It's hard to believe that I have been shielding for more than a year now. Although the official government advice to shield has been paused again, I am not planning to socialise until later in the year when all adults have been vaccinated. When shielding was paused last summer, I did see friends for a socially distanced cuppa in the garden, but that has been it. Apart from going to medical appointments (and to the mobile post office van to post the Fibre4Fibres prizes), I haven't left home. Tomorrow I will get my second dose of the Covid vaccine, so that's another step towards a more normal existence. I'm in the CEV group (Clinically Extremely Vulnerable) and the vaccines weren't tested on people with suppressed immune systems, so it's a bit of an unknown as to whether or not they develop antibodies. I'm hoping that I might be able to get an antibody blood test in due course as that would hopefully provide reassurance that it's safe for me to go out into the big wide world again.
I've learnt a lot about myself over the past 12 months. I'm more resilient than I thought and despite the isolation, I've kept myself pretty upbeat. Having the Fibre4Fibres fundraising to organise has been really helpful, as it's become a part of my weekly routine and has given me something positive to focus on. As a former teacher, I had to follow a timetable, and I've found it quite helpful to plan my days. Obviously it's not set in stone and plans can change, but I think that routine is important, especially when you're on your own. When you give some structure to the day, it keeps you occupied; even if it's an afternoon of reading! I have read a lot more during lockdown and also listened to audiobooks. I am not a huge TV watcher, and really didn't want to get into the habit of having the television on as background noise. I'm very thankful that I've had Flo to keep me company. She listens to my chatting and can generally be relied upon to meow at the appropriate moments! I've also kept busy with my designing and have published several sock patterns. (Please be aware that these are all Ravelry links.)
*** Rainbow Ripples Trainer socks ***
*** Mermaids' Playtime socks ***
*** Give and Take socks ***
*** It's Seagull o'clock socks ***
*** Alder socks ***
I've also been working on a jumper design that you may well be seeing some more of later in the year!
This jumper uses my Good Striations pattern around the yoke. I don't think it will become a published pattern, but never say never!
Health-wise, it's been a roller coaster of a year. Almost all of my hospital appointments have been by telephone. That's difficult when you're needing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. I had a 12 week cycle of chemotherapy last summer to try to get my myositis under control. That didn't make any significant difference, so I am on a different immunosuppressant now which is usually given to patients following an organ transplant, so it's pretty heavy duty. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know about my cancer diagnosis and surgery earlier this year. People with myositis are more susceptible to cancer in the first few years following diagnosis. Conversely, myositis can also be cancer-driven - it's called a paraneoplastic syndrome - so there is a very small chance that things might begin to improve for me. I'm holding onto that little glimmer of hope and thinking positively.
I’m looking forward to having the choice to do things that I previously took for granted. The shielding was only ever advice from the government, but both my consultants told me that I was at very high risk of developing complications if I caught Covid, so it would have been foolish to ignore the experts. When it feels safe, I’ll be heading to the coast and that will definitely involve eating chips! Seeing friends, going out for meals, going to the theatre - all things that I’ve missed. I’d like to go back to Kos again too when I’m well enough. Even a trip to the supermarket will have me giddy with excitement! What have you missed during lockdown? Stay safe and well. xxx
3 comments:
A whole year of shielding; that's a huge achievement. So glad that you have darling Flo to keep you company. Your patterns are beautiful and I think you should release the jumper one with the good striations yoke. Ooh, chips by the sea - sounds so good. I've mainly missed seeing my girls in person, but also swimming and a good charity shop trawl! :O) Take care. xx
It has been such a tough year but there is light and ‘chips’ at the end of the tunnel. Hold on there, you have done amazingly to stay so upbeat. Xx
Just catching up, I had been wondering if your shielding was over. You are wise to be cautious, I cannot understand all the people queued to get back into the shops today. I hope your second jab went well and you reintroduce yourself to the outside world when you are ready and able. Meantime be proud of how well you’ve coped over the last year and all you’ve achieved, much of it I’m sure down to the wonderful support of Flo. xx
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