I have not received a letter from NHS or GP, but people around me keep saying that I should be self isolating, I’m a frontline worker and my job is essential, therefore I need to work, for me it’s also important for my mental health.....I’m having to go to the hospital for weekly INR testing anyway....
I am not going to lie I am finding this lockdown hard, and find it difficult to get motivated to do anything when I am not working......
Anyone else feel the same ?
Sarah
Hi, having APS apparently does not put us at any more risk of catching the virus than others but what we don't know is how we will cope with it once caught, we are all so different we will probably never get an answer on that one.
The guys getting letters are mainly at additional risk because they are on Immunosuppressants or have asthma etc
Working for you is good, as long as your colleagues understand your fears.
Once we are home, we tend to relax the brain and it takes over, leaving us worried and stressed, so it's good to try and keep a routine, still get dressed etc and try to keep busy.
I've stopped reading or watching the news, it's so depressing and sad, yes loved ones are dying but so many more are surviving and getting through.
Stay positive and take care x
Hello I'm also working as a nurse on the front line with APS....its ok scary at times and darn hard work...lost of respiratory patients to look after. I think stress is a huge factor and try as other writer said limit exposure to once a day news. Try and get rest in between shifts. Eat well and healthily..but most important is hand hygiene and the cleanliness of your home with handles and all things that you touch..dont touch your face...that's hard in itself but become more conscious of what you are doing with your hands...be sensible...and above all try and relax... much love everybody xx
It is very difficult this situation, for those out there on the front line, and being at home, I understand your dilemma, I am at home but working for my community as well as the family business, I hope you keep well, and that you receive the correct support at work. Best wishes. MaryF
Hi Sarah, I don’t have APS but my brother does and I am his carer. He has chronic leg ulcers which he has to have dressed weekly at the GP surgery and his INR bounces around so that has to be done weekly too. He has survived sepsis twice and only last year had several weeks of IV antibiotics for an infection in his knee. He has not been told to isolate but based on his history I have him on lockdown. It’s hard for both of us (we don’t live in the same house) but I believe we can’t be too careful.
I am a foot health practitioner and retired nurse. I have had to shut down my clinic and I find it difficult without my usual structured days. I try to achieve something every day rather than just let the days drift by to try and get something positive out of it.
Hang on in there and stay safe.
God Bless. Margaret 😷xx
Hi
Yes it is difficult, regarding the letter, my Mother is in her eighties and has rheumatoid arthritis and kidney failure. She has not had one of these letters either which has surprised us. It seems to me that it is people awaiting transplants or cancer patients who have (quite rightly) received the letters but I think there are an awful lot of people left off the list.
My son works in A and E and is on the front line he has youth on his side but has regular chest infections and asthma. He has admitted to me that he is scared except when he is at work where he just gets on with it. It is when he is home and watches the news and thinks too much about it all his fears come back so he keeps busy. I think you are justified to feel like you do but do watch your mental health as people have said. There are no easy answers but the other replies have focused on trying to keep busy and achieving something each day. My son has been doing that and so have myself and husband and it does seem to help a lot. We do feel low at times but when those times hit we find something to do that does not involve switching on the TV. Something else I do is yoga. I feel good when I do it and know that I am helping my body and mind to stay healthy. There are some great tutorials on line and I personally think the best one is "Yoga with Adrianne" she is an American lady who does yoga with her dog sitting nearby. I find her style the nearest to the classes I attended before this. It does make you feel calm and fills voids in the day. You do not need to wear all the gear and have the yoga mat to have a go.
Stay well and keep chatting on here. You are so not alone feeling like you do.
Kaz xxx
Hi
I’m a frontline worker too and received my 12 week self isolation letter last week. I’m not due back in work until tomorrow but I’m really unsure whether to self-isolate or not - help!! I’m guessing I’ve received it due to Hashimoto’s Disease rather than APS but it’s a very difficult decision. I know how busy my NHS colleagues are & we’re short staffed enough as it is. My GP thinks there’s a possibility i had coronavirus in December but that I have to assume I’ve not had it. 12 weeks is a long time. Whilst I think I’ll cope mentally I’m really struggling leaving my colleagues in the lurch. Sense tells me I should probably stay off for my own good but it’s not that easy. I know the helpful people that have been calling from the Government to check if I’m ok were horrified to discover I was still working as of Friday. I really don’t know what to do for the best. Anyone got any advice?
You have to follow your own instincts on this one, I know exactly how you feel, 5 weeks ago in same boat.
I decided to step down from front line duties but I'm now busier than ever, doing welfare checks by telephone on behalf of Red Cross and NHS. A good compromise for me. (Red Cross policy was immediately to stand down 'vunerables')
Talk to your line manager, explain how you feel?
The biggest part is the guilt, but in the end you are protecting them too.
A telephone call is often much better than a knock at the door- much less disruptive and just as comforting.
If further action is required- then you have caught it and someone a bit more sturdy/ hearty than you are currently should and will handle it- just as you’ve already decided... just seconding it thiirding or fourthing or twenty “inthing “ the motion! 😉
Thank you all for your responses. I’m currently only going into the office 2 days a week and working from home the other 3 to give me some sort of normality and routine. I’m trying to get exercise once a day but some days I’m just too exhausted and waiting for a knee replacement my knee is saying get off of me lol.....I think it’s really important we focus on self care, no matter how small it is. Xxx
Self management - An interesting story!
Coagucheck self test strips 
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