Hi fellow lungies! Just wondering how everybody with lung problems / conditions are feeling about every Covid precaution being lifted on July 19th? I am feeling very nervous. My Copd nurse told me to still be very cautious. I have COPD and Bronchiectasis and that if I caught this Delta variant it could make me very ill.
I see that the cases are going up dramatically and even in my small town we have got many cases. The hospital admissions are going up and so are the deaths. I am not feeling so confident with my 2 vaccinations now. I have been shielding for a long time but lately have just started seeing friends in the garden and I have been out for a couple of birthday meals. Very limited numbers and outside. My confidence is now becoming wobbly again. I really think the Clinically vulnerable will end up shielding again.
What does everybody else think? Am I being a wimp!
Best wishes and keep well
Mona
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Monawhite1
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Will still wear my mask indoors and outdoors if in a really busy area. Luckily don't go in many shops and all groceries I will carry doing on line took me a long time to master ordering on linebut got there in the end. Keep safe
I think it's proceed with caution. The corona virus isn't going to go away so we have to work our way forward each to his/her own. Masks at indoor venues like restaurants until you eat, masks on public transport for those who use it (I won't be for sure). Masks in crowded places. I do think a lot of the population will be sensible however there will always be the selfish or ignorant who won't be. I do feel very sorry for you shielders particularly those who are immunosuppressed it must be a nightmare. Personally I shall continue as I have been & thats very careful indeed, wearing a mask where necessary, disposable gloves too, I'll still wipe my shopping with antiviral wipes and sanitise where visitors may go in my home as well as ventilate well.
Good luck Monawhite1, I do hope you can get out a bit for a change of scenery especially before winter sets in xxx
I know exactly how you feel. The lifting of mask wearing requirements is going to mean that I am forced back into avoiding places.
I won’t be going anywhere as unfortunately I have had antibody tests and my rituximab infusions means that the vaccine hasn’t worked at all so I am back to where I was at the beginning of February with rising cases all around!
Hi Angie I am so sorry to hear that. I do worry about my immune system and how well I would fare if I caught Covid. I saw my grandson once indoors and ended up with his cold. I will be back to semi shielding too. So fed up with it again. Stay safe xx
I will also feel worried but am going to continue wearing a mask in shops and avoiding crowded places. /i think everyone with lung issues needs to proceed with extreme caution.
Hi, there was quite a debate about this on recent post by ledge titled 'what's going on???' if you want to read through the replies. I am very concerned about all restrictions being lifted, in particular the wearing of masks. While these cause problems for people who lip read (perhaps could be exempt) they don't restrict freedom.
You’re not being a wimp Mona. As others say it’s definitely proceed with caution. Pete and l will be doing exactly that, still wearing masks, keeping distant from others, hand washing etc. We won’t go into really busy shops or restaurants either.
Hi Monawhite1,I too have bronchiectasis and copd and it's a worry for all lung conditions and people who are vulnerable, I am in a quandary as I have been invited to a ceremony for my daughter in law to receive a certificate for nursing and although it is on a small number basis its still scary whether I should go, I also have to pick up my grandson from school today and I am not getting close to any one else if possible.
I shan't be going to any raves, football matches crowded shopping centres or public transport, so another year without visiting distant friends and family. I'll still be using mask in a high risk situation + I shall shield as much as I can during winter monthes. So same as really.
Getting out before schools break up may be a good opportunity.
I'm sitting on the fence a little bit - and it's not very comfortable!
We had news about my husband's health in the autumn that came as a shock. He will probably be here to tell the tale for years to come but it made me realise that, at nearly 79 with a severe heart condition, he may not. It has made me want to take every opportunity to do things with him now, in case he deteriorates and we can't then go out together as much.
So we are masking up, sanitising and keeping space between us and as many people as we are able and we are 'seizng the day' ! Carpe diem, and all that.
I'm not sure how we will feel when the restrictions end. I think we will still be trying places and coming away if they don't feel safe.
I am an ex-shielder. My health matters too. But I'm balancing this against our other need to build memories and not waste this time we still have together.
Who knows what the future will bring. I think we just have to risk-assess everthing we do and stick with what feels ok. xx Moy
I feel scared and apprehensive. I find it hard to think positive after such a long time of being in this situation. I’m also angry that the cases have risen and feel sure it’s through complacency and incompetence.
I absolutely agree with your statement Collie. As Churchill said we are an Island we should keep the enemy out. The Indian variant got in because Boris did not shut our borders quick enough. That’s my rantTake care and stay safe x
I also feel worried about all restrictions being lifted on July 19th. Apart from asthma and bronchiecstasis, I have a compromised immune system and don’t know if my body has got any antibodies from the vaccine so I will be continuing to wear my visor and hand sanitizing.
I’ve had to go back to work, CEV, double jabbed and absolutely terrified when the day comes that customers come in my supermarket without a mask. Customers reach across me when I’m stocking up shelves many insist on using money not cards to pay the worst is when the coins and notes come out of bags and pockets and you can see hankies and tissues in amongst it all.
I feel the same as you very worried. My Dr told me to wear my mask even when gov say not needed. Just glad it's the summer break from college and will just have to be careful as I can.
I also have COPD and bronchiactesis . And also considering shielding again. I will make the most of my freedom until July 19 which to be honest has been limited to a favourite cafe on Lake Windermere and seeing a few family and friends. Most of them now do a lateral flow test before seeing me. I know they are not 100 percent, but it is reassuring nonetheless. I am actually going out to a restaurant for dinner tonight which seems very brave. But I know it is well spaced. Really looking forward to it.
We have some nice places to go here too but not on my own being a woman. Anyway with fractures in my back I’ve got a job to do anything. I’m going to go to a bird watching place with a friend when I can get about better.
Are you in a wheelchair? I am but can manage short distances without. I had planned to join the Disabled Ramblers this but somehow with all the restrictions I haven’t done it. Also a flatter part of the country would be better. But we can only do what we can do. I don’t give myself a bad time any more if I don’t keep my resolutions.
I’ve just seen the end of your post. I would love to go rambling but I don’t think I would be safe unless I was in a wheelchair like you. If I was to fall I could break anything. My bones are that weak. I watch Julia Bradbury and I feel really envious of the walks she does.
I think it would have to be a wheelchair or mobility scooter. You couldn’t risk any more breaks. As I say we can only do what we can do. Accepting our limitations is one of the most difficult bits isn’t it?
It is accepting it isn’t it. I’ve really struggled today to do anything. I had a letter from our council offering help but I refused thinking oh yes!! I can do that. Well No! I can’t! I do drive and I find the seat really comfortable more-so than my chair which I pad with a pillow and cushions. I’ve not been able to get comfortable in my chair at all tonight. The trouble is people don’t see you have a problem and it’s been said that you wouldn’t be walking if you had fractures in your back. I can tell them yes you would! I could just see me in a mobility scooter bombing along😁😂🤣 actually I would be the little old lady that is very careful. 😈 it does sound tempting.
The bad days are really bad, aren’t they? Sounds as though you are going through one after a bad night’s sleep. I had a dear friend whose motto was After one day comes another. I found it strangely comforting on bad days. A good day will surely follow.I really feel for you with your fractures. Painful and a constant anxiety. Did your bones become weak through steroids? I am always worried about that. Or is it some other condition?
I think steroids finished them off after I had pneumonia and Aspergillosis. The trouble is I’m on 800 mcg a day of Fostair for my lungs. And that’s steroids. I don’t really know why it should affect me more than most people. I took your advice and got back to the council who offered me help. Someone is ringing me next Thursday. If only I have someone until my back is a bit better. It will stop me struggling.
I do feel better today. Mind you I’ve got my Grandson to keep me occupied. He’s very good when he’s with me.
If you are a wimp, so am I - Boris's freedom day is my day of imprisonment - although double jabbed, I believe I would become very ill if I contracted Covid, as I would do with any other milder respiratory illness. His stupidity is beyond me, after all the months of lock down and financial stress a lot of people have suffered.
I will be continuing to shield for the large part. I am already in a high risk position.
My partner works as a senior carer in a nursing home, with restrictions on the number of visitors being lifted I think it will only be a matter of time before the virus gets in. Whilst a lot of the residents will be vaccinated,, there are also a lot that are immunocompromised for various reasons, because of conditions or medication, all living together in the one place.
At the moment all visitors are required to take a Lateral Flow Test before entering and I do hope that policy is going to remain in place. A big hole in that policy will be with young children who at the moment are not tested in the outside community.
We both had the virus in April last year probably as a result of Sharon's work, we were in lockdown at the time and did not go out, other than Sharon for work. The nursing home was rife with the virus at that time. Hopefully with natural immunity and both doses of vaccine we will have a high immunity. A good thing I do not suffer with anxiety as Sharon's work is so important, there is a big shortage of carers.
Hiona no you aren't being a whomp I think you are right . I will continue to wear mine we can't be too careful I think we need to be vigilant as I personally think it is to early to lift every restrict I on. You have a good day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx
Been in 2 yrs Sept, as was in Sept Flu season 2019 with still the ability to have a coffee!! outside of course...done the distance with this and will still be sensible, its probably worth it as there is no regard for the old and vulnerable in this his worst move this far..think the only way the public are able to protest by the carnage that will ensue is to not do to much and not ring the till bells, hopefully enough to push the bastard out..we can only hope. On a personal level I have had a deferred double lung transplant not 1 time but 2 times last yr needed assessment and the health care outside of covid completely smashed..so we are indeed on our own..keep doing what you do, take not a chance and box very clever..good luck. I am blessed to live in nature with daily doggie walks right place was a good ace card in this..and very thankful...otherwise I would be in a loon bin now.
Opps never got out of shielding..due to the 12 week dose schedule, but I do use my brain and walk our lovely beaches whilst avoiding peeps..simple. Regarding face masks many stage 4 cannot use even with oxygen as unable to breathe!!! so if you can use...if not avoid and distance ..I have not been in or near a shop either all shopping online click collect and shopping online..its best. ..for me at this very dire stage and I have experience of dealing in germs at high end level for 14 yrs with lung disese so we should all know exactly what to do..here..its the public that need goverment warnings and guidance.
No , just sensible .Me too and was not planning to go anywhere but...... frame of glasses broke , despite being titanium ( the one bit welded across bridge ) so had to get new ones. Needed a visit to opticians.Luckily had got car revived after 18 months just sitting parked so drove into town and managed to over stay carpark, got a fine! Expensive morning. Found wearing mask was very difficult to breathe when had to climb hill back to car park but that was outside so removed it. Quite a few people wearing masks outside the but not younger ones.
You do what you are happiest with and avoid others . I am surprised at what you can order on -line.
Me too I am so scared, I fully vaccinated, but my husband is getting annoyed at me wanting to stay home where I feel safe, he's been very good but thinks its time to resume normal life. I have Bronchiectasis & Bronchomalacia, its tough enough staying well, I always wear a mask outside home, Stay well.
I just can't wear a mask. I have pulmonary fibrosis and find it difficult to breathe even without a mask. I have had two jabs and am just trusting them to protect me. Everyone who is in contact with me on a regular basis wears a mask and I keep away from people as much as I can. I am also on immune suppressant drugs so realise I am very vulnerable. However, I feel I need to live as normally as possible or depression will set in. We all need to do what we feel is best for us personally.
I do not live in England but I have keen interest in keeping up with the news as I have a mum and two sisters living in Kent, Yorkshire and Dorset. I read a great deal of Covid news coverage to gauge the situation as both my sisters are vulnerable due to lung conditions and other chronic illnesses. I have been very concerned to read comments on news articles, and the number of very aggressive comments written by people who are absolutely adamant that masks don't provide any protection and are convinced the vaccine is some kind of conspiracy. So I feel fearful for my siblings. My mum lives in a quiet seaside town and everyone more or less wears a mask and is still social distancing, luckily. 😔
In Japan everyone wears a mask still, but because the city areas accommodate so many people in small spaces social distancing is not so simple. An example of just one train company's ridership a day is 16,359,962. I am lucky I do not have to commute. The only thing I can do I feel is to look after myself by maintaining precautions. I only go shopping during the non rush hours and I have avoided meeting up with friends for the time being as they are not fully vaccinated yet . Your confidence is bound to be wobbly and for good reason. I would definitely keep taking the necessary measures to keep yourself safe, because from what I can see from over here, a majority of England think it is all over. It is a folly and one many will regret I think. 😔
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