Telephone consultation

[Grandmatojack]

Had a telephone consultation with my lung doctor at Wythenshawe yesterday. It all went very well he listened and came up with solutions. We finally hit on shielding. I told him I hadn’t been out since January and what did he think about going out. His advise was if I needed to go out to go out when it is quiet and not to mix with people. In his words this virus is on the increase.

I’m still very undecided on what to do. I don’t want to live or exist really as I am at the moment but don’t want to walk myself into anything. What a dilemma.

[sassy59]

It’s just as your Doctor advises, only go out if you need to and at quiet times if possible. Not mixing with people is best. See how you feel.

Wishing you well. Xxxxx

[Grandmatojack in reply to sassy59]

Thank you for the reply. It’s people that I’m missing though and shopping for proper things instead of pictures on a tablet. I feel if I don’t go out soon I’m going to stuck till next year as the bad weather will be here.

[sassy59 in reply to Grandmatojack]

Is there anyone who can go out with you at first? I know what you mean but just be safe. Xxxx

[Patk1 in reply to Grandmatojack]

Wear a mask,have some antibac gel in bag.supermarkets have antibacterial spray inside for trolley.enjoy! X

[Spacecat1]

If you get to shops about 8.30am it's usually very quiet. Evenings about 6pm

They are the times we go out.

[Ergendl]

This is not going to be for ever. Just keep taking things one day at a time. And keep close to the lovely people on here, to help you keep your spirits up.

[watergazer]

It's a trying time however I would consider going out for a small walk or talk to a neighbour at a safe distance as it will be helpful to your wellbeing. You don't need to mix with the crowds and as others have said its quieter early morning and 6pm onwards. Take care and do what you feel comfortable with xx Anita

[helenlw7]

I had a really good telephone consultation with my lung consultant. He really listened to my issues and told me to continue to shield if I felt safer doing so. He also increased my steroids. I’m already very immunosuppressed and he didn’t feel I would be compromised much more with the increased dose, and the better quality of life it would give me would outweigh the risk. For me it’s a definitely a plus - my breathing is much better, and my joints less painful - I have RA - so win win.

[Patk1 in reply to helenlw7]

Hiya.can i ask wjat dose of sterroid yr on pls and is it longterm as im weighing pros n cons too of longterm steroids x

[helenlw7 in reply to Patk1]

I’m now on 20mg a day up from 7.5. I am steroid dependent because I’ve been on them for about 15 years. I wasn’t warned about this when I started on them, but I would probably have gone the same way. My problems started with Rheumatoid Arthritis and steroids were the only things that enabled me to keep working. I started with lung problems in 2012, uncontrolled asthma and bronchiectstasis, and I really needed the steroids to help me breathe. The side effects I’ve had are many, but the only ones I hate is that I’ve put on weight and find it hard to lose, and I have the moon shaped steroid face! I hope this helps.

[Patk1 in reply to helenlw7]

Thanku.ive severe asthma & bronchiectassis,among other diseases,too.i feel id benefit from low dose continuous steroids,as it never settles down.im going to discuss at nxt appointment. X

[helenlw7 in reply to Patk1]

I do hope you get steroids prescribed were a definite life saver but some drs are reluctant to prescribe

[Patk1 in reply to helenlw7]

I do take 30-40mg when acutely ill & ths last time for over 3mths-4mths but, yes drs keen to get off them when lungs improve enough. I hope they give u scans reegularly to check for osteoporosis

[helenlw7 in reply to Patk1]

They do but I also take adcal and another calcium tablet.

[Jaybird19]

I cannot give you any advic e but in same position that there are things i want and cannot get. I understand exactly how you feel. It isnt the going out . It is meeting people face to face when the virus is still lurking . It will be worse when children go back to school. Also need little things like birthday cards . Found sainsburys do have some on line, but oh dear ! I dont have a garden as such but have pots at front door and on balcony which need repotting and need compost for this and cuttings to keep special plants going on for next year. Can't get that delivered. Have to beg chemist to deliver scrip So many things i would like to do. You have to use your own judgement as to how you feel.

Frustrating isnt it?

[madonbrew]

Hi Grandmatojack,

I’m glad you managed to have a conversation with your consultant!

I have been going out and about a little bit more recently after shielding. I’m gradually getting more confident in some situations. I think the worse thing is that the more we don’t go out, the more our anxieties take hold.

My first little outing was a while back now, but I went for a little walk in the forest with my Mum&there was no one there. It was actually really nice! The shops are a bit more daunting. We have a coop near us...a little local one that’s bigger than your corner shop but not super market size.I found that was a good half way mark.

Maybe just try tiny steps that would help you to feel a little confident again...I’ve seen some good advice of like...walking to the end of your drive, then maybe a bit further down your road etc. Or going somewhere very remote!

You are amazing & do what feels ok for you!

🤗🤗🤗

Dee x

[Mooka]

I have been out for a walk most days since before lockdown started. I go places where I know there won’t be a lot of people and on the whole most move out of the way anyway if they don’t I do! People are also happy to have a socially distanced chat. I now go for walks with friends and family. One of my consultants said we have to learn to live alongside it as it’s going to be here for a while longer. Just do what you are comfortable with but do try to get out a little at quiet times for your mental health. 🤗

[ProudYorky]

I just could not cope being shielded I was climbing the walls after 3 days I have Intersitual lung disease but mentally needed to get out .So my wife and I took our dogs out twice a day for 20 mins kept well away from people .it's kept me sane I weighed up the risks and I felt I would go into depression. Now I walk with dogs and chat with people at a safe distance and It definitely makes me feel better.

Last week I decided to go for a food shop first since 19th March I had the gel wipes gloves & mask, gloves I didn't bother with I cleaned my trolly and off round I went It was very quiet in our Aldi's and everyone including staff had masks on I took my time but I could feel myself sweating I had a list my wife had written for me I unfortunately didn't get everything on it don't know if that's covid to blame or just a bloke thing lol I got to the till and put all my groceries on the belt didn't feel rushed or paniky at all .Once paid and outside I felt a rush of relief to get out but proud I had done it . It was so nice to do something normal the only down side is wearing the mask as my glasses kept steaming up from time to time .My advice is do what's best for you

Take care 💕

[Grandmatojack in reply to ProudYorky]

Yes I think I’m going to start with my son taking me a walk in the wheelchair just to get outside and then take it from there. Thank you for the reply.

[Grandmatojack]

Thanks everyone for the reply’s going to get my son to take me a walk in the wheelchair and take it from there.

[Deno88]

i have a lung condition moderate copd i love been out in the fresh air but since this virus i only go for my shopping an in my garden an i also sit out my front wen its nice an quite