I just want to say... : ... I read a (for me... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

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I just want to say...

DJK99 profile image
12 Replies

... I read a (for me) frightening post on the BBC website two nights ago called “coronavirus: what it does to the body”. I was about to post it but chickened out. We didn’t need more depressing posts.. but now I feel, with lots of people questioning whether they should go out or not, difficult decisions as they are, I wanted to talk about that. My neighbour can’t bear to be stuck inside... but is high risk... and is continuing to go out all day. All I can say is, having read that article, I really feel my body wouldn’t be able to fight it. I know this due to my health history and my decades long neutropenia and extremely low complement 3and 4, and deteriorating SLE lupus ie worsening inflammation and constant flaring, plus heart issues and serious health issue on top of that last year I am monitored for. I’m just 57 and retired on health grounds for a reason. I feel isolating is key for me.. so might be good to read that article if unsure what you should do. I’m sorry and hope it’s OK to have highlighted the article. Love to all.

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DJK99
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Ieuann133 profile image
Ieuann133

Hi there, long time no speak... don’t blame you for feeling nervous, you have an awful lot to deal with and isolation is certainly the way to go. I am also nervous but certainly don’t have as much reason to be as you... keep in touch with people as much as you can through internet... I am about to start a scrabble tournament with my neighbours... I am early 50’s but have quite a few neighbours in the mid 70’s, all with lively brains so thought it would provide them with a stimulus whilst isolating. I am sure there are other games that you can play...

take care, stay isolated and try not to read too much about coronavirus now... we know that it is bad for us, focus on not getting it! (Easier said than done, already done my morning look at the papers to see the latest developments) !

Big cuddle 😊😊

TM1970 profile image
TM1970 in reply toIeuann133

I’m the same but my daughters both work and look after me, should I isolate from them? They’re both really sanitising but all this news about living on clothes etc has me terrified, I wonder what I should do, do I not see them? My youngest still lives with me but both of them cook and look after me (bless them), should I ask them to stay away? How would I cope? Sorry guys I know we’re all facing the same nightmare, any advice gratefully received xxxx

Ieuann133 profile image
Ieuann133 in reply toTM1970

Is there away that you could isolate within your own home? One thing you could easily do is make sure you use your own towels, and wash them more regularly as usual on a hot wash. Tea towels are also a breeding ground so change those daily.

Just be as sensible as you can, there is a fine line between isolating yourself and putting yourself in the position where your spirit is down... it really doesn’t help...

TM1970 profile image
TM1970 in reply toIeuann133

Thanks Leuann, we’re doing exactly what you describe , using our own towels etc. But there’s so much that passes between us, like cooking (my eldest), and shopping (youngest). I’m blessed with my girls. I suppose practice will make it all the new normal. My spirit will definitely be down if I have to isolate from them.

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toIeuann133

Hey there! Thanks so much for that. The reason I posted it was I am worried about some of us on here wondering whether they should isolate themselves as advised by Lupus UK etc etc... That article explains each stage of the virus's journey and how it deteriorates the body. It was the words "immune system"and "inflammation" that made me focus ie realise I'd not do well at all if I caught it. So I thought I'd write about it, rather than put the link on my post, as if anyone wants to read it, it'll be there for them to find. I think it is helpful... as it REALLY clarified things for me. As for contact, well, I'm alone in my flat (not even my cat anymore as had to give him to a much better home for him - he's happy as anything apparently, although it broke my ruddy heart to do it, sniff) and my neighbour will continue to be in coffee shops and trains etc...it's just his way -but really not good considering his health. We get on really well and have regular 2hr cuppas every other week... but I can't if he is continuing to live like that. So...I have my terrace I can sit on and wave to my other neighbours maybe - I saw a wonderful twitter post the other night of all the italians singing to each other across the street from their balconies...it was utterly heart warming :). Not sure us Brits would get to that in my town...but you never know, here's hoping if it got to that ;). Thing is, I've been unable to go out for long periods of time in the past couple of years due to surgery (eg 2mths with my bilaterol foot surgery) and generally when working mostly from home and having no energy to do anything but crash all weekend and each evening...but I still had face to face contact even if just seeing the Ocado driver! So, at this ridiculously early point anyway,I think I'll be OK just talking with mates on Face Time etc. Hope you and yours are sorted about what you are going to do. Keep in touch. Thanks for the cuddle - backatcha! x

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toDJK99

That was for Leuann!

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toIeuann133

Hey there! Thanks so much for that. The reason I posted it, was because I am worried about so many people on here wondering whether they should isolate themselves as advised by Lupus UK etc etc... That article explains each stage of the virus's journey and how it deteriorates the body.It was the words "immune system"and "inflammation" that made me focus ie realise I'd not do well at all if I caught it. So I thought I'd write about it, rather than put the link on my post, as if anyone wants to read it, it'll be there for them to find. I think it is helpful... as it REALLY clarified things for me. As for contact, well, I'm alone in my flat (not even my cat anymore as had to give him to a much better home for him - he's happy as anything apparently, although it broke my ruddy heart to do it, sniff) and my neighbour will continue to be in coffee shops and trains etc...it's just his way -but really not good considering his health. We get on really well and have regular 2hr cuppas every other week... but I can't if he is continuing to live like that. So...I have my terrace I can sit on and wave to my other neighbours maybe - I saw a wonderful twitter post the other night of all the italians singing to each other across the street from their balconies...it was utterly heart warming :). Not sure us Brits would get to that in my town...but you never know, here's hoping if it got to that ;). Thing is, I've been unable to go out for long periods of time in the past couple of years due to surgery (eg 2mths with my bilaterol foot surgery) and generally when working mostly from home and having no energy to do anything but crash all weekend and each evening...but I still had face to face contact even if just seeing the Ocado driver! So, at this ridiculously early point anyway,I think I'll be OK just talking with mates on Face Time etc. Hope you and yours are sorted about what you are going to do. Keep in touch. Thanks for the cuddle - backatcha! x

Horsewhisper profile image
Horsewhisper

Hi D - yes, it was a pretty grim article and made it quite clear how the body can become affected. It drove it home well and truly for me and the family the potential harsh reality of it, which I don’t think is such a bad thing. It certainly sharpens the focus on keeping a safe distance and taking precautions. Keep safe and as well as you can be in the current situation, it’s nice that we are all here for each other sharing and caring 😘🤗

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply toHorsewhisper

Absolutely. Thanks everso and hope you and yours keep safe and as well as possible x

I know we’ve all had our fill of negative info, yet, at the same time it does no one any good to hide their head in the sand. So thank you! 🙏

DJK99 profile image
DJK99 in reply to

Thank you. Appreciate that. Stay safe/well I hope.

in reply toDJK99

Oh wow, you too! Thanks!!

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