Self isolation before an operation

[Twizbe]

I have an operation coming up and we all have to self isolate from Monday in preparation.

I'm going into semi isolation from Wednesday, but no one else is.

Anyone who has had to do this before I have some questions:

1. my eldest will still go to school (hospital have confirmed this is ok) but said I should keep my distance at home. He's 5! Is this realistic?

2. I can't do the school run - I've emailed school to ask if they have a policy, but I'm thinking I could drive to school in the morning and send him in from the car. In the evening could we have another parent bring him to the car? Would his teacher do this?

3. did you exercise outside? I've cancelled all my gym classes but thinking of going for a few runs, is this ok?

Difficult to answer because every hospital seems to have different policies. I didn't follow all my isolation rules to the letter but was sensible , eg going for a walk away from people, yes.

Am surprised that the hospital said your DC could go to school though, mine couldn't (also they went to their dad's, problem solved).

Personally I would keep DS home from Friday onwards, it’s not worth the hassle. Exercise outside should be ok, it’s easy to cross the road if you see someone approach.

I would just keep him at home. Of course you can't isolate at home from a five year old - if he does get Covid there's a good chance you'll get it too, and I imagine even another nasty illness would delay your op.

Just be sensible. Runs outside in a quiet area will be fine, but don't go indoors with other people.

Shit, should we keep him off then? It's half term for us at the moment so it would only be Mon, Tues and Weds he'd have to be off.

I've emailed school to see what their policy is. I don't know whether it's allowed to take him out because we have to self isolate but don't have the virus.

We've spoken about my operation a lot with him and he understands that I need to avoid the virus for a while.

We've come out for a coffee and shop today as a last hurrah lol

For a 5yr old I'd keep them off those 3 days....or even 2 days? if you're going in hospital on Wednesday he could probably go to school that day? Given the waiting times for surgery at the moment I'd do everything to reduce the risk of cancellation!

They can't stop you taking him out. They can write you snotty letters or even fine you, but I would ignore the letters and contest the fine - you need to isolate for an op, you're not taking the piss. Plus he's five - does it really matter?

Our school is certainly authorising absence for a household member having an op

3) did you exercise outside? I've cancelled all my gym classes but thinking of going for a few runs, is this ok?

I had surgery last June (after several cancellations).

After going for a PCR test 3 days before, I had to self isolate with my husband until he drove me to the hospital. We were both restricted to our house and garden only.

Thanks all. I'll talk to husband about keeping eldest off school. It is only 3 days so should be ok.

I really don't want this to be postponed.