Corona & Single Parenting

[Turin]

My son is 10. He is a wonderful boy. For past 7 days he has barely seen me stand. I have a continuous fever, cough, high temp, severe fatigue.

DS called 999 for me yesterday. Twice. They said “she’s not bad enough for us to come” yet. It’s only day 7.

I cannot eat or even drink without vomiting. He is eating just fruit for some meals. His school are doing well being calls.

My friend who has had corona had to forcibly make her way into the house to help me and DS. He was so happy to see another adult. She has said she will come daily to get him proper food. Some days he just sits near me stroking my legs. He has had no symptoms and despite my insistence he refuses to leave my side.

Do the rules allow people like my friend who have had it to help me?

What can I use to help me breath when the phelgm is stuck in my throat for hours and I cannot breath or cough it out?

Thank you

The rules allow someone to visit another household to provide care. That's you.

Don't worry about that and I dearly hope you are better soon. I am so sorry you are ill.

For the phlegm, steam might help. Can your son or your friend run a hot shower and get the bathroom filled with steam?

I am wishing you well soon, OP. I saw vicks vaporub recommended.

An oil diffuser with oils might help- eucalyptus, maybe?

I have asthma and a chest infection so I understand about phlegm
Don’t lie flat, try to elevate your chest as much as you can even when you sleep. This will stop it pooling in one place so much
Can you try stream inhalation to try to dislodge it, a hot bath or be in the bathroom with all the hot taps on for steam? Don’t do this if you have too much of a high fever
If your friend could get you some menthol crystals, something to help you steam this might help
Don’t put anything on your skin except for vaporub though
Breathe slowly try not to panic or breathe too deeply
Can your friend call 111? I know your son has tried 999 but someone from 111 may be able to assess you over the phone

I'm a single parent and my heart goes out to you and your boy. My DD is 7 and this is any ge fear of mine.

If I was your friend or neighbor I would do exactly the same. Please stay safe and accept help. Wish I could do something for you.

Please keep us updated and let us Know how it goes

Thank you so much.

I haven’t been able to shower in 6 days. So weak. Hoping to manage today when I get an energy opportunity.

So far lots of dry vomiting since last night.

Diet Coke has soothed my throat

Don't worry about having a shower. Just try to get into the bathroom, if it can be made steamy.

How about dialoryte or oral rehydration salts? Hope you feel better this pm, OP

The GP has prescribed me antibiotics. She was so lovely and I was completely overwhelmed. 111 and even 999 were so short and snappy (understandably) I just felt like no one cared. Hoping they will help.

Managed a shower today with immense difficulty. Wiped me out for the rest of the day though.

Hope you feel better soon, glad you managed to get a shower as the steam might ease the symptoms. Don't feel guilt about accepting the help from your friend, if I learnt that someone was struggling I would want to help too. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

I am a single parent to a 10 yr old too.
Surely your son is able to make some basic food/meals for himself at 10?
I don’t see why he should never be living only on fruit . If he can’t cook - can he at least make toast / cereal

Yes he can make toast cereal smoothies sandwiches and toasties. Only so much of these you can eat though.

How are you feeling, OP? Have you been able to eat and drink?

Sending you so much love and light ✨

I'm a single mum to a 12 month old. . As hard as it seems, keep thinking positive. . You'll get better soon.. just hang on in there and keep smiling. If you need to talk, we're here :)

Let us know how you're doing x x

Sending lots of love, you've got a lovely boy there. Hope you feel better soon x

Sounds silly I know, but can anyone get you any cough sweets or even boiled sweets? When I had bronchitis a few years ago, sucking was the only thing that soothed my throat and cough.

Sending you best wishes and a full recovery OP. It's just me and 9yr old ds at home, so I am really worried about getting sick.

Perhaps try your head over a bowl of hot water if getting in the bathroom is to hard etc. Put a towel over your head and if you can get your hands on eucalyptus or something it should help ease your chest. If your friend can bring some lemons, get plenty of warm lemon/honey drinks down you.

I really feel for you OP, it's such a worry. I'm a single mum to an ASD 9 yo DS. Last week I had surgery for breast cancer and am terrified of being ill. I am having to rely on risk assessing with willing friends to have him while I have treatment going forward, unavoidably breaking the rules 😞. It's a shit situation. Your friend did the right thing, I would have done the same. I wish you the speediest of recoveries 💐

Get well soon I'm a widowed mum and it's a worry. Get well soon

OP, how are you now?

OP, are you feeling better?

You should be having deep, hot baths and drinking copious volumes of hot drinks. Olbas oil nasal stick. Paracetemol as needed. Rest and eat little and often.

I've had it too, though not as bad as you it seems.