Hi all, I am new to the forum, this is my first post although I have been reading posts for awhile and found them very interesting and informative, also people seem to be very supportive of each other.
Brief history, Im in my forties, been asthmatic since I was a infant. Had many ups and downs over the years, gone through periods where it’s been well controlled and periods where it’s been a nightmare. Last couple of years have been quite uncontrolled, quite a few attacks and couple of hospital admissions, on and off pred continuously, (currently on again) inhalers are flutiform 250 x 4 puffs a day, ventolin - currently using 2-3 times a day.
I did receive a shielding letter (2 actually, one from gov and one from gp) Gp was considering before all this whether to refer me to hospital specialist to look at additional therapies (which I have been resisting). From what they’ve said, I think I had the letter mainly because of hospital admission and continuous courses of steroid tablets - basically it’s not under great control.
I got my letters end of March so it takes me up to middle of June. I work in healthcare in a patient facing role where social distancing is not possible. Many of the staff in my department were redeployed to Covid areas, obviously this wasn’t possible for me so I’ve been shielding at home since.
Now it’s coming near the end, I find myself feeling extremely anxious (which I don’t think is helping my symptoms). I’ve had no contact from my management whilst off (despite me contacting them to find out what’s happening) so Im very worried what I might be going back to. Naturally I know I can’t be protected for ever, and nor would I want that but I’m dreading returning to the point Im lying awake at night fretting.
Just wondered if anyone else is feeling this way?
Thanks for reading
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EvieJo
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Hi EvieJo, I know you said your letter finishes soon but if you look at the government updated guidance (gov.uk/government/publicati... all of us who have had shielding letters should now be shielding till 30th June.
That's the same however many letters you got and whenever the date is. I think it will most likely get extended too. I hope that helps with that source of anxiety even if not all of it.
I also work for the NHS, patient-facing, and I've been able to do some of my work with telephone calls or working on projects for the rest of the department - it's not my normal work but it's something. Are there any on-hold projects you know about in your own dept or a neighbouring one you could suggest? Or any CPD (covid or non-covid) courses you could do so you feel more involved?
It’s perfectly natural that you are feeling anxious about returning to work, but for now I’d try and put it out of your mind. This current shielding takes us up until the end of June and it is possible that it will be extended, for some groups at least. Also, it is possible that the rate of infection might be much lower by the time you have to go back.
Hi EvieJo, I completely understand how anxious you feel.
I am a Reception Teacher whose shielding period is due to end at the end of June. I am terrified that it won’t be extended 😔
I would hope our government would be sensible when they review the shielding guidance at the end of June (but unfortunately the government have left me very disappointed on a few occasions during this pandemic) and allow GPS to make a judgement on individuals circumstances (including their job role) before advising shielding/social distancing advice. I don’t think it’s fair to clump people together like this when we are all do different.
I totally get the feeling anxious. I’ve been having nightmares and panic attacks. Some days I feel more in control and have found things that help are lots of yoga (the deep breathing really helps my asthma especially as I can get out to do my usual exercise) eating healthily and talking lots to friends and family.
Hi EvieJo. I understand your anxiety about returning to the workplace after shielding. As others have said, the current period takes us up to the end of June. In early May, Matt Hancock said that there's a high probability that the shielding period will have to be extended even though lock down restrictions are relaxed for others. It's their priority to ensure that the most vulnerable be protected throughout the pandemic.
However, when and how the government will advise us of the extension is anyone's guess.
Thanks for the comments, I don’t feel so alone now I know there are other people feeling this way too. Becky, I am the same, some days I feel ok about it and think it will be ok - then an hour later I can feel the anxiety creeping in again. I’m worried about a number of things, I have to travel on public transport which concerns me. My normal role involves close contact and will probably be required to wear masks more than before - only had to wear them on occasion depending on what I was doing. Personally, I find them horrendous! I feel like I am suffocating with them on and don’t think I could keep one on for any length of time. I suppose all I can do when the time comes is ask occupational health to do a review/assessment to see what I can/can’t do.
I know I have to go back at some point and I’m lucky to have a job etc, but it’s all so unsettling 😔
Hi Evie jo. I’m in the same position as you. I work face to face contact in nhs as well. I’m also a bit worried as to how this is all going to work out. I work in a community mental health project and sometimes up to 100 people a day can come into the building. People are always in groups for therapies. I have no idea where I will fit in when we go back. I am going to contact unison to see what provision will be made for workers who are shielding . I was originally told we may not be able to return until there is a vaccine. Just now I am ringing people who use our service from my home. I am thinking when everyone returns it won’t include me so I don’t know what will happen. As then I won’t be required to make any calls. I can’t seem to get an answer off anyone at the moment. It is a worrying time for us all.
Hi Denae, I am with unison also, hadn’t thought about contacting them, please post if you get anywhere or get any response from anyone. It is worrying, wondering how we will ‘fit in’ with things.
Hi, yes the same...well I work ad a carer in a nursing home, but I feel bad h same! I don’t feel prepared to go back to work at all yet! I feel quite safe to n this little bubble! However I know I can’t stay shielded forever!
Are any others of you feeling like non-shielding people’s view of shielding has changed a bit since the others are allowed more freedom? For example my sister,who’s actually been working in Covid ICU as a nurse , I think is starting to get fed up of m being shielded. She keeps suggesting me going for a walk here, there&everywhere& saying that I’m allowed to meet up with people if I’m socially distanced etc. I’m finding it a bit stressful trying to keep telling her nothing rule wise has changed for us shielded ones! I know some people have gone for quiet walks etc but I’m feeling like she’s pressuring me when I know what my letter says etc!
Sorry for rant! Just wondered if similar is happening to others since change in lockdown rules?
Hi, yes I get what you mean. My sister has said things, nothing blatant but just little comments because she has still been working (in retail) and I haven’t. I’m also worried that other people at work will have the same opinion and will think I’ve had a nice holiday etc. I’m worried I will be treated differently on my return.
Don’t get me wrong, I get it in a way, I understand why some might think like that, for one thing they don’t understand our condition or really why we have been put in this position. It’s a bit like, I’m out there working and putting myself at risk, what’s so special about you?
I have gone out for walks, either early morning or late in the evening (It’s pretty quiet where I live) and I’ve felt ok about this because I haven’t come into contact with anyone & I’m not touching anything so I really can’t see the issue. Having a quiet walk on your own is very different to suddenly being in the thick of things again. I too feel like I am in a bubble/cocoon that is protective and makes me feel safe. I’m not really sure if it has done more harm than good psychologically?
Thank you for replying! Yes that’s just how I feel too! Just in the past few days I’ve been feeling like it! I’ve been absolutely fine, enjoying the time off to be honest, but my sister and my dad are starting to want to do stuff...which of course I understand, but it’s just making me feel angst!
Like to say psychologically I don’t know if it’s helpful or not!
But hey!!!! At least we’ve been safe!
I'm not in the shielding group, but still clinically vulnerable because of my Asthma but I've been shielding anyway, I work in a nursery but I was furloughed at the end of March when they closed the schools (my boss furlougued staff with children and other staff in the clinically vulnerable group, but expected me to continue working, we then ended up closing anyway due to not enough children to keep opening viable) we are now due to open next week, and again my boss is expecting me back, and not only that but full time, even though I've explained I'm worried, as my hay fever has upset my asthma so I'm not stable.. it's all very scary, and I can't even begin to imagine how much scarier it is having had the shielding letter! Hope you stay safe X
You’re definitely not alone in this. I’m terrified of the idea of going back to school. I’d be in close and prolonged proximity to over 300 children. I’m starting to think I might have to leave. Even with PPE that only protects the children from the staff, not the other way around. Panic attacks and constant anxiety and thought of it all. I feel for you and everyone else in this situation. It’s so scary and I really don’t think people who aren’t vulnerable understand or sympathise. Stay safe x
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