The selfish few: Like many people who use this website... - NRAS

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The selfish few

mickam profile image
65 Replies

Like many people who use this website I have numerous autoimmune conditions and COPD so although I have been making occasional forays out into the big bad world I decide that it had reached the point where I really should self isolate rather than waiting to be told I should. I decided to order my shopping online. I've done it before when I've been house bound so no problem, or so you would think. I ordered a load of stuff from Tesco and it was all going rather well until I was instructed to pick an available delivery slot. It seems that there are none available in my area before 07/04.Undeterred I tried Ocado only to find that they are not taking new customers. I find it difficult to believe that this sudden increase in demand for home deliveries is down to at risk or vulnerable people using the service out of necessity. I think the reason behind it is the same as the reason for empty shelves. That is selfish, stupid people who believe every false post on social media about alleged shortages, and so, without a care in the world for anybody else they go out and actually create the problems. or am I just old and extremely cynical?

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mickam profile image
mickam
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65 Replies
Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

I agree. I have waited a week for my delivery from Tesco and virtually nothing has arrived

Lolabridge profile image
Lolabridge

Yes I found the same problem when I tried to place an online order yesterday evening. I’m in self isolation not infected) and have had regular deliveries for over a year.

I started to feel a bit anxious about this virus for the first time ...

Stowe profile image
Stowe

That is terrible, i know tge supermarkets are trying to prioritize those with health problems and over 70, there anywhere on yhere website you can leave them a messafe to explain your situation and see if they are able to help you? I hpe they are. Take care and be careful x

I think people are just scared. I do wish people would stop bulk buying though. There are many kindnesses going on out there. Who knows...maybe this awful disaster will be the making of us all!

sunnyweek profile image
sunnyweek

I also have found the same problem. Had many deliveries over the years. Sainsbury's are saying they are having slots for the elderly and vulnerable but I dont know yet how they are finding these people.

I've managed to get a date in April, just happy to fill the basket and will wait and see what arrives.

springcross profile image
springcross

I was going to make tomorrow my last shopping day for a while and heard that Sainsburys were opening an hour early (tomorrow only for now) just for the elderly and at risk people. I have tried to ring the two nearest stores to find out what time that will be and after listening to the usual recorded messages, I got an automatic cut off from each store because they are apparently much busier than usual. I then tried to ring Customer Services but that kept cutting out too so I rang the number from an email I received yesterday from their CEO which came up as a Sainsburys Filling Station 😕and was put on hold. Well it just rang and rang and rang so in the end I gave up. I am none the wiser as to what time we would need to go now. Even the MSM on the internet which have run the article do not give out the times. I somehow get the feeling that they really don't want people to turn up - (unless it was something I said 😀). What a load of rubbish!!!!

in reply to springcross

Says first hour of trading on Thursdays. So I'm guessing as soon as open for first hour.

This is for Sainsbury's but I think it's now first hour daily.

springcross profile image
springcross in reply to

Thanks Bunty. Problem is I don't know what time they open whether it's 6, 7 or 8. On saying that I have received an email from Tesco, as my post below, so I think that's where I'll shop.

in reply to springcross

I think most open at 7am . They do round here.

I hope you mansge to get what you need.

springcross profile image
springcross in reply to

Thanks again Bunty. x

springcross profile image
springcross in reply to springcross

• Adding to my last post above, I have just received an email from Tesco with this paragraph in it - To ensure our more vulnerable and elderly customers can shop in-store, we will prioritise one hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 9-10am (except in our Express stores) and ask that you respect this. I think I'll be doing my shopping in Tesco and not Sainsburys now, just a day later than I had planned.

emmab-NRAS profile image
emmab-NRAS in reply to springcross

Hi springcross,

I have just had a look for you at the Sainsbury's statement to see if I could find out this hour slot for you (You can see the statement on Twitter here: twitter.com/sainsburys/stat...

In the letter, they state "we will set aside the first hour in every supermarket this Thursday, 19 March, for elderly and vulnerable customers.

If you or an elderly family member, friend or neighbour would like to shop during this hour, please check online for your local supermarket opening hours. For all other customers, supermarkets will open one hour after the published opening time.”

I hope this helps you slightly!

Best wishes,

Emma B (NRAS)

springcross profile image
springcross in reply to emmab-NRAS

Thank you very much emma. I was thinking it was an hour before the usual opening hours 🙃 I seem to have a different email to that but that's what I was trying to find out. x

in reply to springcross

Just received this email fromSainsbury’s hope it helps, Sainsbury’s opening hours from Monday 23rd March 8am -8pm Monday-Saturday. Monday, Wednesday and Friday all supermarkets will dedicate 8am-9pm to serve vulnerable, elderly and disabled customers, as well as NHS and Social Care Workers. They just need to show their pass or ID when they visit. Not sure about anybody else but this is to early for me as it takes me all morning to get moving. Keep safe and well everyone! 🤗X

springcross profile image
springcross in reply to

Thanks for that AngelMar, much appreciated. I will not be going shopping now as I am self-isolating except for medical appointments. x

Gnarli profile image
Gnarli

Neither old nor cynical, mickam. Simply a realist who recognises greed and selfishness. All this stockpiling and demanding deliveries can only be done by the worried and financially secure well. In our part of the country money is too tight for too many and so supplies in the shops not so bad for everyone. There had to be a spark of hope somewhere in this muddle

sylvi profile image
sylvi

Can't argue with you there it is so ridiculous isn't it. xxx

happytulip profile image
happytulip

It's so selfish.

What bugs me especially is that NHS workers of all roles are working so tirelessly to look after the sick and putting in extra time, that when they finally clock off and go to the shops, there is nothing on the shelves.

A friend of mine was sobbing on the phone to me last night through total exhaustion and the fact that she can't buy any food. She works in A&E and is a very tough and resilient person.

I put a link on my local community network and the people who are not needing to isolate are now going to try to get in contact with and shop for NHS workers.

I'm pleased that the supermarkets are now rationing things but it will take a while for it to even out. Leaving vulnerable people and NHS staff to struggle.

sunnyweek profile image
sunnyweek

Yes I will do thank you, I'm asking friends if they want to add to the shop too. Cant guarantee what will arrive though!

Morrisons are employing lots of extra staff, might be worth checking website regularly for slots.

RosieA profile image
RosieA

Only one way round this to my mind. Over 70s and other vulerable groups /emergency workers should have a percentage of designated delivery spots, e.g between 8 and 12N. They should be issued a card or some form of existing form of identification that they show the delivery people. If someone misuses it then they should be automatically barred from online delivery. In my dreams eh!

I would recommend anyone really struggling to contact your local parish / church / facebook page. There are small community groups popping up based on volunteers happy to do shopping, collect presriptions etc. We have one here. I popped my name down on it for phone support etc. Also dog walking 'cos in the countryside - but low and behold met two different groups of people who brightly called out that they were self isolating. Kept their distance but I was a nervous wreck by the end. (Sorry have posted about this before but still quite shocked!!) Keep safe.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

My wife and I are fortunate to have our grown up chidren do the shopping and leave it in the hallway.

It's about time that the supermarkets and stores stopped being so bloody greedy by allowing panic buying, which adds greatly to their already substantial profits. They should be putting their hands in their seemingly deep pockets and start employing some proper security to try and get some control over these selfish sods with their trollies stacked to the rafters. After all they are quick enough to react when it comes to catching a common or garden shoplifter.

If the government genuinally expect the good old British public to all jump on board and follow their advice then they really are not living in the real world as a significant proportion will not with things as they currently are.

Yet another rant over.

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply to wishbone

I so agree wb, my children and grandchildren are there to shop for me. I had however shopped at our local Sainsbury’s last Friday and was gobsmacked at the selfishness of so many shoppers, and lack of certain foods and cleaning products. They must have lots of room to store, or they are selling it on eBay. My eldest son and wife went went to see my grandson at uni in Canterbury on Sunday and went to the Aldi there to stock up for him. They were talking to the manager who said they had restricted lots of items to only 4 as they found local small shops were using them as a cash & carry and selling on for a large profit. So sad.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Gigi71

I just heard on the news that a few supermarkets will be restricting shoppers to 2 or 3 items, better late than never I suppose. Though I'm sure the more determined sociopathic toilet roll hoarder types won't have much difficulty finding a way around that. :-O :-)

Gigi71 profile image
Gigi71 in reply to wishbone

What is it with toilet rolls...

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Gigi71

It's got me beat, and also deeply concerned about the mental stability of much of the nation. :-O

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Me too Wishy. There’s some very selfish and idiotic people out there. Hope you are doing well. 🙏😺

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Hiya Nk, long time no speak. I'm doing ok thanks, the best I've been for a few years in fact until this bloody virus turned up!! I'm now in isolation with my wife and trying our best to retain our sanity. How are you managing?

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Hi Wishbone? Just about the same. Hubby having to go into work for a couple of things but home working mostly and I’ve been in the house for a week or more. We have a large garden so can wander round that and sit and and look at the flowers for ten mins. Hopefully warmer weather and I’ll be out there more. Hopefully a drive out not too far this weekend (can take food and flask but does one take a bucket too??!!) but to see some landscape would be nice. Doing good until this madness also, except a crazy person pestering me on FB. Hope you can keep steady. Keep in touch. NK😺

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Nice to have a large garden, especially in times like this. We have a small garden that backs onto a heathy hillside, which used to be my a part of my old birdwatching and dog walking patch. Unfortunately it's to steep for me access any more so it's a case of sitting in the garden with my binocs and doing a bit of fly-over birding. That's when the weather improves coz it's rained in my part of Wales nearly every day for many weeks. My wife needs to occasionally go out, but she takes all precautions when she does....I hope! As for me, we don't drive so I'm pretty much confined to the house though I can go for a short walk in the village if I want, providing I steer clear of possible infectoids, which of course means everyone! :-)

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Yes a wide berth to everyone, Wishy.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to Neonkittie17

Except your dear lady of course!

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

I've been giving her a wide berth for years! ;-) Just kidding.............honest!

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Now that’s made me laugh! Thank you. You are very naughty and just as well she’s not reading here or you’d be making your own tea! 😆😱😜

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

:-) haha

I know your lungs are not in the best shape so look after yourself Nk.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Thank you. Thing is they showed a perfect CT scan and the respiratory consultant could not find anything to pursue and he keeps checking three monthly. It’s my reaction to catahhr. They are normal and very strong unless there is catahhr. I am not out of breath or impeded that way. An anti mucolytic, Nacsys, has now been prescribed for as and when needed, as apparently this helps a lot of people with other more constant lung issues. I could jog very fast in the hydro pool for 15 minutes no stopping, which says a great deal of their capacity and also all the asthma/breathing tests I did were all very good. I say “could” as we are not allowed to go Hydro as from two weeks ago. (It’s Rtx that keeps making me over produce mucus.) I read almost a third of people who have Rtx can have sinus and upper respiratory problems/chest issues. Have their usual issues exacerbated. My sinuses have always been a bit crazy as the draining holes are exceptionally small like pinpricks I was told after xrays/some years ago, so give them a med which exacerbates all that .... catahhr drains down the back of throat and can’t blow down the nose.

We are between a rock and a hard place when one takes a powerful RA med as most of us do.

I think many of us have read the link to the advice to rheumatologists on how to proceed with patients and the current crisis. Those of us who have had infusions such as Rtx can’t actually undo them, so it’s fait accompli there but another question is whether we should substitute .. if that is the right word, and probably isn’t but it is 8am here and my brain hasn’t woke up too much yet! ... to something which is considered less compromise to the immunity? That could make previous symptoms of RA return. Give less protection. Allows inflammation back. Causes immobility and pain again.

I shall be due another infusion mid to end of May and it is possible I could go longer as that would be 7 months then. I shall be speaking to my Rheumy/biologics specialist sister very soon. Spoke to her two weeks ago on another matter before everything got worse.

So many of us with these dilemmas I am sure. I hope you keep occupied and upbeat and well, Wishy, during this crisis. Same to us all. NK

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to Neonkittie17

Sorry I thought I was on a Wishbone thread and not on someone else’s. My sincere apologies. Hope some of this might be of use to others anyhow.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Don't worry, the thread has just about run its course.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Thanks Nk, unfortunately I'm in the very high risk group as you've probably worked out. Make no mistake I'm a goner if I get this virus so I'm taking all steps I possibly can to prevent catching the virus, such as using home brewed alcohol based hand sanitisers and disinfectants for door handles etc. My children do the shopping and drop it off in the hallway. I leave the non perishable goods plus letters etc there for 3 days and stuff like milk I wash in a sink of soapy water. As yet I've decided to carry on with baricitinib until told otherwise. My biggest threat, as is oten the case, comes from my wife :-) who needs to go out on occasions. Even though she takes precautions I still make her shower as soon as she arrives home and burn the clothes she's been wearing in the garden. Better safe than sorry I say! ;-)

Take care Nk.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

It tells you about your medication and what risk category it is in on the link I mentioned which was for rheumatology staff. I didn’t have to look for mine as I already know.

I don’t touch post or packets for a couple of days. Presume you are serious about the garden clothes? I’m not sure one has to do the burning. (Is this a worry about soil or garden birds?) I am washing clothes with some Zoflora in the rinse too as I read several places online were recommending that.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

I've seen the link. I too already knew I was in the very high risk group as it's obvious with my lungs. Not serious about burning her clothes, hence my winking smiley. :-) Neither was I being melodramatic about being a goner if I get the virus. :-(

Not heard anything about soil , but have about birds. As paranoid as I am, I'm still replenishing the garden bird feeder but making sure I wash my hands straight after.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Rtx is a potent med too. I thought the smiley was grimacing as I had my wrong specs on! Birds can peck on all sorts of horrid roadkill etc, so always best to wash hands after changing feeders, etc.

Soil is dodgy at anytime for anyone not wearing gloves. If my hubby ever burned my clothes when I’d been in the garden I’d have to reciprocate and burn a big hole in the back of each pair of his undies!! 😜

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Haha, I think my wife would do the same with my undies! :-)

Many moons ago when my daughter was 4, she became unwell and a lymph node swoll up in her neck. She spent a week in hospital where they drained and tested the enlarged lymph node to discover a type of bacteria belonging to the TB group. Doctors were a bit mystified at first then asked if we kept cage birds, which we did not. They told us that the bacteria had probably been picked up from an infected bird carcass. It was then that I clicked and told them that my dog had recently sniffed a dead crow when we were out on a walk. Her lymph node was removed which has left a nasty scar and has caused the one side of her face to droop very slightly, but only noticeable when she smiles and then you have to look for it.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

I’m sorry to hear of that Wishbone and I’m glad your daughter made a full recovery. Glad too the facial issue is only detectable because you know it’s there/what happened. Well it is of no surprise to me what you told me as dogs sniff and eat some terrible things outdoors and so do cats. Yuk. The horrible little darlings! Then people kiss them too. I’ve been guilty of doing that to my late cats but only on top of their heads. They weren’t lickers or biters. Of course people let their dogs off in the fields/moors for a much loved run but who knows what they sniff and scoff?! 😖

I know caged birds can cause TB and make people chesty too as I declined staying with someone once with four birds in their house, as lovely as they were, as my hubby has sneezing allergies. They used to fly around so weren’t contained in their cages.

I had this “discussion” about going down for the day at Christmas with my SIL who tried her usual attempt/tactics to back me in a corner and prod me until she gets what she wants (never works!) and I said I’d not visit them when one of their daughters had a chest infection (you’ll be ok as she’s had 5 antibiotics I was told!! Told her it can take at least a week on higher dose and two on less for a bad chest infection/bronchitis to clear it.) Also she had a puppy who was nipping and going out off lead on walks picking things up and sniffing/licking grotty old food that had been dropped and going in fields where they knew rats were, so I said in view of possible zoonotic (now that confused her!) infections I could get from a licking, nipping pup who hadn’t much discipline being so young and would certainly jump and lick and also because of her daughter, we would leave it. After a week ping ponging between my husband, hounding us (bad pun!) and trying every tactic she could think of to make us say yes, she gave up and stopped prodding me into the corner. I was so annoyed and it made me anxious knowing any moment there would be a bullying type text. I just said .. I won’t come thank you. Then she was texting my husband all the time between 24/31 December after giving up on me. She got no joy there either. I am/we are too polite (and should have told her to eff off. Next time!) We decided due to the constant harassment from Christmas Eve till NYE we were going to meet half way in January so we did. No house visits over winter to them again as they always have colds then. My OH said he wasn’t having her telling us it’s ok for me to come. Neither was I.

She’ll be back on soon to me I know as I’ve just received an invite for one of their auntie’s 90th birthday celebrations at an afternoon tea cafe at the end of June. I can’t say yes or no as that’s three months off. I hope it can be postponed to better times as we would love to celebrate the auntie’s birthday. I refuse to be pestered by the SIL to go though so she can see my husband. She knows I have distinct vulnerability and my condition and it’s unfair if she is disregarding this so I will always stand up for myself and say .. I’m not going to do that thank you.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Thanks Nk, it was a big worry for us at the time as my daughter was quite ill.

Some people, quite a few in fact, just don't get it. Even members of my family thought I was over reacting about this virus....they've certainly changed their minds since! Not that I see anyone being in self isolation, but if anyone did get too close to my danger zone then make no mistake, I would let them know all about it! It's no good being polite in times like this.

If I was you I'd be hoping auntie's birthday is postponed too as I can't see this crisis over by then. I'm sure most 90 year olds would want it posponed too. Not only does your SIL not respect you being vunerable, she must think the same about your auntie as well. I wonder how she would behave in you position?!

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

It sounded awful re your poor daughter and all because of a dead crow the dog touched/licked. Argh. That’s exactly what I meant re SIL’s puppy. She was desperate for us to see it dressed up as Santa. 😑 Wishbone, as long as SIL has what she wants and that is playing lady of the manor mostly, then she’s fine and dandy. I totally agree no time to be polite about meeting/having contact with people. There is a strange guy (why do they gravitate towards us?) where my hubby was at the gym and he expected him to instruct him in the weights and exercises and this has been going on for years and he couldn’t escape him until the gym closed recently. He grabbed whatever he was using and said . Show me .. all the time. He has changed gyms three times and he found him. I know this guy will try set up a makeshift gym in a small hotel he owns and try get my husband there. I hope that the guy gets found out and stopped by the Police if so. I am sure he will drive round and come into the garden if we sit out or bang on the door/windows so he can see my husband. (It’s happened before. 😖) We might wave as we close the curtains! 👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻👋🏻🖕

I told my husband the exact same that his sister wasn’t giving me any respect and if it was her she’d just say a big no and that would be it (not that we’d be trying persuade her to see us!!) Bullying and self centred people don’t care what others want.

The cousin organising the party/event told me she had had the invites done ready to send and wanted everyone to know it was happening, but she said in reality she knows they will have to rearrange it. I texted her to say lovely idea and let’s hope it isn’t too long after the proposed date. I don’t think the auntie would turn up either if she felt herself she was unsafe! The cousin wouldn’t allow it. SIL would try prod us again to go but I’m done with being accommodating to her after her harassment/rudeness. She’s alienated another SIL by constant phone and text harassment. Wore her down. AThat’s why we get her now as she’s not close anymore to the other one.

I think we will be doing the same here as in France and Europe. Curfew and lockdown, as apparently people are wandering around The Lakes and seaside here and not complying.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

You sure do attract more than your fair share of odd characters Nk, and I thought I was a bit of a magnet for the nutbats of this world! :-) I'm not sure about that bloke in the gym, he sounds like a right pain in the bum. That's a difficult one for your husband, but it sounds as if he needs to make a break from him which ain't going to be easy, especially knowing each other for so long. Can't you both use this virus thing as a genuine excuse to ward him off, it could last for quite some time by the seem. Then try to think of a way to make it a permenant break. Rather your husband than me to be honest.

Yes, it does look as if we will be following France and the rest of Europe and about time in my opinion. I'm expecting notification soon that I'm in the high risk group and need to self isolate. Not that I need telling with the state of my lungs. :-(

Hope we manage to avoid it.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Not sure what I will do re infusions end of May but maybe I will get a letter but I’m keeping at home since two weeks plus now, except a weekend drive by hubby.

Oh yes we get the loonies too Wishbone, as no one else will tolerate them. I had to fend off a woman recently who was stalking me on FB and texting with upsetting content and we both know her personally and she needs professional help again. She has been blocked as she was offensive so felt sad but she is waiting to see someone about her issues, but that won’t happen anytime soon now. The gym stalker was never really someone my hubby would have associated with tbh. He just latched on. Was in the gym same time or ensured he was and even stalked the car park looking for his car (I call him a Klingon!!) and I know he will be making a home gym type thing for my hubby to visit him so he thinks. Nope! Hubby has his own weights here and some equipment and we’ve lots of hills and countryside close by so he has been for some short runs away from people. The Klingon can’t run/jog as he is too unfit these days that way, but can lift weights. Ahhh the oddbods!

I think the letters will be advising how to contact the rheumy team etc too and what to do about appointments.

I fully expect either of the gym Klingons (there are two!) to come strolling up our drive soon when we are pottering/sitting the garden. They will be told to stay away and we have a large enough garden to dodge them if they come up one path. We can go down another and say .. We have to step away from you. Chief Klingon will bang on the door, windows and letterbox to get attention. Happened before when hubby was recovering from an op. He barged in and dropped a large bag of fruit on his leg where he had just had a major op a few days previously, and was sitting with his legs up on the sofa. I went ballistic. 😡

We’ve seen how people have been going out last weekend to The Lakes and seaside places. I was shocked to see groups of people casually strolling past each other, passing by on a narrow path round a small boating lake. Didn’t see boats or wind surfing though. Two places we saw this as we went for a little drive to the hills. I hope the people who were out in groups last weekend listen to the advice this time and hope it was busier with people outside because it was Mothers’ Day. They shouldn’t have made that an excuse. Very hard to not see your Mum but ....

Hope you get the advice letter soon Wishy, and keep isolating. NeonK

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

I guessed he was a klingon. :-)

No need for a letter I already know the score. :-( I've been in self isolation for a fortnight now and my wife joined me a few days ago. Our kids do the shopping and leave it just inside the front door. We take all precautions possible.

What a nightmare, it's like a horror movie! :-(

Look after yourself.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Gym stalker is King Klingon! Suction pads and superglue!

Very similar here. Husband working at home for two weeks and I’ve been at home for the majority of the last month. Two small car rides at the weekend is all I’ve done in two weeks apart from sit in our garden for half an hour yesterday. We did see a zombie type apocalyptic dvd someone lent us a few years back and we both mentioned it last week to each other. 😑

Not been many places at all since Christmas. If I’m honest I rarely go out in the winter, during the week. No there’s no need for me to have a letter either to know about my infusion med. when you have to attend for treatment you need some clarification though, specific to that hospital. Whether Rheumatology decide to clarify their procedures is another matter. They should but as they are so stretched anyhow I don’t know.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

King Klingon!...I like it. :-)

I don't go out much but will miss my weekly coffee meets with two of my old birdwatching buddies plus going out for food with another friend. My wife is much more of a socialite than me and if anyone is going to go stir crazy it will be her before me. You watch now I've gone and said that it will be me who will be the first to crack-up. :-O

You're lucky to have a car, especiallyat times like this as neither me nor Mrs wishbone can drive. Still with summer just around the corner at least we have a garden unlike many vunerable people who are stuck in flats and the like...sometimes on their own. :-(

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Yes we’ve been in the garden yesterday and today for our lunch and hope you can too. For those in flats/apartments, not so easy as you say and especially if alone. It’s been very mild. I shall miss my hydro sessions and other social meetings too. I am doing art and a lot of tidying out. We had a central heating radiator spray out a lot of water all over the carpet and low level items got soaked last week and Mr NK had to move everything out fast. We are still putting things back. I presume you read a lot when you’re indoors?

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Have you fixed the rad or did you need a plumber? I dread something going wrong and having someone in to fix it. I have my central heating/hot water system serviced every year and it was due again in april, but not risking having a plumber in to do it. I'm not too concerned for now as I know people who have theirs serviced a lot less often. To be on the safe side I will buy one of those carbon monoxide detectors before too long.

Not much of a reader, but am big music fan and have a nice hi-fi system including a good quality turntable to play my 500 LPs. Have a couple of hundred CDs as well. My wife loves gardening and knitting. We are big film buffs so spend most evenings watching a good film or two, that's if we can find one as there is so much rubbish out there. I used to be a keen birdwatcher until RA put a stop to my wanderings a few years ago. As previously mentioned, my garden backs onto open countryside so will sit out the garden with my binocs around me neck when the weather is nice as we get a decent selection of fly-over birds of prey. I'm also enjoy trying to identify interesting looking insects and the like. Do I hear a feint arghhh? :-)

So all in all, we should have enough to keep us going, though of course it's not going to be easy, especially for my wife who is more of a socialite than me.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

No argh here as I’ve been drawing and making prints of insect imagery for many years! We must have 1000 CDs but stopped buying so many as we couldn’t move and we’ve a huge vinyl collection too of several hundred. Also I’ve all my Mum’s jazz and 1940s 78’s! Just need a turntable that will play those. I recently was bought a Bose CD radio with internet access and facility to attach to a turntable so I’ve to set that up. I love my Bose iPod docking station so now that will go in the dining room. The quality of sound is amazing without having to blast out full tilt. We love watching birds as we’ve so many in our garden and round about us too but we are amateurs, but I like drawing them. Did a birdhouse community project last year. Recycled owls! I’ll have to try post it as it’s very bling! Not my usual but ....

We’ve unearthed our DVD box sets and a load of board games too! I have so much art equipment etc and love to paint and draw. Two other friends/ex college student friends and myself are doing a WhatsApp art group chat and we are posting pics of our work. We have to keep calm and safe and as occupied as we can. Sit safely in our gardens too whilst possible. We had lunch in the garden today. No one else around.

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Thanks for your kind words in my rather manically titled"think i could be in big trouble" post. I'm feeling ok and my temp is still normal. With my past experiences dealing with difficult UTIs and more serious infections, I panicked at first, but despite the problems involved with this virus I'm in a much better place health wise than I was a few years ago so hopefully that, along with catching the UTI early, will help the antibiotics work this time. Hope so as the last thing I want is to end up in hospital with my lungs.

That record and CD collection of yours puts mine in the shade. There's a huge variety of turntables available to suit all budgets. If you do consider buying one they usually need some ancillary components so you will need to check first. You get up to some interesting stuff like making prints and drawing etc, so have plenty to get on with during self isolation, which is obviously important as I wouldn't be surprised as if it will go on for longer than 3 months...........

Looks like it's going to be a bit chilly come the weekend. Hope it's over quickly and we can have some nice warm weather to get out in the garden.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

I hope the abx are working well and you feel better soon. Hope you are soon back to normality .. well as much as can be at the moment. Scripts and appointments are all thrown out of sync and delayed. Hope you are relaxing with all your great music. My hubby and I both have extensive music and vinyl between us hence the numbers! We had quite a growing collection from our early teens too before we met. You sound to have an excellent collection. I do have a turntable but I’d like another newer one. I have an old but excellent quality Sony stack system. Whether the turntable is compatible with the Bose though? Will discover soon I guess!

I’ve had to pester the pharmacy to get my pain patches for two weeks. Just got them. Looks like I’ll have to start doing that again in another two weeks and presume they’ll take that time again to source them. As long as they don’t try give me a poor substitute with soya bean in the adhesive.

I entered an art competition recently to draw the Liberty building in London which is a favourite store of mine. I did an oil pastel sgraffito and it came out rather good. They haven’t got back to tell us the ones chosen ti be published in their quarterly magazine. It was the taking part that matters and disciplining myself.

Hope the chilly breeze subsides and we have warmer days again next week. We want to be able to sit out soon. I did twice last week when it was milder but only a short while with my padded coat on. Hope you have had plenty of rest and lots of fluids got the UTI. NK 😺

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Abx seem to be working, at least I've not had the discomfort I've been having since yesterday. My RA is definitely getting worse, no doubt because baricitinib leaves the body very fast...within a couple of days apparently. Anyway, keeping my fingers xxxx.

The availability of our meds is a concern. I've not long recieved a 3 month supply of baricitinib though there should be no issues with that particular med, but still reassuring to have them. I've phoned NHS to check about one or two essentials I need but they said there won't be a problem. What happens with soya bean patches?

Best of luck with that competition. Is the Libert Hall the Tudor type building? My daughter is supposed to start in art uni in september providing this crisis is over.

Nice and sunny here but much too chilly to sit in the garden. The forecast is for it to continue wellinto next week. British summertime my foot!...it's colder now than it's been for most of the winter.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply to wishbone

Glad to hear you feel improved! That’s good to know. Glad you have your meds supply for a few months. I have to chase up my Rtx infusion next week as it could take two months to sort out. I saw someone posting with exactly the same issue as myself and no doubt many others, re organising my next Rtx infusion mid and end of May and prior blood tests. My infusions are booked in the hospital biologics diary as I’ve seen them in black and white and hopefully I can go to the GP for a blood test but I will be shouted down when I try phone the GP. No blood test, no infusion so .... no infusion and I’m seized up and in bed again immobile. Rheumatology let that happen twice before re delaying my infusions and my middle fingers went badly deformed. Shame that 🖕🖕😜. Keep warm and well, Wish. I have had a text Klingon today telling me she’s got dreadful arthritis all over and no end of Spondalytis and other issues (but she’s self diagnosed.) She also said this two weeks ago and then posted photos of her in a bar drinking and saying she’d danced in a club??? Hmmmm. I’m very sympathetic to most but this sounds strange.

Is your daughter going to do a BA in Fine Art? I did so in 2004/7 then my Masters in Printmaking 2007/9. I originally did Commercial Design/Graphics 1976/79 and inbetween did all sorts of study here and there.

I don’t think Liberty will chose winners now with all that’s happened. It made me produce a good piece of art so I’m happy for that! Yes it’s the mock Tudor building.

Yes it was down to 2 degrees last night. Back to winter indeed. Brrr.

I had a horrible reaction to a soya yoghurt a couple of years back. It’s on my messages with my eyes like puffy boiled eggs 🥚 🥚 somewhere on my profile! Scary indeed. I was tested for soya allergy and told it was negative but the GP said differently having seen my eyes and skin. Said whatever the blood tests said, I had an allergy! I had pouches of fluid under my eyes too. Most unattractive. (I was looking up cosmetic surgeons for my poor eyes. I’d never had an under eye bag and those were fluid filled trunks! Hubby says yes whatever it takes if they don’t go back to normal! Antihistamines worked after several days!) It took a week to come right. So a transdermal pain patch with Soya bean oil in it isn’t something I’m going to say .. ooh yes I’ll have those as it’s easier and cheaper for you to give me! It was a different pharmacist who was awful tbh. She was told to stop this apparently by my GP as the pharmacists lied and told me the doc had recommended it! Nooo not at all. Also soya is used in anaesthetics for surgery so I’m not to have that option.

Keep warm and well. NK 😺

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to Neonkittie17

Those infusons sound a right pain, especially with this virus thing going on. I'm glad I'm on tablets. Still if they are helping you then worth a bit of inconveniance.

I have a bloods form here from rheumy but I'm not willing to have them done with this virus thing. The rheumy nurse said I can't have more baricitinib until my bloods are done, guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. The thing is a few months after I started baricitinib I phoned rheumy to ask about having my bloods done but the nurses were not really interested and told me to see my GP, which I did and asked him for two blood tests a year for a FBC & cholesterol because baricitinib can affect the latter. To my surprise my GP agreed and I've had two tests to date. Now after 18 months taking baricitinib, rheumy suddenly want them done. I know it's in my own interest but it's just a routine test and I'm not willing to risk having a blood test with things as they are, even if it is at my GP surgery. It will be interesting to see what happens in 3 months time.

It's my grandaughter going to uni, not my daughter as I said in my last post! :-O Anyway. it's a fine arts degree that she'll be doing. Think it's a three year course.

UTI symptoms have diminished thankfully, but RA is getting worse so I need to get back on baricitinib sooner rather than later.

Stay well Nk.

reg01 profile image
reg01

I think MOST people are being very selfish.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

I've heard the shelves are pretty bare in Morrisons, which is where we usually shop. I told my son the same as what you just said about trying the small Asian owned shops like the Spars etc. Hopefully people will come to their senses before much longer.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

Not heard anything, sorry Ajay.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

Good luck.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

No as they have caused this chaos by stockpiling and frightening so many people. I could swing for them. 🤨

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5

Nope - unfortunately there are a lot of selfish people out there. Just saw a video on a chap who bought different variety of brands of toilet paper and felt the need to brag about this on social media. These people have a sewer mentality - karma.

I hope you manage to get it sorted. ☺️

Angjoplin profile image
Angjoplin

I've not tested this myself but I've been told new delivery slots come out at midnight.

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