I've just read this and thought I would put it on here just in case it is going to happen!!itv.com/news/2020-03-14/eld...
Coronavirus - Are you over 70? - Atrial Fibrillati...
Coronavirus - Are you over 70?
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Patsy10
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119 Replies
•
Good heavens! ....or words to that effect.
Hi Patsy 
I saw that and had anticipated something similar 
4 months....I will look like a wild woman with hair down to my knees ..
My biggest problem is I was due to re enlist with the arrythmia clinic to discuss starting Flecainide , they signed me off last year . GP has sent a letter to them but the waiting time for a clinic appointment is 90 days . I guess I could consider a private telephone consultation with the Consultant I have been with for 3 years but never seen . If I am prescribed Flecainide my Daughter in law who was a nurse until recently could sit in the car outside when I take the first dose.
Hi, I'm sure the long hair will be wonderful! I have been on Flec. twice over the years and never had any issues. There are lots of folk on here who do well on it too so the best of luck.
Just wanted to comment that I took flecainide for over 18 years for tachycardia and never had a single issue or side effect. I recently had a severe bout of ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic vomiting so my medication wouldnt stay down for several days. I ended up in the hospital with dehydration and a dangerously racing heart, so I therefore had to undergo the cardiac ablation procedure, so I no longer take flecainide.
Ouch! At 69 will I qualify? Will we all have to carry papers to prove our age? How will it be enforced?
Like many people I know on this forum and personally, we have already started to prepare and get our minds around this but it is all starting to feel rather surreal now.
I'm 69 too CD, but think on this occasion I may make out that I'm 70! I feel like I've stumbled on to the set of a disaster film, but cant find my way out of it now!
Sure 1950 was a great year😉Jeanjeannie50.Im in Ireland and it's pretty scary with every blasted news being covid19 and more cases. Stay well 💕
At last the government taking this seriously.
I felt that their strategy sacrificed the vulnerable of whatever age.
I entirely agree with you, it's good to see some positive action.
The other night on Newsnight a Professor said the best option was to isolate the vulnerable on a scottish island but as that isn't possible I guess the proposed measure is an alternative.
John I donn't think it is becasue we are more contagious but more likely to get complications and will require hospital treatment and add to the NHS burden. I have already decided to self isolate to an extent but both hubby and I have hospital appointments over the next few months, ones we really need to attend. Would we still be able to do this. We walk our dog on a daily basis (most days) for our health and his!!! Would this be a no no - in doing this as long as we keep to ourselves I do not see much of a risk. I would not be very happy to be told that we have to isolate ourselves for four months. As per doodle us ladies would be very unhappy not being able to get our hair cut (unless you have long hair) perhaps I should pop out this week and buy a wig lol!!!!!!!!!! I jest a bit but it will be very hard for a lot of older people to be so isolated, I am high risk as I have COPD, AF and heart failure so will be doing my best to avoid contacting it - we will see what happens.
Cassie
According to an NHS website, people self isolating are not allowed to go for walks. I walk about 5 miles a day in my village and will definitely not stop that. We would all become very unfit and how will they police it? Seems like nonsense to me... I shall just walk alone and not stop for a chat with the neighbours, as I usually do.
...and what will happen to the divorce rate if we are not allowed to leave our homes or homicide if it comes to that 🤤😠.....
Absolutely. I hope you have a big garden in which to escape!
No , not really big but one thing is for sure....it will never be so well attended!
• in reply toHennerton
We’re in a flat, asked granddaughter to send gin!
Hi Hennerton the proposals are being discussed BBC radio now. It is not the same as 'self isolation' which is for infected people, what seems is being suggested is reducing contact with people to the essental.
Yes you will still be able to walk your dog as will I which I do 3 times a day in the fields.
Common sense dictates if we meet anyone to keep a safe distance of a couple of meters, avoid touching gates etc and to wash our hands when we get home .
Thank you! I feel much better already. I cannot bear to miss my country walks. I do not actually have a dog. I just walk myself and enjoy nature and a peaceful environment. Keep well!
On the news this opening it said over 70’s would not be allowed further than the perimeter of their property
Hi Tapanc don't know where you live or which news you listen to . I listen to radio 4 and heard no such thing .
I understand the details for the protection of the vunerable have not yet been finalised and I appreciate that could well be the ruling in towns, I live in the middle of the fields and I don't think anyone will monitoring every field.
It was also said on the radio news by a Health Official the other day that that getting out into the fresh air when possible for those in isolated circumstances is imortant for physical and mental well being.
There is a lot of rubbish being talked in some areas and false information and a little logic and common sense would go a long way.
Remember we the vulnerable are not 'infecting' anyone we are protecting ourselves and that inclues being resposible for our own well being,
How on earth would that be policed? The mind boggles. 😀
Hi Fin I will have to keep an eye on sheep in case they are watching me and report back to the field police..
I heard within a 2 metre distance of the perimeter!
That sounds like fake news to me.
I'm a Yank and not in the UK often enough to know the source well. How credible is ITV? Are they a fiction house like my country's Fox News Network?
If something like this was suggested by the US government we would all believe that this was being done strictly to limit legal liability and there would be demonstrations against it in the streets in many cities.
• in reply toHiloHairy
In my view most media organisations in Britain are not interested in presenting objective facts,just promoting their own filth. And Peston is nothing but a has been drama lout! I am over 70, still drive a bus, have no history of respiratory disorders, have always passed by DVLA medical each year, so be very careful - anyone - very careful if you challenge my health status. Have a good legal team ready to go.
I know, I'll get my passengers to wait at their bus stop for me, and I'll drive my bus from home, on full pay.
😂😂😂
John
dmack4646• in reply to
You have clearly never seen Fox News if you think Peston is a drama lout
You are living in an altered reality ... l suppose that you sit around all day watching CNN, believing their abhorrent lies and drinking cheap beer. Enjoy voting for that stumbling idiot Biden and keep your television viewing habits to your ignorant diluted self. Adieu.
Am I the only one who thinks this is a good idea? Not in the dramatic way it’s being put over by the media, but at least as an advisory measure?
It’s hard to get our heads round how seriously vicious this virus is, but reading some accounts from people living in Italy leaves me in no doubt that something drastic has to be done now.
There are going to be a lot of over 70s who are still fighting fit, with no comorbidities, who could maybe be exempt ...
I’m 67 (with more than one of the associated risks) but my husband is well into his 80s, so of course I’d have to self-isolate too to make it work for him.
One thing’s for sure, I’d rather spend four months in my home and garden than spend four months in intensive care.
I'm with you Hilly. Something has to be done to stop we oldies from catching this rampant virus!
Hi Hilly and Jean, I am with you and have become resigned to the fact that drastic measures are looming and I realise it is for my own good
At 71 with asthma/copd and active P-AF I am aware that I am at high risk of severe complications if I catch the virus I would no doubt be a huge drain on resources . I have already restricted my contact with people to the essental.
What should concentrate minds is this part of the article ....
''What keeps ministers and officials awake at night is the fear that if the epidemic becomes too great they would have to make appalling decisions, such as that the NHS would stop treating people over a certain age, such as 65.''
When I start feeling sorry for myself I will stop and think about the medical staff dealing with this sitation , I do not envy their job.
Exactly 😢. It’s happening in Italy. This is a quote from a British woman living in Bergamo ...
“On Monday a doctor wrote in the paper that they have begun to have to decide who lives and who dies when the patients show up in the emergency room, like how it’s done in war. This will only get worse”
That was 6 days ago!
I wrote to all my close family the other day to let them know that we’ve made the difficult but medically informed decision to isolate ourselves, which would’ve meant not seeing my daughter and family who were due over from NZ ... though since then her flight’s been cancelled anyway! I think some were a bit surprised, but not anymore.
Stay well doodle and keep doing what you’re already doing. We’re doing the right thing, I’m sure of it.
Hilly I have a friend with family living in Northern Italy and after having a conversation with her I won't be doing a lot of complaining at being asked to stay at home being aware of the alternative (((shudders)))
And we are approximately 2 weeks behind Italy...I don't take any notice of what government says, as far as I'm concerned my life's worth it so self isolating is my way of trying to protect it. The garden beckons. Oh, 5 yrs ago just before Christmas my daughter passed a flu virus to me (she's always on a plane - usually) and this time picked it up in the east. From 22 Dec - 11 Jan I lay on my couch. It went straight on my lungs - first chest 'infection' I'd ever had. I knew very little and felt so awful that I wouldn't have cared if I had died.
Hi Whatamug. I know what you mean, and people who’ve never had flu don’t understand how ill it can make you. Only time I’ve had it was 9 years ago, soon after a long haul flight and I’ve never been so ill. I couldn’t do anything but stay in bed, and coughed so much my voice has never quite recovered. Stay well.
I've just realised how much I don't want to die yet - I want to see my grandchildren grow up and besides that I haven't written my life history for my descendants yet and I am mortified - oops, embarrassed - by all my patchwork UFO s and the state of my attic. Also I'd like a church funeral! Too long hair and my cataract consultation being cancelled seem a small price to pay.
Same here Buffafly. My daughter, the one who lives near us, is 6 weeks pregnant with her second. I really want to meet that baby and see the others grow up. And just like you my belongings need sorting out 😂
And in spite of our risks we’re pretty active and enjoy life. I’m looking forward to spending our isolation time in the garden and making bread and reading books .. so much to do! Oh, and to forget about wearing mascara and using GHDs! Going to be busy on FaceTime though! 😊
Stay well you.
I agree with you Hilly. It’s common sense and the other measures may sound alien to modern day people - army guarding supermarkets, fuel outlets and hospitals for example - but mob rule can happen as I well remember where I live.
The devil is in the detail which is massive and in the organised implementation of it though.
It is a very good idea! Basically it comes down to whether you want to avoid it if possible and I think most of us with health issues would prefer to pass on it.
I'm with you Hilly. Absolutely!
In Italy the age is 75 and isolation is for 2 weeks, I can't believe anyone who is fairly fit could stay inside for 4 months. We at the moment have been told to stay at home, when out keep 1 metre apart and only 1 person per household is allowed in the supermarkets. Tobacconist (smoking is essential?) & Chemists are open. Looking round my area I think people are "borrowing" dogs as we are allowed to take dogs out We are actually allowed to go for walks at least where Ilive.
Whereabouts in Italy do you live Paolina?
We're in Padova (city). I'm 73 and my hysband is 80.
I love Italy but not visited that part.
It seems that different countries are making different rules. I like the idea of borrowing dogs 🐶
Stay safe.
I can't help but wonder if I'm dreaming that I'm in a sci fi film!!!
Same here Jean! Never thought we would witness this scenario but think what our parents lived through.
True, for them the war years certainly were a nightmare! This time it's a silent killer that we can't see or hear!
I believe I will take my chances with everyone else Pack Mom off for a permanent holiday ? I don't think so. Pam
The ironic part is that many who are 70+ are volunteers. I am a trustee of a charity that has been asked if we would like funding to help those isolated at home; all but two are 70+. In our group of 16 houses, 14 have people of 70 or over, and/or with heath issues, and that includes me..
Sounds as if you are a very valuable member of society, a bit like my parents, who in their 80s started a lunch club cooking meals for the over 70s in their village 😊
I’d say those with health issues should assess their risks and act accordingly, not only to protect themselves, but to do what’s best for the NHS, and therefore everyone in the country.
A lot of volunteers' service includes giving lifts to hospital appointments. The close proximity in a car would be worrying.
So more pressure on Hospital Transport.
The retired doctors they say they might call in are likely to be a bit long in the tooth too. I wonder how they feel about it.
John I am sure you will be able to make a valuable contribution to the situation . At least it will keep you busy and out of mischief
I'm 73, I've had a stroke, serious lung issues (recovered), I have possible prostate cancer, a forthcoming colonoscopy and, atrial flutter. Additionally, DVLA have rescinded my driving licence. I think if there's enforced isolation, helping others isn't going to happen. At least litter picking yesterday I could keep 2 metres away from everyone else.
These fledgling policies seem to be thought up by London-centric people in their 40s and 50s. I rather suspect that some of us "elderly and vulnerable" will show our anarchic side.
I had been having thoughts about this situation. There are many vulnerable people out there who rely on volunteers who are generally over 65. How are they going to cope. People are being asked to show consideration to these vulnerable people but if it's the same people who have been stock piling food, toilet rolls etc. I don't hold out much hope. I have PAF and my husband has brochyectatis but I would still like to be sensible and choose whether I totally isolate or not. I would still shop for vulnerable people and leave it outside the door if necessary. Fingers crossed for everyone.
Unenforceable, impractical nonsense.
So, if we roll up and A&E, then what, refuse you treatment unless you can prove your age😡
I’m lucky, he has his study and I have mine😍
Saw a video clip of how the Italians are coping. All on high flats, on their balconies singing and playing music 😂😂😂 but all could catch the virus😳
Surely the isolation would have to be applied to all vulnerable groups, there are many people under 70 who are asthmatic. have COPD, are HIV positive. have lowered immune systems due to cancer treatment, have certain genetic conditions, have heart disease etc. etc.Looking at it from that point of view it just appears ageist. Surely sensible precautions are all that are required most over 70s do not attend crowded nightclubs and pop music festivals, so it really is an odd proposal.
So how do we get for INR and diabetes check and our prescriptions????
I've pre-empted them and self isolated already....Or at least my daughters have grounded me!....I've just had my 71st birthday!...I'm not ill and i don't want to become ill....I have COPD and AF as i know others have....We're at risk and that's enough for me.....I'll go out in the dark of night every now and then and drive my car to keep the battery healthy!
Thanks for that.
your link worked fine for me using Chrome
Worked for me too.
I think they are trying to keep us safe and I for one approve. We are so much more at risk with our various health issues. I've ordered emulsion and paint to keep hubby busy for the duration!!
Well said Patsy10. Mine is in the garden and pretty happy....so far!
😂 😂 😂 You old devil you - oops sorry, I’m being ageist! Thanks for making me laugh though ...
It is obvious that you and I have different political views!
However, over the years the amount of money that has been spent on my hubby has been an investment by the NHS and we would not wish to abuse it.
I’m biting my tongue 😉
Does that mean we don't get to see our families for four months
Unfortunately that’s right and on the news this morning it actually said it could be 4-6 months. My son is newly separated (the wife no longer wanted to be a mum or wife) with a 20 month daughter and I’m sad that she probably wouldn’t remember us after 6 months at her age and my son alone coping.
I find it all very worrying, whilst trying not to panic! My OH has AF, high blood pressure, he had bronchial pneumonia last summer, and also has ITL as a result of AF drug, so he is on a low dose of prednisone. I have RA, fibro, and UA thryroid. We both work 3 days a week. He is 65, I’m 59. We’ve just decided, with our daughters, to stay away from them and our grandchildren for the foreseeable. We’re still deciding about the question of work; and whether to isolate ourselves sooner rather than later!
Yes, this really is surreal.
However, I had already started self-isolating to a degree not travelling by public transport, shopping late at night when the shops are deserted, not getting anywhere near other people. But I did that because I have had pneumonia four times in the last three years and don't know why I am so susceptible. In all other areas barring AF I am in good health.
But last night, we discussed (for us) the unthinkable. The family had a get together last night and came up with a plan, and that was to still see each other but at a park, keeping well away from each other with no bodily contact. Both my sons-in-law and my daughter have been told to work from home, my other daughter is a full-time mum. The biggest possible source of infection would be my four grandsons, one at school and two at nursery. The other is a babe-in-arms.
But to be confined to the house would make this impossible, never mind having a dog who would go absolutely stir-crazy after being used to 5 mile walks every day.
I think Robert Peston is being alarmist in his assertion that the NHS may decide not to treat over 65s; by definition this means if all members of parliament developed coronavirus almost a quarter would be denied medical treatment!
Hi Irene it's surprising reading the posts here how many of us are already distancing ourselves from people when possible .
Esther Rantzen and Joan Bakewell two familiar members of the older generation are apparently doing the same.
I think some underestimate our stoicism when they say we will get tired of isolation, it will get tedious but I think many of us can live with that.
I have 5 young grandchildren (including 2 sets of twins) the youngest twins are 2 and my family have decided if it is at all possible we will meet up for walks in the nature reserve observing a safe distance at all times.
And there is always Skype which will be very welcome to some.
We have twins all through our family too!
I agree about the isolation, apart from family it doesn't worry me in the least. I always have a long list of things to do in any case, and being indoors most of the day just means I will get them done. We don't use Skype but do use Whatsapp Facetime which is how we kept in touch with my daughter and her family when they went on a three-month sabbatical to the USA in 2018.
One thing we did do, however. My husband has just returned home after biking in Morocco and Spain. A week later and he would have had to stay put in Morocco as friends of our have had to do. Whilst he was away the television broke down, I was relatively unconcerned as I watch very little anyway, but to be going through this crisis without watching the news was too much and he went out and bought a new television yesterday. I was glad of that!
Good timing for your husband Irene it would be awful to get stuck away from home at such a time...
When this is all over my house will be cleaner than it has ever been
Now there's a thought. I wonder if they would be given preference!!
I share a small flat with my 88 year old Mum. I'm an Amputee Diabetic with Heart & Respiratory issues.
We can't stockpile food etc, and don't have relatives who can shop for us, so we are forced to shop several times a week!
Furthermore, I have to attend a lot of medical appointments and use ambulance transport, so I risk bringing the virus home anyway!
Mum suffers a bit with her memory etc, after a few days without going out she struggles to remember things like what day it is or when her favourite TV programme is on! Can you imagine what 4 months would do?
I'm sorry but I can't see the idea working!
I’m ahead of you all.........France...lock down since last night,...,,only advised to go fir essential pharmacy or food shop all else closed......advised for everyone to stay home....
.
Day one: sat on terrasse in sun looking at snowy mountains....so not bad.......
I’m nit sure how I will feel with endless rain! But looks at least like this week it’s going to be sunny. I guess you have to accept isolating, but the long term would be a test of all our inner strengths............when I had my ablation and hubby tore his achillies we were stuck all January indoors......😫😫😫😫....so let’s hope the sun shines and we can be outside!!!
The numbers you see for cases aren’t exactly right as it’s only the ones that end up getting checked at hospital........my chum here in the village is ill, she’s at home and she rang the emergency number,, isn’t goung to be tested, advised paracetamol , advised ring ambulance if breathing difficulties.....so there are many that aren’t included in the numbers......
This virus started slow, then the last week it’s like an uncontrollable bushfire.....it gathers speed.............button down hatches and take care,
Sue
Here in Italy the lockdown is the same (only they are testing more which explains why we seem to have more than anywhere else), only after a few days I am already really bored even though there is plenty to do in and out, in fact I said to my husband it would be better if it rained and then we wouldn't think we were missing anything not being able to go out further than our local supermarket. It's the same here re the numbers and also some of the dead have actually died from other causes (one today had terminal cancer). Also just been told that our 8 year old grandson is driving the family mad as there's no way for him to work off his abundant energy (not even running round the Condominium garden 50 times (today). I've also been told that Germany is not as worried as we are because they have plenty of ICU beds and are prepared.
No Way
Here in the USA,,,all is still at odds,,,it depends what state you live in,,,I am in Pennsylvania with schools closed for 2 weeks to start,,,many colleges closed,,,,we are asked to stay socially isolated with only trips to the food or drug stores,,,some are agreeing and some are not,,,,,food stores are being wiped out as people are hoarding huge supplies of cleaning products and toilet paper as well as certain foods,,,,finding the truth as to what is happening here is a matter of reading and listening to many sources to get the real story,,,unfortunately,,,my hubby is immune compromised and we both are 70+,,,,we are being cautious and washing hands ,,,,hoping for the best for all of us,,,wishing I lived in another country where I could trust the truth more! In all my years,,I have never felt like this before,, God bless
I think we are all responsible for limiting out unnecessary contact with others. However I am concerned about the effect this could have on the mental health of elderly people forced to self isolate.
Obviously anyone with symptoms that may be coronavirus must self isolate as of course I would if I had to.
I am 68 and have well controlled asthma. I was diagnosed with a fib last month and have been referred to a cardiologist. I am also on the waiting list to have my gall bladder removed.
Even though I am under 70, I will be considered as vulnerable because of the asthma and also not yet knowing the cause of my a fib.
I haven't yet fully adjusted to living alone after losing my husband two months ago and I dread the thought of having to stay in and see no one for weeks or months. I have just got back to going out and resuming the activities and the voluntary work I did before his illness. All of which have helped me cope. Seeing my grandchildren each Sunday is the highlight of my week
As a keen crafter I have plenty to do at home but to have no contact with friends and relatives except maybe by Skype is worrying, even though I totally understand that it would be the best thing to do for myself.
I hope for all of us that it doesn't go on for too long and we all come out the other side stronger and wiser.
• in reply toLilsM
We will be here for you to talk to. x
LilsM• in reply to
Thank you. I hope we can all support each other.
Do you have a garden to sit in? If the weather is good you could perhaps see your grandchildren outside and keep the required distance.
We were due to be going out with our grandsons next weekend to celebrate a birthday, alas we will be staying at home as it is a four hour drive each way plus the added risk .
Stay well. and as Hylda wrote there are always folk on here who will lend the support you need.
Quarantine the filthy pigs who never keep themselves clean; they are the real cause of this crisis.
Very thoughtful thank you- in all my life ( like the aged majority lol ) I have never had time to myself to do " nothing " from being a family taxi driver, family odd job man, decorator, family mechanic, babysitter, always on call , how the !();! will my family cope 😂
Notice, how I've let that comment pass. Far too noble to rise to the bait! This time!!!
...but they have no toilet paper.
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