Covid

[jayne17]

Now that visiting is allowed in hospitals would it still considered very risky for myself to visit a relative in hospital. I have RA and on abatacept and methotrexate.

[Fruitandnutcase]

To be honest unless I absolutely, absolutely had to go I wouldn’t go and if you do go then be sure to wear a mask and hand gel.

[jayne17 in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thanks, yes thats how I am looking at it, and I wouldn't normally consider it, but she may not come home if you know what I mean. Your comments are appreciated.

[medway-lady]

Only you can answers this as is your relative in a high dependancy unit which might be better for you although not for them. Or in a busy ward and then again how ill are they as if unlikely to recover I'd probably go but if in due course they'll recover and return home then probably not and then you could go to their home. And then how close are they if it was my parent or sibling again I'd go but an aunt then no. You still have to wear masks in hospital anyway or thats around here as I did even in the fracture clinic. Whatever you decide is right for you is the right thing to do and I really hope your relative recovers and is home soon.

[jayne17 in reply to medway-lady]

Thank you your comments are appreciated and yes you're right it depends how ill they are and I'm afraid quite poorly and may not come home. I know its my decision, but a difficult one. Thanks though.

[HappykindaGal]

My closest friend was end of life recently on a cancer ward which had covid on the ward, but visitors were still tested and had to wear masks and gowns for some reason.

I never even thought twice about going as we were closer than sisters. She would have done the same for me. I was fine (well, no covid). I take mtx and biologics. Personally, there was no choice in my mind and I was always going to go and sit with her, read to her etc…support her children. This was always far bigger than me potentially catching covid.

Only you really know the answer though. 😊

[Sheila_G]

I wouldn't risk it. Hospitals are full of all kinds of threat to us especially just now. If you really must go, wear a double mask if you can and don't stay long.

[Runrig01]

I personally would go, if it was a friend or family with little prospect of coming home. Obviously I would wear a mask. Social distancing is easier in the ward setting, I’ve attended hospitals regularly throughout the pandemic, and have always been fine and impressed at the level they go to, to keep us safe. They are unlikely to want to sit and talk fir hours, if that poorly, but would take comfort from your visit, even if shortened due to risks. We all have to be comfortable with the decisions we take. I wish you all the best whatever you decide. I’m on MTX, biologic and steroids, yet when hubby was really poorly In September with it, I didn’t succumb to it 🤗

[Gilliancheche]

I have quite a few outpatient appointments and also have my regular blood tests done at hospital. People are asked to wear masks in the hospital and I have seen several people stopped and given masks. I would wear a mask use sanitiser and visit. I lost 2 very dear friends during COVID as they were not allowed visitors I could only contact them by phone. I would have loved to just be able to hold their hand briefly. The decision is yours. Check with the ward about mask wearing maybe?

[Gnarli]

It's never going to be an easy decision whatever you decide to do. If your relative is so poorly that they may not come home I'd be taking all possible precautions and visit, albeit briefly. I have lost too many loved ones and been unable to visit them before the end. It is a grief and regret even after many years.

[jayne17 in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks for that, yes I have decided to go but to be careful and wear a mask or two.!!

[Gnarli in reply to jayne17]

Yes, taking all precautions to keep yourself safe makes sense. I do hope your visit goes as well as can.

[Hidden]

If you wear an appropriate mask and use hand gel you’ll be fine. Just make sure to wash any exposed skin as soon as you get home and have a gargle.

[Pulfs]

As it’s a friend with not much chance of coming home I’d personally would visit. I lost 2 dear friends who were in hospital during lockdown and could only message them as both coincidentally had lung cancer and found it tiring for me to phone. I also missed their funerals for the same reason when restrictions on numbers. I still miss them and it was hard not seeing them.

Hope all our comments help you come to a decision on what to do xxx

[sampete]

I have PMR RA. OA and just spent 5 days in hospital over Christmas also with husband who tested positive for covid before I went in and I have been fine.

[Barrister]

I have Covid (6 vaccinations and first time contracting Covid - I wear a mask whenever I leave the house and rarely go out). I went to hospital last Wednesday for a chest X-ray - now I have Covid !

[jayne17 in reply to Barrister]

Thanks for your reply and so sorry you've got covid, hope you're better soon.

[Gottarelax]

I recently had regular visits to my father who had a touch and go operation. Generally the hospital was still following good control and I wore a mask and gelled my hands regularly. There was no way that I could not go in due to circumstances. If you do decide to go in, get a good quality mask (FP3) avoid touching your face and you could also wear gloves.

[jayne17 in reply to Gottarelax]

Thanks for your reply, and I have decided to go but take all precautions. I have to go, it's the right decision.

[Downtime]

I would absolutely go, especially in the circumstances. I’m similar to you and I’ve been to hospital lots of times during the last couple of years, to visit people and have consultations and treatment at various departments. You have to wear a mask anyway, santitise your hands etc. no problems.

[Aperson99]

I can only say from my experience. I’m on MTX and biologics and I got Covid, I was rough for three days but started to feel better and then fine after 5 days. Others in the group with no medical conditions were worse off, but I had my jabs all up to date and so my immune system was primed. So if you have all your jabs that I think is key, we can only do so much to protect ourselves but the vaccinations is what gives us the security if we get the infection. Good luck and I hope it goes well.

[jayne17 in reply to Aperson99]

Yes thanks for your reply, I am up to date with all my vacination and I shall go.