post Covid

[Daisy2408]

I used to be a regular poster with COPD flaring up at least once every winter, partly because I was prepared to accept being ill, even landing up in hospital, in order to continue my normal life of concert going, theatre visits etc. I was not ill during lockdown and was the only member of my family not to succumb to Covid. Having experienced the joy of not being ill, I have gradually reduced social life to practically nothing. Now, I just think I was lucky enough to get away with the life I had for so long and at 83 be grateful for the memories. Thank you to everyone who helped in the past.

[Karenanne61]

I'm sorry you've had to give up your life of theatres and concerts. I don't think I'd cope if I couldn't visit the theatre. Many theatres have a dedicated helpline to assist with disabled patrons. I find they are usually brilliant! And discounted prices for yourself and/or a carer. Stay well.

[Daisy2408 in reply to Karenanne61]

Thank you Karenanne. I have taken advantage of your suggestion for a gallery visit in the past, being wheeled about by my husband in borrowed chair. But not sure how they would keep my lungs separate, especially in theatre. Royal Box perhaps!

[knitter]

my social life has vanished since the arrival of Covid too. All my activities , apart from one , closed down .

I have got used to it now , but I feel for those who would like to go out but are Critically Extremely Vulnerable .

Thank goodness for the internet for shopping , entertainment , social contact etc .

[Daisy2408 in reply to knitter]

Thank you knitter. After needing to cancel visits, sometimes at great expense, I decided enough was enough and learn to live with the joy in my life which is primarily being fortunate to have a very lovely and loving husband plus children and grandchildren living nearby. Practically everyone I know who has children they live far away, often abroad. However, my great joy is cricket watching so I have been recording England v New Zealand in the night and watching it next day only for the bloomin’ sky box to break down and by the time they put things right it will be all over🤦‍♀️grrrr

[Troilus]

Hi Daisy. We have reduced our social life too. We escaped covid until my husband was admitted to hospital. His infection was hardly noticeable - must be due to the two vaccines a year. Unfortunately I had a rough time - the infection lasted three weeks, so I definitely don’t want it again😁

[Daisy2408 in reply to Troilus]

I feel very fortunate Troilus to not have succumbed and seeing those around me feeling so dreadful and taking ages to recover is major part of my thinking for staying away from trouble!

[Alberta56]

i don't know what the answer is. I feel very isolated living a hermitlike existence, but going out and about seems dodgy and requires a lot of organising.

[Daisy2408 in reply to Alberta56]

Ah Alberta 6. The organisation required indeed. I live on the Isle of Wight having worked and lived in London for many years. Now it’s a matter of the travel the staying the fitting in friends and booking tickets. Sometimes, in the dead of night I think all things are possible but then the morning comes…..

[Alberta56 in reply to Daisy2408]

Sounds like me. So many things seem possible in the dead of night.😴😌

[Digger0]

Having had Covid in April 2020 and ending up in hospital for 2 weeks, having had 2 lots of AB's at home first - then diagnosed with bronchiectasis while there. I severely limit my social life. If fact, its only this year that I have even thought of going to talks etc in person, and always have a mask in my pocket for use if people are coughing.

[Daisy2408 in reply to Digger0]

Yes indeed. I only have to hear a cough and it sends me hurtling for the exit. Someone sneezed in a shop the other day and my poor husband was left picking up the pieces, let alone the tab, as I scooted for the door!

[Izb1]

That a shame Daisy to give up on your social life, surely if you take precautions you could at least go to the theatre occasionally. I haven't been out socially for quite a long time but that is due to illness. When I do have to go out I use Nasal Guard cold and flu block, a gel that stops the germs and use a nasal wash when I get home to wash out any germs that maybe in my nose, along with a face mask this really helps to keep me safe. Although this time of year perhaps isn't the time to restart your social life with all the winter germs just starting out I wouldn't give up your social life entirely . Just because we have an illness doesn't mean to say we have to give up on life but it's good that you have plenty of fond memories to look back on and hope you are feeling well x

[Daisy2408 in reply to Izb1]

Well done you for being willing to put your nose into serious defensive mode in order to do what you want to do. I think that is all probably what stopped me doing things in the end. Bad enough to remember all the inhalers etc. etc. Yes, and hearing the hospitals filling up with flu cases. Maybe walk round the block again!

[Nula2]

Hi Daisy, you're not alone I too have become a hermit. I think it's my anxiety that I've had since just before I was diagnosed a few years ago due to a period of my life - nothing to do with my lungs. I'm in my early 70s and don't go anywhere anyway as I can't walk more than a few steps now due to ill health. Don't want anyone visiting so don't see anybody (apart from two good friends who pop in for a quick catch up a couple of times a week). Thank goodness for this lovely site full of kind and helpful friends xxx

[Daisy2408 in reply to Nula2]

So pleased you have pop in chums Nula. Yes. This is a lovely site. I have just spent a long time replying to so many kind people who have replied to my post. Hope you feel more cheerful soon. All the best. Daisy

[Nula2 in reply to Daisy2408]

Bless you Daisy. I hope you do too❤️xxx

[Coughingalltheway]

Such a difficult one Daisy. Like you, I'm fine as long as I don't mix with others outside of the house but I got so down during lockdown that I can't face being stuck in 24/7 again. Good luck with your health xx

[Daisy2408 in reply to Coughingalltheway]

Maybe you should follow Izb1 and put your nose into full defence mode for outings!

[Coughingalltheway in reply to Daisy2408]

I do use First Defence and I now take anti-bacterial wipes with me to use when I can't wash my hands but it's a big fat no to face masks for me I'm afraid. I have a problem breathing through my nose and I did try to wear one but I can't tolerate it. Another reason why lockdown was so bad for me though I did print off an exemption badge and wore it around my neck on a lanyard( and putting up with the glares from other people!) Thank goodness those days are over and fingers crossed, it never happens again.

[Patk1]

I don't get out much but use viral blockers - coldzyme throat spray +vicks rescue nosespray.ive found thm to b very effective.i did go to a show this wk & used dble dose.no one nr me was coughing or sniffy but I periodically put mask on + off,as needed .may be another option 4u x

[Daisy2408 in reply to Patk1]

Congratulations on the courage to venture forth into theatre land. I really want to go to a pantomime. Oh yes I do!

[Gloria_L]

Hello Daisy, it is very positive that your respiratory health has improved.

The ongoing Covid pandemic has been an opportunity to learn about airborne transmission and how to mitigate against it. Everybody has got a different perspective on risk taking. I have acquired a CO2 monitor which gives me an indication on the air quality in the various indoor public locations that I am visiting. Some theatres in London have actually got very good air quality and seem to have very efficient ventilation systems (eg the Royal Opera House or the Southbank centre). Also, I consistently wear well fitted FFP3 masks everywhere, as recommended in this video by Dr Leonardi to the film maker David Lynch to stay as Covid safe as possible when venturing in public spaces :

x.com/fitterhappieraj/statu...

Socialising outdoors or attending concerts or plays & shows outdoors would be much safer. These events could be made even safer if you wore a respirator mask (FFP3). Have you heard of Shakespeare in the Garden ?

fullers.co.uk/event-finder/...

Some online groups created for Clinically Vulnerable people organise online social gatherings and activities. That might be something to explore to have social interaction in a Covid safe way.

Anyway, I wish you health and happiness. Keep well and keep safe 😊

[Daisy2408 in reply to Gloria_L]

Golly Gloria that is a lot of information and advice to take. I shall certainly study carefully. Thank you.