COVID-19 and Holidays

Merry & Terri (@windwalker)
First, as far as staying home - I want to, but Jerry doesn't. Infection levels at both ends and in between in January will determine what we do. And there, we can be outdoors at will - I can put up with walking in the cold, but he has diabetic neuropathy, and it's really difficult for him to tolerate - even with battery-operated socks & gloves, etc. Aside from doctors and one trip to the appliance store, he doesn't go out at all here at home.

Washer & dryer were replaced 2 years ago - you are right about the energy savings. After a lot of research about the newer types, we bought Speed Queen commercial models, and have been delighted with them. Also, last year we replaced 46 year old furnace & A/C - as well as installing an excellent air purifier - didn't even go to the highest efficiency, and saw a 25% drop in utilities. If we do the refrig & dishwasher (also both 20+ yo) we should be set for as long as we'll be here. Oh yes, we just did the softener & water heater again too - that's what happens when your house is getting ready to celebrate its 50th birthday.

Merry - We use the same independent dealer every time - their prices are competitive, customer service is excellent, and their installers stay with them for years - we even had to make an appt to select our appliances. We were asked to mask up and stay out of the room where the installers were working. Our personable young men were properly masked & extremely careful. The first one came in alone to remove/install the microwave, the second only entered to help remove the old range & bring in the new one, which he had unpacked & assembled on the driveway to minimize his time in our house. We sanitized all the surfaces after they left, and felt quite safe.

Sue

I love it sueinmn. Am going to do the same. Have been really down in the dumps. My mom turns 90 in December and was planning a grand celebration. She is in excellent health and still drives so us kids told her to be prepared for even a bigger party hopefully in 2021!
Can I ask if anyone has reservations about getting the CoVid vaccine? I go back and forth on it. I do get my flu vaccination every year with no problem. Just curious as to what others thought.

Vaccines don't scare me, so we will be getting it, as well as our kids/grandkids. My take is that the risk of side effects is far less than that of getting the virus, and even partial protection is a big advantage. I was of the same mind with Shingrix and pneumonia - had mild reactions to both, but last time I got pneumonia, it morphed into a lot worse. And seeing what others have gone through with shingles, there is no way I want to deal with it.
Sue

Sue- This is a tough situation, I know because I've been on your husband's side with lung cancer and not being able to tolerate the out of doors during the summer season, especially. I feel very guilty that we haven't gone places or done things because of me and Dave just won't do them without me. I love the man It's so very difficult to be the one who causes a change in activities because of health reasons. He has never, never made me feel this way. We have had so many plans that have had to be put on the backburner now also because of COVID-19. But we can dream and go places by sharing our memories and hopes. No putting up with travel snafus and lost luggage that way, right?

@sueinmn- Oh, I'm not afraid of vaccines either. I've just had 2 of them myself. I feel as if I should be excited about them, but because they have understandably rushed this through, all of the side effects and kinks haven't been worked out. I guess I'm afraid of upsetting the applecart with my health. Hopefully, my worries will be for naught.

I had a shingle shot a few years ago and Dave got a mild case of it right after I came home. My doctor said that since it was a live virus that could happen. I now have to go and get the new one (2 hots I think it is).

That's terrible that your pneumonia developed into something worse. How long were you ill?

@merpreb I used to be ok with vaccines until I noticed myself gettting sick for a week after every flu shot. The stories about neuropathy starting after shingles vaccinations has scared me from it and I had an extremely mild case maybe 10 years ago. Can you please let us know how your husband feels after his shots? I just can’t imagine adding more neuropathy pain on top of what I already have. Thanks for sharing. And also how the Covid vaccine goes?

@bustrbrwn22- I know that the shingles vaccine can cause side effects. Are you talking about the new one that does not have a live virus or the old one? Mine was the old one and I was just told that I still needed to get the 2 shots of the new one. I might even get the first one today. Dave hasn't gotten him yet and will be speaking with his dr. in the next couple of weeks.
I'll let the world know, lol, after I am vaccinated!

@hopeful33250 recently had shingles and she can tell you about her experience, I hope.

What is your neuropathy from?
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html

@merpreb I would be thinking of the new vaccine that I think is a 2 parter
I apologize for my ignorance of my condition I always just refer to it as sciatica. My S1 nerve is hitting a/some vertebrae that isn’t best served by surgery according to neurologists I’ve seen. That’s ok surgery would scare me. Seems like sometimes the pain is worse after from some postings I’ve seen. I am now trying myofascial release therapy and doing the exercises prescribed dutifully. I’ve tried everything else I’ve heard about. For some reason I really believe this therapy will help. Along with cortisone injections I receive. I hope my expectations of the therapy are realistic but all you can do is whine for a couple days and then keep researching for “cures”. The people I’ve met on this forum have given me hope and relief from my loneliness as I’m usually in bed more hours than I’m upright due to the pain.

Hi Mary, this is migizii.....I have been reading about people’s experiences having shingles but the article posted here about the shingles vaccine sounds rather alarming. How would one know if you had that previous condition to not take the vaccine? The side effects happen to 1 in 6 people which is a very high ratio and neuropathy from a vaccine would be terrible. I was seriously considering getting the vaccine, in spite of having to pay for the entire thing (due to my limitations on Medicare) but I have a good deal of apprehension now. I have taken many other vaccinations without incident, although my 92yr old mother hasn’t taken any and has never contracted any serious illnesses. I understand the decision is mine, but is there any other information to consider? Thx for listening and I am grateful for everyone’s input!

@migizii. I had the "old" shingle vaccine and one dose of the new vaccine. I didn't have the second dose because my pharmacy ran out of it and then covid started. I wonder if I have to do it all over again. I did not have any adverse reaction other than my arm was sore. I did have shingles many many years ago after an automobile accident. Shingles are often brought on by stress. It was on my neck area. The water from the shower felt like needles. I had to wear button my shirt up all the way to cover it. I was not a happy camper. Since then, I am always worried when I'm under stress, of course this covid doesn't help. I have Medicare too, and I did not pay for the first dose. Check with your insurance company again. I'm surprise you have to pay for it since I didn't.