Unshielding support thread

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I thought that we could do with a little support group for those of us who are attempting to start to emerge back into the world. Its hard!

I'm just about to have my second vaccine, but I'm on immunosupressants and so I'm not sure how well the vaccine is taking. I'm too scared to take an antibody test in case it's negative, so Im trying to pretend all is well.

Friends think I must be elated at now being able to go out and do stuff that isn't just going for a walk. But I'm struggling, I suspect many are.

I'm not even especially scared of the virus intellectually, I just can't cope with having people close to me. I had a coffee with friends outside this week. I had to move my chair way away from everyone to be able to be comfortable.

Anyone else feeling this way?

Hi all,
I was on the thread last time briefly but tbh struggled so badly with shielding, I stepped away from it.
I have had my 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from work (ITU) and have just returned.
It is all very odd - nobody understands shielding & I know they have all just worked through the very worst of times. Everyone is broken but putting a brave face on.

For anyone worrying about supermarkets, if you have a co-op locally, I have found them generally the best organised and easiest to use. I haven’t been in a big supermarket since the first week- not safe at all and so frustrating if you need to go back to another aisle! But we are sticking with online as much as possible.

@OhYouBadBadKitten

I think it's difficult when people see shielding as a lifestyle choice. Everyone asked to shield had to balance the messages they were getting from their healthcare professionals and their own sense of risk/mental health etc. I had very strong advice from my GP. My physio reacted with horror and said I couldn't be treated in person when I went to an appointment that they invited me to.

I'll just say this and then go away

Some of the letters I've seen - not mine - were actually downright offensive in my view. I think much of the shielding has caused panic. A pp has mentioned not realising how little virus was in circulation last summer.

I think an unnecessary level of fear has been created for some groups.

My own personal fear is more interference. I've had a letter from the electric and water board identifying me as vulnerable and they can only have that information from medical sources. The fact that this has been disclosed without my permission horrifies me. That's a worry I'll try to unravel on Monday.

I wish you all all the best

plus3 it must be an odd feeling for you. Shielding makes people feel very separated from others. Both physically, but also in experiences.
I just wanted to say, if there's a small part of you feeling guilty. Don't. You did your part by not becoming one of the statistics. That would have been very hard for your colleagues.

I'm feeling quite positive today. On average the cases are down to 1 in 3000 people. I think I'd be flipping unlucky to meet one of those people, so I'm going to go ahead with a haircut I've booked.

I've had my first vaccine but am very aware I may not have much protection due to my blood condition. Work aren't expecting me back yet, I can carry on working from home
Went to sainsburys when it was quiet, felt like I was going to have a panic attack as people seemed so close to me. I felt better after chatting to the woman on the checkout and she said "welcome back" which seems daft but meant a lot
There really doesn't seem to be much distancing going on in the shops I've been in

I've had a letter from the electric and water board identifying me as vulnerable and they can only have that information
Ooh that is worrying. It's one thing passing details to supermarkets for priority slots but that is very much a step too far. Actually I wonder whether they got it from government?
It did cross my mind about insurance. Travel insurance costs me a fortune because of my conditions. An overall label of extreme clinical vulnerability might add ££££s
I did get a letter offering me a postal vote. No thanks I'm not an invalid and shielding has ended.

Well done QueenPaw, you did it :) hopefully, the feelings will subside as you keep trying.

oh shit though. I'd totally forgotten about the potential impact on travel insurance. I'm going to vote in person too. I'll take my own pen or pencil and use gel, but this I am determined to do.

@OhYouBadBadKitten

plus3 it must be an odd feeling for you. Shielding makes people feel very separated from others. Both physically, but also in experiences. I just wanted to say, if there's a small part of you feeling guilty. Don't. You did your part by not becoming one of the statistics. That would have been very hard for your colleagues.

I'm feeling quite positive today. On average the cases are down to 1 in 3000 people. I think I'd be flipping unlucky to meet one of those people, so I'm going to go ahead with a haircut I've booked.

Thank you - I think I have made my peace with needing to shield & not working, I do think it will ultimately mean a change in jobs...it feels like too much has happened just for everything to return to normal??

Away from work - I do have confidence in my vaccine, although like a previous poster, I take immunosuppressants & am not trying not to think too hard about antibodies! Hate masks but understand & was a fairly fanatical handwasher anyway.
Moving cautiously but optimistically forwards.

I am going back to work tomorrow after shielding since February. I am really nervous. Anyone else in this position?

@Happytohelp1

I am going back to work tomorrow after shielding since February. I am really nervous. Anyone else in this position?

Wishing you all the best for tomorrow. I hope it all hoes well and you feel reassured when you get there. Is it the sort of work where you can take a break if/when you need to? Or move your desk into a safe corner?

Hello Unshielders all.

I went to the supermarket this morning - first time in 13 months. I feel inordinately proud of myself!

@FuzzyPuffling

Hello Unshielders all.

I went to the supermarket this morning - first time in 13 months. I feel inordinately proud of myself!

That's great....I think they will be empty now that other places are open x

Really, really well done Fuzzy.

I feel slightly fraudulent on this thread now, I'm definitely finding things suddenly easier. Ive managed to get a hair cut and attempt to buy a bra, though if you can't try them on its bloody impossible. I've done some hard stares at people that seem to make them steer around me with a wide berth. I'll keep cheering everyone's successes on and listening sympathetically to people's struggles.

I've decided to keep long hair. After hating it for ages ( last haircut January 2020) I have learned to love my shoulder blade length, thick, curly/ wavy stuff. Keeping it. ( And saving a fortune)

DH and I went for a longish walk today...through the woods to the sea. I've never seen the sea so clear and such an amazing turquoise colour. We took a picnic and ate it on the cliff. Lovely!