Covid and lupus

[Fluffypip]

Is everybody on here just getting on with their lives regarding Covid or is anyone still more or less unofficially sheilding? Are people very anxious about it ?

[suzannah16]

I'm still shielding. numbers of cases are rising in my area due to people going on holiday plus schools went back last week so I expect a rise there too. with very few now isolating or getting tests I feel it is more dangerous for me now than at any other time.

[Fluffypip in reply to suzannah16]

I'm in the same boat but I feel like the toll its taking on my mental health might be worse than getting it.. if you dont mind my asking, do you feel you are very high risk ?

[suzannah16 in reply to Fluffypip]

I feel I am higher risk than my doctors say because covid affects your breathing and I have reduced lung capacity from pleurisy many years ago and also from blood clots on my lungs but I don't have a respiratory doctor to advise my rheumy and renal docs about this. plus I only have one functioning kidney and a lot of covid patients have needed dialysis. these seem to be the two main body parts that are first affected and as I have problems with both I feel very vulnerable. I also have a weak immune system due to taking immuno suppressants years ago which has never recovered even after stopping the tablets. I'm lucky in that I live in a rural area and can go out for a walk without meeting anyone and that has helped a lot but I get anxious every time I have to go in to town for medication and medical appointments as everyone else seems to think covid is over.

[Fluffypip in reply to suzannah16]

Ive found walking a complete life saver too but also dread going into town...not a mask in sight anymore!

[Spanielmadlady]

Nothing has really changed for me Still staying home only going places i have to

[Fluffypip]

Sorry to hear, its really hard isnt it...

[Roarah]

I still wear a mask in public and carry hand sanitizer but really since September 2020 I returned to working at a school five days per week, went to inperson appointments, shopped and socialized outside. My daughter skied on a team and played travel soccer.

After my full vaccination and my young teen’s vaccination I did allow others I know who are also vaccinated in my house and car. I have still only eaten inside a restaurant once for Mother’s Day. I wear my mask when in inside public spaces to protect unvaccinated children under 12( my country has fully vaccinated under 12 as of may). We have been to museums (with our masks). Took the kids to an amusement park and wore masks only inside not on rides. We go to the beach and my daughter instructs at a sailing school. We are traveling next week.

I am done not living. Covid is here to stay. The vaccine is working at preventing death and severe illness really well and masks were doing a great job before the vaccine at preventing not only covid but also flu and stomach bugs so I still wear my mask inside public spaces. The school my family attends and I work in has a mask mandate for at least a few more months. Live is short I am going to live it fully

[Fluffypip in reply to Roarah]

That's good to hear...have you and your family so far managed to avoid covid then ? I really want to get on with life as my mental health is really poor after all this time cooped up (my husband is CEV too) but I'm just too scared to risk anything which leaves me exposed to getting it.

[Roarah in reply to Fluffypip]

No covid at all. In fact with masks on the school saw very few colds, strep, flu or vomit bugs this year . My family has all been fully vaccinated since May. Maybe start slowly, wear masks when with people you do not know vaccination status of.

[Fluffypip in reply to Roarah]

Thanks

[rosebud52]

Hi Fluffypip, nothing has changed for me, I am in the same bubble and I don't intend to change anything anytime soon. X

[Fluffypip in reply to rosebud52]

Do you take any small risks to feel more 'normal' I'm finding it so difficult to keep hiding away like this

[rosebud52]

I do go to my daughters home, she has two young boys and her elder daughter has two little ones and I also go to her home and we all have been going for walks together choosing the quietest places so for now that is enough for me, we have all had our jabs, and because of my condition they don't mix anywhere else, I don't know if things will change once they are back at school but I will do whatever it takes to try and stay safe and I hope you are able to do the same to stay safe. xx

[redredblue]

I’ve got on with my life. I’m double vaxed so that lessened mg worry.

I was in an exam year so the second schools reopened I was back in class and as I was exposed to hundreds of people there I decided that I would resume my life. Other than wearing a face mask and sanitising and washing my hands more I have more or less gone back to normal.

[MrsMarigold]

Hello Fluffypip. I am fully vaccinated as ofToday. But I don’t think this will change much right now. I think part of the decision to rejoin the world is geography. For instance where I live in the States is surging

Hugely. Family members who are vaccinated have Covid. One a J&J the other Phizer. And then my baby granddaughter. Even though we have a mask mandate it seems only about half the people I saw yesterday

At the veterinarian with my dog wore them. I do believe the correct kind of mask is helpful and wearing it properly

Too but as time moves on here in my area people are wearing masks over their mouths; not noses. We are all weary of

This and staying home this long for people like us is very gloomy some days. So I would just evaluate what is going on around you

As far as Covid outbreaks. Take walks everyday if you are able. Best, Titters

[Fluffypip in reply to MrsMarigold]

Thanks, best of luck to you too x

[Aurali]

Hi, I'm still shielding, I'm more anxious now than I was before as a lot more cases about now! Big hugsxx

[Bellissimo]

I trying to get back some normal. I live rural area of northern Ireland and if I do shopping it’s 8-11 midweek when all is quiet.. less populated area too and lots of countryside... mostly going out only during midweek quiet times . I won’t be going Christmas shopping Nov and December...online I think xx