Covid-19 & Self Isolation

Talk with physician's office

by Theknotguy - 2020-03-16 08:44:23

I'd talk with your physician's office and follow their instructions.  

I volunteer in a hospital and we were taking the precautions prior to what has happened in the last couple of weeks. It's standard procedure for avoiding the influenza virus.  i.e. washing hands more, using hand sanitizer more, not touching face after touching "public" items such as door handles, wheel chair handles, elevator buttons, etc.  Then wiping down wheel chairs used for taking people out of the hospital after use.  ER people had to do more but mostly it was just making sure things were wiped and our hands were clean.  

You are probably at higher risk but I really wouldn't worry unless your physician's office - who should know your situation better than us - advises you differently.  
 

Listen to your body

by Gemita - 2020-03-16 11:51:53

and do what you feel is best for you.  If you are anxious about going out you will only make yourself poorly and you need to keep strong.  I am also in the UK and have been advised to self isolate as much as possible to be on the safe side.  At the moment I am still going out (mainly to hospital appointments) and to the shops.  My hospital appointment for this afternoon has just been cancelled though.  It is frustrating since we all still have ongoing health problems that haven't gone away, but I guess the virus is the greater threat at the moment.

I hope you have a supporting family and friends who can help you to successfully self isolate for the period necessary. If you have access to a private garden all the better to get some fresh air and natural daylight.  Do what Theknotguy has suggested and speak to your doctors about your concerns but trust yourself also.  You know yourself best and self isolation is a very reasonable step to take in the present climate, particularly with your health condition.   Keep strong and safe and hope everything turns out well for you.

Stan

by IAN MC - 2020-03-16 13:17:39

....  it seems to be an absolute no-brainer to me .   You are very high-risk as far as Coronavirus goes so you should be self-isolating NOW.    With your medical background  you need to be doing everything possible to avoid becoming infected.

Just my opinion but you've asked for opinions.

Take Care

Ian

stay in!

by Tracey_E - 2020-03-16 13:56:07

I'm with Ian, this is a no brainer. There are too many stupid people out there not taking this seriously. People can spread it around well before they know they are sick and germ can last days after someone touches a surface so saying someone is not at risk and/or feels fine is not a reason to go out in public yet people continue to do it. Not worth the chance, just stay home. 

Isolation

by Selwyn - 2020-03-16 19:15:49

In the great run of human life, a few weeks of isolation can be used to your benefit.  All those books you can read, you can do all those hobbies, connect to the world over the internet, and keep away from germs. If I was in your position I don't think I would step outside of the house.

I do wish you well. I play table-tennis with a heart transplant recipient. He is fit and well for a 55 year old. He has an unfair advantage of having the heart of a teenager!  He has taken part in the World Transplant games. He does not even have a pacemaker!

Best wishes, keep positive, keep well,

Selwyn  

Isolation

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-17 11:34:50

I agree with the above.  You can't take the slightest chance of being infected.  I'd be burrried so deep in a pillow they couldn't find me untill Christmas. As it is, we're doing at least two weeks at home.  My employer has shit down the offices and sent everyone home - those who can work from home will.  Everyone else gets a two week vacation, I suppose.

We're somewhat compromised both 68, with a CABG, PM, slight kidney imparement for me and my wife is diabetic, so are taking this as seriously as it deserves, IME.  For you, things are a lot different.  If I get the WuFlu, I have a fighting chance.  You may not.

As far as a heart transplant...  I'd be scared *itless if I were in that position.  The heart may be fine, now, but what about the lungs?  This is a respiratory infection and the lungs (pneumonia) is the primary killer.  Sure, a bad heart makes things all the worse (in particular, CHF) but I'd also be worried about the drug supply chain.  That may be a problem for  a good portion of us.  I know I'd be scared if I started running low on Eliquis, even though I've had my LAA clipped.

This is serious stuff for those of us not in perfect shape.

Protect Yourself

by RickP - 2020-03-17 21:02:55

I agree with those that urge you to stay home and do everything you can to protect yourself from this very nasty virus.  I live in Northern California and our county health department just ordered a "shelter in place order" until early April.  So, I'm going to fire up Netflix and other distractions and try not to go nuts until this settles down.  I'd urge you to look at doing the same.

All the best.....

isolate

by Bearkat419 - 2020-04-05 16:15:31

i survived the dang virus already

barely

and it was the  final straw for an already weak heart, pacemaker coming soon

there is some  evidence emerging of it causing permanent heart damage even in people without exiating issues