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Original poster

Self isolation support thread

408 replies

JustUrggghhhh · 13/03/2020 08:09

Apologies if a thread on this has already been started. Had a look but cant see anything glaringly obvious.

Thought I would start a self isolation support thread to stop those in isolation from going stir crazy.

I am on day 1 of self isolation. I have had mild manageable symptoms of various things slowly creeping up on me all week. But last night my temp reached high numbers and I'm now coughing have consulted work and I must stay away for 7 days. Kids wont be at school either as they have told me to keep them home. They both have mild coughs and I was struggling to get my head around the logistics of getting them to school.

I have found the whole week very strange. Not knowing when I need to panic. I suffer with chest infections when I get run down anyway so the symptoms are all similar. Have also had full blown flu a few times and again the symptoms are similar. Everything feels too vague, no one knows anything for sure and I feel like it's such a weird time to be living in.

Please post here if you are self isolating to keep me company. I'm really gonna miss work as I work with the the most fantastic people! No doubt the kids are gonna drive me crackers too as whilst they are pleased they get a week off school they have realised they will be missing all their extra clubs etc.

OP posts:
ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 09:04

Checking in
My headache is worse today, and I'm feeling run down.

But I have loo roll...so I guess I'm one of the lucky ones! 😂

Whattheduck · 18/03/2020 09:20

I’ve just had to call my work (I work at a gp’s In admin) and tell them my family is self isolating as my dd was sent home from school yesterday with a sore throat.Overnight she has developed a temperature and a cough.
I’ve been dreading making that call as I know the pressure the surgery is under (it is closed only telephone consultations are available) my supervisor was lovely but I feel like I’m letting them down even though I know it can’t be helped.I love my job and we are a great team and I’m really going to miss not being there when needed more than ever.
Hope everyone feels better soon x

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 09:39

what you're letting no one down. You're taking steps toward keeping people safe and well. 💕

Original poster
JustUrggghhhh · 18/03/2020 09:56

@whattheduck I suffer with the same guilt of letting people down. It's really hard right now but at the end of the day we are keeping each other safe by staying home.

Woke up with that damn headache again @shrimpythegnome it's really pissing me off now. I can cope with the lethargy and cough but the headache is driving me nuts!

OP posts:
MrsPMT · 18/03/2020 10:11

My cough seems to come and go, in that I'll have a morning with no cough then wonder if I even have a cough at all, then have a few coughing fits that make my chest hurt and realise, yes it's still a problem. Tiredness is major also and I'm really getting fed up of going to bed all bundled up (because I feel cold) then waking sweat soaked and smelly (sorry tmi). DS is self isolating with me but keeping distance as he's unaffected so far.

Whattheduck · 18/03/2020 10:35

Thanks @JustUrggghhhh and @ShrimpyTheGnome
On the bright side I’ve made a list of 14 things that need doing in home and I’m going to pick one to do each day (providing I feel ok)

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 10:52

Woohoo! I'm going to do the same, and jump on the plague bandwagon if you don't mind!

Anyone else?

I may even split it into list- so, say, one self care thing a day, one household, etc.

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 10:59

Goals for today:

Self care: try out the "healing bath" in my wiccan spell book.

Household: supervise DC while they have a general tidy around.

Fun Goal: The Simpsons Movie with the DC, frozen pizza and popcorn!

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 11:07

I've just sat down with the DC (boys, 8 and 12) and told them that we're holed up together whether we like it or not- so we can make the best of it, or all go batshit.

They're on board. They were awful yesterday- the BICKERING! Part of that is because thrure worried about me: I have friends an hour away who would be a le to help in an emergency, but other than that, they have me and ONLY me in the world. They're unsettled anyway due to our circs (we basically fled across the country from DV) and in their heads, there's a real threat of their one "constant" being unable to take care of them.

I'm hoping that this time.will let us bond more as a family. We're close- hella close- but we're still finding our feet with the change in family dynamics AND area.

I will make.this work.

SlimGin · 18/03/2020 11:15

Officially self isolating after feeling very tentative yesterday (didn't leave the house but wasn't sure if I was committing to SI)
I have small cough, and DD has cough sore throat and temperature yesterday.
She's just a toddler so hard work keeping her occupied will definitely be open to suggestions.

Felt awful calling in to work as I do genuinely believe we have something smaller but won't risk it!

Whattheduck · 18/03/2020 11:19

Great idea
I’m going to sort through the box of shoes in the garage today
This afternoon we are going to watch one of our favourite films The Rescuers (my dd’s 15 but still loves watching it as I do too)

Original poster
JustUrggghhhh · 18/03/2020 11:36

We are all in this together.

I have just dusted off my collection of notebooks and picked a good one to revisit bullet journaling. I gave it up initially as I was spending too much time making my journal pretty and not getting much else done. I have the time now to make it pretty and still get things done!

I like the idea of breaking things down. House, self, kids and education are the priorities here for me. Love it! I used to be a rep for a cosmetic company as a sideline to my main job which means I have a huge hoard of all things self pamper. My goal for self care is to get using some of it up Wink

It sounds like you have been on quite a journey @shrimpythegnome I hope you and the kids are ok?

We had further info from kids school regarding the 7/14 day rule crap. I clarified it again with them and my employers as it's still as clear as mud. Both have said to stay away for 14 days - guidance is unclear so they are sticking with the 14 days to avoid confusion and spread of lurgies. They are preparing for home learning now for those that are off (and I assume ready for when schools close).

OP posts:
Original poster
JustUrggghhhh · 18/03/2020 11:37

Sorry I do put in paragraphs in my posts, the app just doesnt seem to want to reflect that!

OP posts:
Original poster
JustUrggghhhh · 18/03/2020 11:40

Also meant to say @shrimpythegnome the healing bath sounds interesting! Care to share?

OP posts:
Theodoreb · 18/03/2020 11:45

Hi I'm on day 6 however I have severe copd and DD2 has epilepsy I have now made a painful decision to self isolate for 12 weeks after speaking to my gp as it's really not worth mine or dds life. Gp phoning me back when she has gotten together a pack for if I become unwel with my chest not sure what's going to be in there hoping for steroids and anti biopics.

Original poster
JustUrggghhhh · 18/03/2020 12:19

@Theodoreb seems totally sensible to me. What a scary time for you. Keep checking in please! If nothing else to try and keep morale up. I'm struggling with my mental health so need to start putting a plan in place for myself. I am missing my work colleagues as they are awesome and many are my main group of friends. Take good care please and keep talking, we are here!

OP posts:
Theodoreb · 18/03/2020 12:21

Thank you doctor has sent antibiotics and steroids over to my chemist to be delivered to me just in case my chest becomes bad.

Piggywaspushed · 18/03/2020 12:22

Can I scoot over form another thread which was the 'share your symptoms' thread? Its' gone quiet because I think some have made it over here.

I'm on Day 4

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 12:37

I'll be the part who starts making inappropriate jokes btw. I can't help myself sometimes.

Anyone else's joints feel like they've been screwed in too tightly?

Piggy the reason they've all gone quiet is that there's a toilet roll sale on at Tesco. We're going to be forever known as The Nation With Sparkly Butts!

That would make such a perfect NN! 😂

Piggywaspushed · 18/03/2020 12:41

Yes to this. I am now developing a bad back from sitting in a bed.

This self isolation must be easier if you are young and capable and live alone or have a huge house with wings.

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 12:42

Theodore we got you.

We also got The Plague...but we mainly got you! 😂

On that note, I wish they'd organise something where lone people with symptoms could hole up together? It would lessen the feeling of isolation, wouldn't it?

The fucking seagulls are taunting me. Noisy wee shites! It's as if they're saying "we can go outside and shit on whatever we like, whereas if you did it, you'd spread the plague!"

Bastards!

🙄🤨😂

Piggywaspushed · 18/03/2020 12:43

Are those of you actually spending time with family symptomless? I am isolated from mine Sad

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 12:43

Piggy I'm imagining a house with huge, flapping wings now! Sorry!

Flyyyy me to the moooon, and let me sneeeeze among the staaaaars...

I'll get my coat.

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 12:45

Piggy I have no choice: we're holed up together. Luckily my DC have no symptoms yet.

ShrimpyTheGnome · 18/03/2020 12:50

Oops..healing oil blend:

4 drops rosemary
2 drops juniper
1 drop sandalwood
I use sweet almond oil as a carrier oil, and I add about 2tbsp of sea salt to the bath.

I'll be lighting a few white candles for healing, because I'm weird, and into that shit- but the oil blend itself is a pick me up.

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