COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself?

@bluesplashgirl, Good information and advice. I'm with you and observing the benefits of self-quarantining because most in my community seems to be taking the pandemic as a non-event. And so true that the virus is a non discriminating malice; just wants to spread and multiply.

@bluesplashgirl & @mayofeb2020, I would like to add my name to your elite membership circle because I've been taking the same precautions and share the same beliefs as you. I am health compromised; therefore I take precautions that no one else in my circle but daughter and her family are observing.

I have been chided by others too and it is hurtful. A phys. assist. "friend" tried to "explain to me" that i was way overdoing my safety measures and told me that if I got the virus, "she would take care of me". Well, I seriously doubt that! She is a fair weather friend at best who went MIA when I was out of commission with 7 fractures several yrs ago. I don't wake each morning in dread of the virus because I'm doing all I can to stay safe. It only takes one exposure. If I get the virus, my comfort will be that I did all in my power to stay well. My heart goes out to all who don't have the luxury of being retired and are unable to isolate. Each must decide what risks to take. For the first time in memory, I am choosing self-care over social invitations and despite the opinions of others. Where do I send my application for membership? Smiles and best to all.

It’s a difficult place to be when compromised. But we all have to do the best to stay safe. I think you’re doing good and you should be careful at all times. I don’t go out and I have everything delivered to my house and my daughter does some. But I know it’s best for me and it’s my safety that matters. We have to take care of ourselves because this virus is horrible and I may not make if I got it. So I’m doing my best to stay safe. I hope we are all being wise and safe. This is going to be over soon!! 😊

In the end, it really is nobodies business how you want to take care of yourself and in turn you are taking care of everyone else by being cautious and "paranoid". It makes me sad for all the essential workers who risk their lives every day for those who couldn't care less about their well being. Stay strong and keep on protecting yourself and everyone else. I admire you and Thank You!

@america, I appreciate your post and agree that making wise choices will help us stay safe and well. Happy Labor Day to you and all!

@bluesplashgirl, What you write is so true. Just looked at your bio and want to also thank you for your work as a certified Manual Lymph Drainage practitioner. My dearest friend found much needed benefit and relief from her lymphodema with her referral to a like practitioner.

Sounds like we share common interests in photography, writing, and as a lover of animals. Would that all strove to do as you report in "striving every day to be a better person" ! The universe would be a far, far better place, indeed! Smiles

I'm celebrating just over a year as a Connect member and am thankful for the many encouraging and inspiring members I continue to meet who are here to support, listen and provide helpful links on all sorts of ways to help us deal with challenging issues. Together, we really are better, yes? Best wishes to you and all going forward! Sincerely.

I can empathize with everyone on this topic. I do not go out unless I absolutely have to and I can count on one hand how many times that has been since March. A "friend" of mine told another friend I was being way to "rigid" and she just didn't think I needed to be so "rigid". Well, obviously she "doesn't get it!" I'm being "rigid" because my doctors have told me to be. Not to mention, I do have a degree of common sense. It seems like there's one extreme or another. I have friends being very diligent and I have friends who continue to dine in clusters without any protection whatsoever. I don't get the ones who socialize without any protection. Honestly, at this point, I don't care about them, but I do care about the people whom they may be infecting. Very inconsiderate to say the least. Ok... I've finish my rant ! Toni

Toni1132 I had to reply because I too have felt criticized for staying at home and having groceries and prescriptions delivered. I have been made to feel like I’m cowering and fearful when I’m actually just going about my business being a comfortable and relaxed homebody. My friends have stopped calling me since I am not going out for anything social. In March, my pulmonologist told me that I needed to stay home from work as I was at such high risk. The extent of my traveling is to my local market where I have my groceries brought to my car and placed in the trunk. I am still on the same tank of gas that I put in in March before the stay at home orders went into effect. I bring in groceries masked and with latex gloves and wipe everything down with Clorox wipes. I am due to see my pulmonologist next week and will try to make it a tele appointment. I am still concerned about doctors appointments in person and I’m weighing how to go about getting my annual senior flu shot. This pandemic has caused me to consider retiring since I am 72. My original plan was to retire at 75 and I have been working only about 20 to 25 hours a week up until March. I follow the posts here every day and have learned so much, cheered and empathized with members and been truly grateful for the caring and generous posts that so many have shared.

@sounder27 and @toni1132 It's Labor Day weekend and am amazed at the number of tourists who walk around with no masks! I babysit and people thought I washed my hands a lot then and now keep mask on with them too. There will always be critics but we need to encourage one another that we are doing the right thing for ourselves as well as keeping others safe.

I am 65 and had a very weak immune system so I do t even listen to some of my friends anymore. I know because my primary care dr told me to do exactly what I’m doing. I have RA, Sjogrens, MAC and my BP is always low. I am so blessed to be alive, last year
I was in the hospital for a week and I was scared I had pseudomonas and pneumonia but I got through it all so I am not taking any chances with the way I live now. I am so happy to hear that you are too. There will be many times for going out and having fun but for now it’s good to be safe. Life is a gift. Prayers and love to you and all. Rita.