Decisions!!

[azaelea]

I cannot make up my mind whether it’s safe to go to Church this Easter Sunday. It is just re opening again with safety procedures in place but I have been shielding for over a year now and although we’re now told we can lessen shielding it still advises to have as little contact with people as possible. I have ET JAK2+ and bloods were stable at last test but I’m on Hydroxy (immunosuppressive). What do my MPN friends think? I welcome your views, thanks. Fran

[jillydabrat]

Fran, if it was me I wouldn’t do it. There are still lots of people who have not had their vaccine. The less you mix with people the better your odds of avoiding this viscous pig of a virus. I am going to have a private time of prayer on Sunday and I am sure God wouldn’t mind if you did the same. I, personally never go to church as I don’t think you have to be inside a man made temple of worship when you can be with God anywhere and everywhere. Hope I have helped. Take care, Jill 💋

[azaelea in reply to jillydabrat]

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this Jill. I do have my private times of prayer and have been since last March lockdown, but I have missed the communal Church worship although we have a lovely Vicar and his wife who have done video ‘services’ on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout lockdowns all the time. I do think you’re right about the less mixing we do the better. Keep safe. Have a nice weekend. Fran 😘

[JediReject]

Hi Fran , , I get your dilemma and understand why you miss your attendance at communal worship. However in posing your question to us I think you have probably provided your own answer because you have reservations about going which is understandable after a year in lockdown and the current position of the vaccination roll out and take up. Im sure if you went social distancing will be the order of things but being Easter Sunday it may be a good turn out and I wonder if you will feel at ease enough to enjoy it.

I think we're still a way off the edge of the woods just now and it would be an injustice for any of us to succumb to Covid after all the effort of shielding. Obviously your choice but if I were you I would bide your time for now much as Jill suggests.

Stay safe - Chris

[azaelea in reply to JediReject]

Thank you Chris for your valued input. I’m thinking I will opt to stay safe and wait a little longer. Regards Fran

[elliebongo]

Hi Fran, it's a strange one isn't it. We have been careful for a long time and stayed safe, but now the door has been opened a little and I think many of us are still feeling very cautious. Sounds silly I know but I'm almost comfortable in my isolation. But, I know we have to make the effort to get back some normality - BUT when we are ready !Rose x

[azaelea in reply to elliebongo]

Thanks Rose, I think taking the thoughts of you good people into consideration I will wait a bit yet. Thanks for your reply . regards Fran

[DJK12]

Fran - the Scottish Government sent out letters last week giving 'extra protection level advice for people at highest risk from covid'. It said it was also for people who might have had one or both vaccines. It said they still didn't have the evidence of how effective it is for people on the shielding list. Hopefully they will be able to update this soon.

Most of Scotland is at level 4 - don't know how this corresponds in England. It says ' to minimise contact with people outside your own household if you can. You should not take public transport. ' I took this as advice not to meet other people for social reasons even outside.

If we go down to level 3 on 26th April it says we should still 'limit meeting people outside your ownhousehold and avoid indoor public spaces'.

All rather depressing as I took it it to mean there isn't much change. There is detailed advice for people who can't work from home but perhaps I'm lucky to be retired.

Diana

[azaelea in reply to DJK12]

Thank you Diana for the info about what Scottish Govt. is advising. It does help. Not sure what Tier we are in England now. They don’t seem to mention these numbers now. I’m thinking I will wait a while and avoid public places. I appreciate your reply. Thank you, Fran

[Otterfield]

I decided not to, because there could well be high attendance at Easter. I'm sad about it but I have a choice of a Zoom or video service instead. I will return to church after that (I have to be there on 25th as I am preaching!). I think social distancing will be well managed generally.

[azaelea in reply to Otterfield]

Thank you for your thoughts Otterfield. Yes there will be a higher attendance for Easter I agree, so I’m now thinking I will leave it for a bit yet. We have been having video services throughout but I think now the Church is open these will cease. Regards, Fran

[ET500]

Hello Fran , I have the same EtJAK2 on HU , I can understand your worries and I myself am getting too comfortable with isolation. I do go to church though(now open) as I know the safety measures my church has in places and all churches should .. There is a limited number allowed in any church by law maximum 50 ( regardless of size) if the 2m law allows . Mine is max 35 with this in place , so no overcrowding .. We have phoned in allotted places and a seating plan with stewards managing this .. with sanitised hands before entry into church..fully masked , no singing .. I live in a village in Scotland and community is a big thing so even though with all these restrictions we don’t get to have long chats with each other it is still lovely to see faces and people (even with masks) Especially as I live alone . I would check what your church has in place for safety measures first and see if you are happy with them .. We are still lucky with technology that we can get services online and have quite enjoyed going around the world listening to many Services (My own church doesn’t have this facility) . Easter blessing to you x

[azaelea in reply to ET500]

Thank you for your thoughts and information. We have good safety measures too and are spacing 3 to a pew in alternate pews but I’m not sure about numbers and also the heating system circulates warm air, which could be a problem so I’ve decided for now to wait a bit. Your community sounds nice and ours is too being in a village but not small now. I was born in Glasgow and moved to North Yorkshire when I married. We still have holidays each year in Scotland ( before COVID) and hope to manage one when we can. Easter blessings to you too, Fran

[SueYoung]

Hello Fran,As I understand it Hydroxy is not an immunosuppressive drug, knowing this may help your decision. I understand that it's not just immunosuppression that you are concerned about as there are lots of other factors in the decision to give up sheilding and it is a very personal one. Others here are giving very good advice. Good luck and Happy Easter whatever you decide.

Xx

Sue

[azaelea in reply to SueYoung]

Thanks Sue. I understood Hydroxy was an immunosuppressive drug. However I have decided not to attend Church tomorrow and leave it for a bit. Thank you so much for your reply. Fran

[RobPV]

Hi Fran, as long as you are all socially distanced and wearing face masks I cannot think of any reason why you shouldn't go to church on Easter Sunday. Enjoy.1🙂

[azaelea in reply to RobPV]

Thank you Rob for your reply. For the reasons I’ve mentioned above I’ve decided not to go just yet. I haven’t mixed with anyone yet and my husband and I have stayed out for over a year now. Fran

[hunter5582]

There is no black-and-white answer. It really depends on the safety measure the church has in place and your level of risk tolerance. I would certainly think that an outdoor service would be a safer option at this point. Perhaps you can find a local church offering this for Easter.

Like you, I miss the communal aspect of church life. The on-line services we a great way to stay connected, but I really look forward to returning to being with my faith community in person. We will be returning to in-person services cautiously later in April. Here where i live in West Virginia vaccinations are pretty far along. The State has opened vaccines up to everyone above age 16 at this point. I am getting dose 2 today myself. I am going to wait two weeks, then will resume going to services when we resume them.

All the best and Happy Easter to all.

[azaelea in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you Hunter for your input. We are having an open air short service at our ancient Norman Church on the cliff top but it is being held at dawn on Easter Day which I’m afraid my very sleepy head wouldn’t make in time although ilI would love to attend. I have decided to leave my Church attendance for a little time yet. I had my second jab just over 2 weeks ago but understand we should give it 3 weeks. Kind regards and Happy Easter, Fran

[Loubprv Volunteer]

Hi FranI also am erring on the side of caution, staying home and eating chocolate.

Next time I venture to our little church in Winster I shall be twice the size and no one will recognise me.

I’m quite sure the good Lord will understand.....Happy Easter all.

Love

Louise

[Loubprv Volunteer]

Ps folks.I had a word with my haematologist ( Prof Somervaille) who is a specialist in MpNs at the Christie in Manchester.

He seems pretty sure that the vaccine will protect us and will have worked for those on HU - just in case anyone might be worried.

Personally I’ve almost launched into sod it mode. I’m still being extremely careful but looking on the bright side now I’ve had both Pfizer’s. ( no reaction the first time, and slight achy dizzy offy feeling the second time, although to be honest I don’t think the fact that you have or have not had a reaction makes a ha’peth of difference.

Cups three quarters full everyone! We’ll be fine I’m sure.

I’m on the top of the list for an immunity test at Blackpool hospital as and when they bring one out. The service and care I’ve had there has been outstanding.

Love louise

[azaelea in reply to Loubprv]

Thanks for your reply, Loubprv. I’m eating far too many toffees! Thanks for the encouraging words of your Professor too! Good to hear. Happy Easter.

[Wiara]

Hello Fran,Sorry it's a bit late to answer but like you I have ET on Hydroxy & would love to attend Church again. My Church opened (following rules of course) but I chose not to go. Fortunately the service was live streamed plus a Youtube later. I know the government has ended Shielding but unfortunately the virus is taking no notice and is still out there. I've had one vaccine- Pfizer- but was told by my Consultant that I would probably be a 'non-responder' ie not protected but to have vaccine anyway. I feel more worried because as healthy people get vaccinated, get protected, they will throw caution to the wind and people who will not be protected will be more at risk. At the moment most people are wearing masks, keeping social distancing & washing hands but I feel this will not continue, thus putting us more at risk.

I pray God will bless and protect you.

Yvonne

[azaelea in reply to Wiara]

Thank you for your reply, Yvonne. I didn’t go to Church and agree with what you say. That’s worrying to hear your Consultant believes we won’t be protected. I’ve had Pfizer too, the second one just over 2 weeks ago. I have a telephone appointment with my Haematologist on 19th and meanwhile I’ve written to her asking if I can have an antibody test included with my blood test. I’m waiting to hear from her. Possibly the NHS won’t pay for this I fear. I’ll post on here if I manage to get one. Keep safe. Easter blessings. Fran

[Wiara in reply to azaelea]

Hello, Hope all be well at your next appointment and look forward to your update

Y

[Janll]

You have every reason or be cautious. I decided to go yesterday and I am so glad I did. Wonderful service and at the last hymn we all went outside and were able to sing our hearts out without wearing a mask. Maybe if you spoke with some who did go to church on Sunday and they told you how safe it was, you may like to try it for yourself. I hope your Easter Day was a blessed day for you. Xx.

[azaelea in reply to Janll]

Thank you. My friends have told me it’s very safe but I’ll wait a short while yet. Glad you had a lovely service and the singing outside must have been a joy.