shielding letter at last

[Pam-51]

Finally received my letter instructing me to follow the shielding regime. Am now starting my 5th. week of isolating with my husband as we anticipated the lockdown. Life is very quiet but we are adjusting to the new normal gradually and the great weather this week has made life more pleasurable.

Along with all the other grandparents in the country our main sadness is missing our 15 month old granddaughter. We normally look after her one day a week and see her often so it is really hard not being part of her life. See her on FaceTime everyday but we miss the cuddles.

We feel safe staying home and the anxiety is diminishing as time goes on. Don’t know how long this will last but I am resigned to being isolated at least to the end of July. I suffer from Rituximab induced Hypogammaglobulinaemia so require immunoglobulin therapy weekly to maintain my immune system. Will need to be sure life outside is safe before I venture out into the world again.

Wishing everyone well. Keep safe.

Pam X

[stbernhard]

Hi Pam, I suppose that accepting the situation and trying to make the best of it is the only way forward. We're lucky to have a garden. The whole family is isolating. All the best.

[cathie]

Do you have to go out for your therapy?

[Pam-51 in reply to cathie]

No we do the infusions at home. Inject 50 mls of immunoglobulins into my tummy. Not pleasant but helps to reduce the number of infections.

[cathie in reply to Pam-51]

I’m glad you can do it at home. I’ve got phone appt with rheumy next week but I doubt he’ll plan for me to get next rituximab for a while- due end May.

[Pam-51 in reply to cathie]

Hi,

Yes, my Rituximab is due next month too and have an appointment on 18th May. Has not been cancelled yet so am thinking that I will give the hospital a call to postpone it. Don’t want to risk a visit to the hospital! Take care.

Pam

[cathie in reply to Pam-51]

I'm keeping an open mind. The hospital where I go has a separate building where I have my infusion and I'll see when I have my phone conversation. It is concerning though isn't it.

[Pam-51 in reply to cathie]

I go to Addenbrookes and the infusion unit is in the middle of the hospital and involves quite a trek through the building which is huge. So don’t feel I can risk it in the near future. Just hoping I keep reasonably well. If things go badly may have to have a re-think.

Pam

[cathie in reply to Pam-51]

We have all to make tricky decisions dont we. I hope you stay well.

[KittyJ in reply to Pam-51]

Did your letter come from Addenbrookes Pam or your Gp ? If it was the hospital they are way behind aren’t they. I’m not expecting one but I’m glad you took it upon yourself to isolate and didn’t wait.

[Pam-51 in reply to KittyJ]

The letter came from my GP practice in Bottisham. Have also been in contact with the Immunology Dept at Addenbrookes and they said I will have a letter from them as well. Only concerned about the letter to gain some preference with supermarket deliveries.

Have had one delivery last week booked 3 weeks before. Next one not due until the end of the month. Luckily volunteers are making deliveries from our village shop, have had meat delivered from a N.

Yorkshire farm and getting a weekly fruit and veg box from a local supplier. So at least we can enjoy a good meal.

Take care and keep safe.

Pam

[KittyJ in reply to Pam-51]

You take care too Pam, you’re not very far from me at all, that’s why I was asking 😊

[Tillie20]

Hi I received a text message thought it was a scam but no letter only realised it was not when Tesco sent me an email to say I was a priority customer x

[Baileyparklands]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us Pam. You certainly have a positive outlook. Happy Easter and stay safe.

Kindest Regards

[Matalow]

Pam what a relief, what part of the UK are you living?

Regards Mike

[Pam-51 in reply to Matalow]

We live in a village just outside Cambridge.

[Matalow in reply to Pam-51]

Thanks Pam I’m in Scotland I think the government here is lagging behind.

Mike

[Nik8210 in reply to Matalow]

Mine arrived today it’s from the Scottish Government and says the hospital and Gp will be intouch soon

[rab1874]

Know how you feel Pam we’re also missing hugging our 5Grandkids and we also watch them 2 a week ,but look on the bright side it won’t be long until we give them extra hugs stay safe Xxx

[Nik8210]

Mine just arrived today too

[Pam-51 in reply to Nik8210]

So pleased for you.

Take care and keep safe.

Pam

[kerryhannah]

I’m on the flip side... strict social distances with discretionary shielding according to my letter from Rheumatology before they properly look at my file but have a little girl who turns one on Friday! Thank goodness we have a garden and my parents have kindly bought a swing set which she loves! Can see how desperate grandparents are for cuddles but they have been great and my parents do what they can to entertain over FaceTime. It’s quite funny seeing them put on little puppet shows etc and gives me a tiny break to drink my tea!

Am baking her a cake for Friday and all the family are dialling into a Zoom call to sing Happy Birthday (will be painful with the time delay but worth it! 😂). Stay safe x