything I can do to combat this will help both practically and mentally.
Glad to hear you managed a nice evening and altogether. I quite like call the midwife too - its quite gentle and easy on the surface but can have a slightly more gritty undertone. I enjoy needle craft as well and reading but like you my ability to concentrate is shot to pieces and the pain in hands also causes problems. Some days I cant even hold a book to read it!
Wonderful news that your son no longer needs to shield and can visit you. Hope you can all make it happen soon.

@Babysharkdoodoodood that op does sound a lot but if it cures your uti issues it will be worth it in the long run. I am glad you wont have it hanging over you for too long. I had a cardiac op a few years ago and it was done with anaesthetic and wide awake. Was not pleasant so I can sympathise with how you are feeling. But if you have gotten through a mastectomy then you are obviously strong person and you will get through this too. Just think how great it will be to be free of constant uti's ! That could be your "new normal!"

*without anaesthetic

Anyone with secondary school kids? The September guidance has been leaked:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/coronavirus/3953335-Huffpost-leak-on-School-Guidance?watched=1&msgid=97887850#97887850

DS starts Y7 in September. Reading this has made me feel really, really anxious as there's bugger all in it that will minimise his potential contact.

Hi everyone, hope you’re all ok, or as ok as it’s possible to be. @BatSegundo just read it, and the thread, and wished I hadn’t. I have no clue how this is workable for us. Just no clue. Mine’s y9.

Just been for my first little walk in a few days. I’ve had a few asthma attacks over the last week (one particularly scary one and a few dealable with ones) so I’m still a bit fragile. I’ve got a Resp clinic appointment in August and from my last appointment there, I think biologics are the next step they want to consider. I need to do some research because I’m a bit clueless about this. Anyone with any inside knowledge, I’d be grateful for any advice. At the moment I’d rip their hand off for something that will make this any better. Weather, pollen, smoke, stress, dust, viruses 🤨 anything sets me off at the moment. Bleurgh.

Anyway, I have made a fruit cake today and I am going to have a big fat slice of it later. I’ll save you all a bit : )

Well we're allowed to "bubble" from next Monday, including shielders. Am increasing the visits home to see my DC, although wonder whether it's wise as they go back to school this week.

I'm wondering whether I'll actually last the whole of shielding without moving back tbh.

Hello everyone I wonder if any of you lovely shielders can help me with a query. My DH has been shielding with me since the start and working from home. His work now think it is ok for him to return to work even though I received the letter to continue to shield until 31st July.
Freaks me out a bit so does anyone know if this is right? Or has anyone had a similar experience?
Really appreciate any answers as completely stuck with where we stand

If you were the one shielding your Dh’s employer could have insisted he worked outside the home the whole time. He can ask for wfh to continue and see what they say that’s all.

Thanks @Toothfairynemesis I appreciate the reply. He's got another call lined up with them to discuss things. How have any of you managed things when your partners are going to work but you're still shielding? Any tips?

My dh had to take unpaid leave as he provides personal care. Are you able to isolate within the home , separate bedrooms, bathroom stay 2 metres apart etc?

Yes we could if it comes to that. We've been very lucky that he's been able to work from home up till now. Thanks again for the reply.

No problem I am glad your dh was able to wfh. In my opinion all adult members in shielding families should have been legally allowed to either wfh or furloughed.

Hello again my beautiful wee butterflies (we’ve been cocooned that long we must be butterflies by now surely; & yes I do get thoroughly muddled between the Irish & British government’s terms depending on who I’ve been talking to most recently don’t mention cocooning to someone who works for PHE though, they get a bit funny about this stuff...) 🦋

I feel very loved & special, thank you. Though am willing to accept (& would consider it completely reasonable frankly) that you may only want me around for the [non-manky] vegan food reccs... Speaking of, have ordered myself a takeaway for tea as not eaten for over 24h & only had a wee bit of water to drink & neither of those things is a plan... neither of them deliberate, either, mind... I’d not eat tonight if I didn’t order myself something as I’m not safe even to make some toast (should perhaps add we’ve not a toaster, just the grill) & I’d end up wearing yoghurt etc. (Truly, it’s a glorious state I’m in the now. At least I’m clean & wearing excellent jamas [navy t-shirt & shorts with unicorns & shooting stars because I am That. Exceptionally. Cool.] & I can see what I’m writing [just about]. Counting. It. A. Win. Which I feel tells you all you need to know about the last few days...) But yes - Exciting Vegan Sandwich (feel free to mock) & a vegan smoothie. Currently on its way...

Ooh @MilesJuppIsMyBitch - always exciting when someone else knows of The Home Of The Mighty Walrus.

@Redcherries
Vvvvvvv glad you’d a good birthday

@FuzzyPuffling
Hurrah for non-silly people & coastal walks!

@Babysharkdoodoodood
Excellent news re: op date. Bleurughick re details, but focus on hurrah date?

@outnumberedwoman
You are splendid & I need to reply properly but I can’t actually see just now so will return later.

And I’m not spurning anyone else. But see above re: blindyness unfuntimes. Got a bit overconfident.

@MarieVanGoethem sounds like you have been having a rough time of it. Im so sorry. I hope things start to improve for you soon. Never lose your sense of humour though!

We had DC2 graduation from playschool today. We werent going to go but then as it was all socially distanced and outside (each family was given a small slot to come and collect their certificates and take a few pics with their child in their robe) and staff stayed away from us I decided we should go. I am fed up of the kids missing out because of me. As it happens I was at no greater risk than when i sit in my front garden nattering to the neighbours next door! And it gave us as a family a chance to feel normal even if only for 5 minutes.

Then it was back to the quarantine at home though! Goodness knows how long it will be before we get a chance to do anything like it again!

Still not sleeping here and pains in my hands and wrists have decided to flare again and just to top it all off i have toothache again! At this point I am going to get pliers and pull them all out myself and just get false teeth - at least dentures can't give toothache!

@MarieVanGoethem I hope you enjoyed your take away, and yes, I believe we are butterflies now!

@outnumberedwoman That does sound really nice, its so hard when you feel your children are missing out. My daughter went in for a 2 hour Art lesson this week, sixth form, teacher was great and really supportive. She was on a complete hype when she got home, it did her the world of good. I hope your hands calm soon and tooth ache is the bloody worst isn't it, I hope it settles.

Not much going on here strangely enough! I'm doing the book keeping, so boring, finding everything else I possibly could be distracted by ;)
Started on WW this week to try and do something about the lock down chub I've been ignoring and thats about it!

How is everyone doing?

Does anyone else have a bit of a morbid curiosity on how Saturday will go in the busier areas? Hopefully the dismal weather will damp (do you see what I did there) down any big crowds and stuff but I think its likely to be carnage.

Hi everyone 👋!
Marie - hope you are ok. I love your posts. Always make me smile. I too know of the mighty walrus. And the stuffed wigeons, like pigeons but with a W. I always head for them first. They are a bit kooky. And I like that. I’m next borough along to you.

Outnumbered- this sounds lovely. It’s so rubbish having to make everyone else miss stuff isn’t it. I’m so glad you could go and all feel ‘normal’ even if just for a bit. I’ve just said I can’t be at a similar end of term event at my school, but it’s 30 kids and parents. In a field. I’d feel so scared I wouldn’t add anything to it. They were really good about it.

Redcherries - oh I’m glad you said that...I thought I was the only person morbidly curious about Saturday nights shenanigans! We live 10 minutes walk from a high street that is heaving with bars, pubs, restaurants. Oh how I’d love to have a camera wired up to watch what happens! Maybe the Leicester thing will make people be a bit more sensible??

Not much going on here. Breathing settling down now with added steroids which is good. Our cars are both dead due to not being used since March so we are going to get rac out on Friday to get them going and will be going for a little drive at the weekend. I am unreasonably excited about this : )

@Teaistheanswer

Hello everyone I wonder if any of you lovely shielders can help me with a query. My DH has been shielding with me since the start and working from home. His work now think it is ok for him to return to work even though I received the letter to continue to shield until 31st July. Freaks me out a bit so does anyone know if this is right? Or has anyone had a similar experience? Really appreciate any answers as completely stuck with where we stand

@Teaistheanswer this was exactly our problem. DH was unable to work from home and wouldn't get paid if he didn't work. We (me, DH and 3 teenage DC) live in a 3 bedroom house with one bathroom. It was clear early on that I couldn't shield at home, so I moved out into a flat offered to me by my friend. It's been tough and I can't wait for shielding to end in August.

I don't really have any advice, but I do understand your predicament.

Had to go for my pre-op blood test today. Scary stuff going into the main hospital. Saw more people in one hour than I have in 3 months! Had to go to the loo just to take off my mask and breathe before I panic attacked.

Then the good bit: took 3 phlebotomists and 5 goes before they could get any blood. Had to use my masectomy arm as chemo arm is useless for veins. They eventually got one off the front of my arm halfway down. OMG- the pain! Better than the hand though. Then went home and scrubbed all over.

Had a nice sleep as I'm starting work in about 10 minutes. So looking forward to the op setting me to rights. Pain is slowly driving me insane.

@MarieVanGoethem I hope you were able to enjoy your vegan sandwich and smoothie. Sorry things have not been great. I do hope you kept some of your fantastic biscuits for yourself as a treat - I made a lemon cake today.

@Babysharkdoodoodood I hope it goes well.

@Is2020OverYet that must have been so hard for you. I have been really lucky as up until now DHs work have been happy for him to work from home. They've sent through a big list of all the things they've put in place to make it safe for him to return but I'm still really anxious about the whole thing. Tbh I think this whole shielding process keeps delivering new reasons to be anxious all the time!

Hope everyone is doing ok and to all fellow shielders who work in education I see we will be treated to another lovely ramble from Gav today