What would you do? : Warning Christmas and Covid related

[TheLifeAndDeathBrigade]

We are in a bubble with my DSis who is going through a horrible divorce. She has a teenage DD. Both households in tier 2. They were supposed to be coming to us for Christmas.

I have had ongoing issues with gallstones which were due to be removed end of October, then postponed til end November, then postponed again til early Jan. I am in pain very frequently with horrendous-worse-than-labour style attacks every couple of weeks. Have a 3yo and 6mo.

Dniece saw her Dad from a tier four area two days ago. 5 hours outside, mostly social distanced but not 100%. The new announcements re lockdowns/isolating if you've travelled into tier four have spooked us all and we've cancelled (mutual decision). I spoke to the hospital and they've said do everything we can to avoid getting cancelled again (last couple of times not our fault- due to staff shortages/operating staff getting covid themselves) as with everything going on likely to be unable to reschedule for months.

I'm concerned if op doesn't go ahead gallbladder will eventually become infected and I'll be hospitalised for a week + (happened to a friend). But equally I just hate the idea of DSis and niece being in their own in Christmas day after the year they've had. I feel so guilty and sad and feel like we're making the wrong decision 😭

I know it's not a mega deal in the scheme of things, but can anyone offer any advice?

To be clear. If anyone in household contracts covid op will be cancelled. Christmas is 4 days after Dniece met her Dad and Covid test for me is 9 days after that, so pretty much worse possible timing.

Do you have a date for the op? You need to be COVID free in the house for 10 days is all. Depending on the date you could still achieve this even if someone contracts it in the next week or so

If she let your dn see her dad in tier 4 with a new mutant strain of covid then I’d say it’s their own bloody fault as they must understand you can’t risk it. Yes it’s shit when it’s her dad but it’s tier 4 where covid is spreading like wildfire. I can’t see my mum
Cos she’s in tier 4 and I’m raging but I’m trying to be sensible.

That’s really difficult but I don’t think I’d risk it with your op so close. If you’re in a bubble with them then you’ll get to see them after the op won’t you?

I wouldn't chance it.

Your sister and niece have each other and whilst it will be a shit Christmas for them (and everyone!!) you need to keep your operation in mind.

Although I suspect it won't go ahead..... sorry

It’s sad but I really wouldn’t risk it. You sound like you’ve got enough to deal with already never mind a houseful of Covid

Op date 6th Jan, covid test 3rd Jan.

It is a private op, so I think possibly more chance of going ahead than if it was NHS 🤔

Gallbladder pain is terrible and can be serious of left untreated. As your niece is a teenager she will understand and they've got each other, nobody is 'alone' for Christmas.

You’ve done the right thing. You don’t need to feel bad about it, and you say it was a mutual decision. It has been a shit year but I’m sure your sister would feel a million times worse if their household was the cause of you having your op cancelled again.

Sorry to hear this. I don’t think you can risk it because of your health.
Or could you do meet outside at all?
It’s so risky. If your niece hadn’t seen her father and you had all isolated it wouldn’t be so bad.

I wouldn’t risk it. Your sister isn’t alone, they have each other. Set aside some time for FaceTime and try to enjoy your day.

Good luck with the operation.

@Crunchymum

I wouldn't chance it.

Your sister and niece have each other and whilst it will be a shit Christmas for them (and everyone!!) you need to keep your operation in mind.

Although I suspect it won't go ahead..... sorry

@Crunchymum

On what basis do you think the OP's essential op won't go ahead? Are you involved in medical logistics or do you enjoy spreading fear and panic?

Jesus.

For your own sake, OP don't meet. I'm sorry your family goes through this but imagine amongst millions of people quite a lot of families went through something difficult last year, or the loved ones. It doesn't mean we need to all go on with our plans and spread covid even further.

It sounds like you made a sensible decision. I wouldn’t be mixing with another household if I had a choice in the matter and I’m perfectly well. Fwiw my mum was a single parent and it was always just the two of us and we had lovely Christmases. Could you zoom each other for a bit instead? I’m sure they’ll both understand.

Yes, we'll definitely be zooming. I've also doorstep dropped dinner, treats, presents and wine so don't feel I've totally abandoned them.