My parents are in their 70's and we've all discussed me going to stop with them for a period of time. They both have underlying health issues. My Dad is diabetic and has a pacemaker and my mum has had heart bypass surgery. Having an MPN I also have lower white cells, but am in very good health. I'm so unsure what to do and it's breaking my heart! 😞
For all the doom and gloom is there any info out there to suggest that people with underlying health issues are coming through this fairly unscathed?
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MarkD6701
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I've been trying to avoid people for the last few days and venturing into the supermarket only to get the stuff required (no browsing). I'm lucky that as I work from home I never see anyone, so contact is fairly minimal. I've even stopped using buses and public transport.
However, it would be nice to see my parents face-to-face, hence the dilemma.
Hi Helen, I’m in the USA & we’re being told that someone without any symptoms yet can still pass the virus onto others. Elderly people or those with certain underlying health risks are supposed to try & avoid others & practice self distancing. Best of luck. Katie
There are statistics from China that show that older people are at greater risk but the majority of older people contracting virus have survived. The other thing to remember is that doctors in the UK will be learning from the experience of doctors in China and Italy. This should improve the survival statistics. Existing medications are being tested for efectiveness against the virus so there is hope.
If you and your parents are all well you should be able to visit your parents without too much concern. Things may change over time so a visit now would help provide some reassurance, check they've got the medications and entertainment they need and you can also tackle any issues around the house that need attention. You can also make sure you've got contact details of neighbours and friends who can help with your parents shopping if you need to self isolate.
Hi Mark, I feel for you too. There is so much to consider as you’re all potentially vulnerable. It’s not an easy decision by any means.
What would the logistics involve for you to be with your parents? Do they live fairly near, or is distance an issue? How would you get there? If you’re depending on public transport - planning and executing your journey obviously exposes you to potential risk of infection and unfortunately, the possibility of infecting them too. If you have your own transport that would reduce the risk somewhat, but not entirely.
How do your parents manage on a day to day basis? Maybe you could help in different ways like organising online shopping etc and keeping in touch by Skype. You don’t say if you have any siblings who could help.
I care for my 94 year old Mum. She is still able to manage some things. I have filled one of her kitchen cupboards with emergency food supplies in case I, or my husband who is also immunocompromised succumb to this virus. Not easy times for us. I totally get you!
My mum is 73 and Dad 76. Both are quite fit and healthy, so are very mobile and like to go for walks. My Dad's diabetes is well under control and he doesn't have any issues from his pacemaker, nor does my mum from her bypass surgery a few years ago. But it's always a worry.
Yes, I'd have to go by train, but was hoping to keep my head down for the en tire trip and take plenty of sanitizer.
If you do decide to visit your parents and the government impose self isolation for the over seventies (currently discussing), you will at least be able to support your parents with any requirements that they would need for self isolation.
It’s a dilemma for sure. It might be a matter of going with your gut instinct. I wish you all the best with your decision. Keep us updated.
I live in the midlands and my parents are elderly, dad is 92, have a heart attack the day before his 90th birthday, survived CPR at home, since then he has been back in hospital a few times, he has rung 999 over 20 times, calls the GP’s surgery more or less daily, he has anxiety issues.
Mother 86, with early dementia, loses stuff, regular nightmare.
They have carers 4 times a day, mother refuses help. They have a lot of support locally, mother has recently had a slight car accident and now has started the process of evaluating her ability to drive.
My late sister died of a rare cancer, due to the nature of the locality, noting is secret, so me moving up there, my ‘cancer’ diagnosis would become knowledge to my parents, something I don’t think they could cope with.
I live 200 miles away, they’re unaware of my PV, or kidney stones or the fact that they thought I had pancreatic cancer two years ago. I ring them at least once daily, even when I was in hospital, they manage, just about.
Boy does your post hit home. My mum is 96 and is in a residential home. Thankfully the home is closing it’s doors to non essential visitors today so I went to see her yesterday. As I was saying goodbye I had the overwhelming feeling that it was the last time I would see her and I cried all the way home. What I am worrying about is that I know all the staff are very dependent on their salaries so I just don’t know if they would stay away if they had symptoms.
I wish for nothing more than everyone’s elderly loved ones are safe and that we all come through this terrible time okay.
Jill and shiftzz, and everyone else with elderly parents or family members, my heart is going out to you all over this situation, it is so very sad that these measures are having to be taken to keep people safe and well, this is going to test us all in many ways. Best wishes Maz x
Thanks Maz, I am just so worried about when I will see mum again. I cannot see that anything regarding this outbreak will be resolved by the end of March so when will I see mum again? I hope everyone’s elderly parents are kept safe and well.
Hi Mark, this is indeed a very difficult situation, and a very difficult decision to you to have to make, and this is going to be a situation many of us will face. Maz x
The World Health Organization (WHO) have produced some advice on coping with the mental health considerations, and does cover the subject of looking after older adults and people in isolation, and many other groups, like health workers, so have a look, it might help.
My heart goes out to you all guys. It’s hard worrying about parents, kids, yourselves. Ehugs sent, not much I know but just to let you know I’m thinking about you and your loved ones. Kindest regards Aimexx😻😻
I'm still nervous though. I went for a blood test earlier and it did occur to me that the phlebotomists must come into contact with many people. And as they get close when taking blood I've read it's easy to spread germs, even showing no symptoms.
One interesting supplement my wife takes for myelofibrosis is 600 mcg of selenomethionine a day. I learned about it from "canine Brazil nuts cancer" for a Boxer. Many Boxers die from cancer at 3 to 6 years of age. She died of an autoimmune disease at 13. I went on to find out how selenium interferes with virus. I encourage you to put "virus selenium" or "coronavirus selenium" in your search window.
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