Off furlough, back at work - mixed feelings

[dawkin_S]

Morning all, hope you're doing okay today.

Well, I went back to work for the first time in six months yesterday, just for a half day, and same again today. I work in a cake shop/cafe, that has been open throughout but I have been on furlough. Work has done all the right things in terms of spacing customers out, only three tables open, counter-customers need masks, hand sanitiser, etc etc, so this is not a criticism of them, more how I'm feeling. It's so nice to be back, lovely to see colleagues and regulars, but I can't decide if I feel okay with it all.

For starters, the shop staff and the chefs aren't wearing masks - although staff will have to now following that announcement, which is a relief. Then there's the fact that customers eating in obviously have no mask on. Then there are some customers coming in with no mask, or trying to pull it down to talk to you! It's impossible for staff to be 1m or 2m apart alot of the time as there is no space.

My boss is very cool about my situation, and I'm under no pressure to come in if I don't feel safe, so this is more me pondering and seeing what my fellow RA sufferers think. For info: I'm on methotrexate/hydroxychloroquine, and have developed what seems to be asthma since having what *may* have been covid or was another viral chest complaint back in April.

Off to work now, so I will wish you all a good morning - personally I'm happy it's cooled off but commiserations to the sun lovers amongst us.

[Hidden]

I’m with you bring on the cool weather. The heat and humidity has been a nightmare for me.

Totally understand your feelings I’m the same.i work in a school. Social distancing went out the window on the first day. We can only do our best . It’s also a shock physically after all this time off.

It will get easier. X

[dawkin_S in reply to Hidden]

Oh boy, yes I am shattered after 4 hours! I'm hoping my breathing and stamina will improve as I get more exercise (ie, working). After today, as my colleague is wearing a visor now, I feel a bit better about it all. I still had to ask three people to put on masks today though - crazy. I've decided to play it by ear and see what happens in terms of my fitness, and infection rates. Luckily for me, my boss and colleagues are very understanding - something I do appreciate. Hope you are doing okay.

[Hidden in reply to dawkin_S]

Like you shattered. I too am going to take one day at a time. If I’m under power then im not going to work I feel we are more vulnerable then.

[Prunes]

I know how feel about returning to work. I went back to work on Monday in a school after having shielded.

Masks are compulsory in the corridors and gel everywhere. Staff good at keeping their distance from me but there's 1100 students to worry about.

Not entirely at ease about the situation either but shielding of course may come back. 'Seeing' my consultant in a couple of weeks so I'll ask his opinion.

Oh and I'm much happier that it's cooler too 🙂

[dawkin_S in reply to Prunes]

Ah that will be good to have a chat with the consultant about it - it feels hard, to me at least, to judge the risk level properly at the moment. I did speak to my RA nurse about it at my last phone appointment but tbh she couldn't really advise me. Hope your appointment goes well and you stay safe.

[Prunes in reply to dawkin_S]

Thanks. I fully expect him to be non-commital but it's worth a try.

Take care

[dawkin_S in reply to Prunes]

Yes, that is something I struggle with. I may be wrong but it seems to me that GPs, consultants and nurses alike are all much less likely to give definite recommendations about things nowadays - even if you ask straight out. Best of luck!