Isolation Day 80

Four years ago today, we were all togged up in our finery, excitedly celebrating Michael and Danielle’s wedding in Jersey. What a time we had! Such a great day. The sun came out just when we needed it; all those who’d been invited glowed with gladness, and the bride and groom absolutely shone with happiness. Happy, happy memories. Too many to tell, but the youngsters, in particular, had one helluva time!! As you can see……

In other news, time was when you’d leave the house on automatic pilot. Keys. Money. Phone. And off you’d go. Now, of course, it’s keys, money, phone, blood testing forms and mask. I am still unsure of the science of using a mask. I mean, when do you take it off? And how long are you allowed to wear it? And does it fit properly? Who is it protecting? Me or them?

Whatever thoughts we had on wearing a mask, however, we chose to do so on our visit to Heartlands today for John’s check-up. But confusingly, not all of the medics were wearing masks, so we are none the wiser of when, why or how. However, now that the government has confirmed everyone must wear a mask when using public transport, perhaps the science will be clearer to us soon….. just like the data, of course.

As it turned out, our trip to the hospital was quite successful. We found a disabled car parking slot just as we drove in, the security guard waved us into the building and then we booked into the clinic quite painlessly. I sat out in the corridor waiting to be summoned at the relevant point while John had all the blood tests known to man. Paneesha showed us the results of the tests – all quite good with the low neutrophil count of a couple of weeks ago being due to the infection overwhelming John’s system.

Good job we got him into hospital, but next time, (with a pointed look) best to bring him to Heartlands. Oh, actually, it’ll be the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham next time. Why? The transplant/haematology/oncology department is moving….. Well, that’ll be convenient.

Anyway, while we’re looking into what brought you into hospital, John, we probably need to do some more respiratory tests – and perhaps do some more ECP? (Blood-washing to you and me.) I’ll refer you to my colleagues to check you out. Lovely. More tests. Just what we’re after. Lung function test next Tuesday for starters? Smashing – can’t wait.

When we got back home, John took himself off to bed for an hour or two. It’s exhausting, just the thought of it all, let alone the doing of it. I, too, felt tired – and what have I got to feel tired about? It’s not me it’s happening to but I can’t help but empathise, and fatigue is catching up with us both. Tomorrow will be a better day I am sure.

Other excitements of the day were taking delivery of a new parasol (but where has the sun gone?); some photos of the family (aww……love ’em); and groceries (yay!!). We managed to get a delivery slot yesterday so we were able to buy all those specialist things that we were running out of. Additionally, I chose a few ‘extras’ as treats – a couple of bars of (85% chocolate) chocolate for John and some asparagus. Lucky us.

What didn’t arrive of course, was a garage door. I think we have been too optimistic, perhaps, in believing the company when they said they’d deliver this week. John has emailed them……

And then, this evening it was a ‘Zoom’ chat with the college crew. Oh, so good. It’s like drinking from a well of fresh water when you chat to your mates isn’t it? They are all so lovely, and I feel so blessed that they are my friends.

I know I have so many things to be thankful for and blessings to count but, in the current climate with all the protests and strong feelings being shared, I feel I ought to be ‘doing my bit’. However, at the moment, I am not sure what ‘my bit’ looks like; and so I am simply continuing to hunker down as we try to maintain that protective layer around us against COVID-19. Hoping, that one day, we’ll be able to leave the house on automatic pilot again.

Deaths from the virus are slowing and the volume of people infected is lessening. The government reported 176 deaths in all settings, with 1,805 people infected as of yesterday (3 June 2020) at 5 p.m. while the NHS reports 24 deaths in hospitals, with 69 having been confirmed the day before. It’s better, so there’s hope.

In the meantime, I know I am not able to change anything on a national or global level, so I give you another happy, happy picture from our time in Jersey four years ago.

Make the most of what you’ve got, everyone, it’s so precious – and, of course, take care.