Do you, like me, hardly ever leave your house? ?

Anniebach

JaneJudge I live in a council bungalow so have to wait for their ‘care and repair’ dept , a builder who has a contract with the council has checked the doors and agreed to carry out the work, even measure up, I have to wait until the dept tell him when to carry out the work.

It is a nightmare dealing with it all isn't it? I am grateful we live in a country where adaptations are carried out to council property but when it is urgent and we are waiting months, it is very frustrating. My dd's OT has put in an urgent request for minor works in the meantime as she has fallen out of the door whilst we have been waiting

Of course, I am not allowed to fund or do works myself so it is just a matter of waiting. I hope you get them sorted out soon so you can go outside

Thank you for this thread Fanny. I can get out and do so with my dog 3times a day. We don't really go anywhere though as my dh is ecv and his immune system is comprised.
I feel guilty if go out and leave him behind at home, so tend not to go.
It must be awful for those of you that cannot even get out into your gardens or live alone. We live on an estate that is mixed private and housing association. The ha has done nothing during these past 18 months to sort out problems here from what friends have told me.

Sorry I do not understand what ecv is. It is not a known medical abbreviation.

Isn't the correct term CEV ie Clinically Extremely Vulnerable ?It is what I use for my DH

I made a point of going out every day over lockdown, because I knew I could only too easily fall into the habit of not going out at all

Sorry yes, l meant CEV, my apologies.

Teacheranne: I have lost 4 stone and got 2 new hips over the past 3 years. It can be done and it certainly has improved my physical abilities.

I'm sorry you're housebound Fanny - I know your DH is older and has been very ill, is that why you stay at home?

Fortunately, at present, I'm in good health and out and about every day and would hate to be housebound - of course that day may come as none of us know what's around the corner healthwise.

For those who are able but can't be bothered can I urge you to make a bit of an effort! Even I, with my usual spring in my step attitude, can have an off day when I can't be *rsed to go out due to the weather or whatever, but I just know that this can lead to reclusiveness, particularly if you live alone.

I think the gloomy weather makes it even more important to get a bit of fresh air and exercise.

I promise faithfully to start tomorrow.

I’m one of those who prefer to stay at home. I arranged for everything to be delivered in lockdown and have kept to those arrangements, so I don’t have to go out shopping. My lovely dog is old and very wobbly on her back legs now so I don’t walk her, like me she potters around the garden and seems happy, loves her food and still enjoys her toys but I know one day that will change and we will have to bite that difficult bullet.
I honestly have no desire to go out. We usually go out for a meal one evening when my son and daughter in law come to stay but otherwise are content at home with gardening, books and other hobbies. Neither of us is particularly keen on socialising and, having rescue dogs, we haven’t been on holiday for a good 15 years but really have no desire to. We’re happy but active albeit definitely less so than before the pandemic.

I am able to go out and do but am very aware that I just like to be at home or at our lodge where I am at the moment. It worries me because my mum had mental health problems and didn't leave the house for about 10 years, up until her death.

We've had a very difficult 9 years so I need to feel safe, and home or here are the only places where I do. We go out shopping which I'm happy to do and for meals but it's always a relief to get home and close the door.

I joined a choir a couple of weeks ago with a friend, on the day I was going for the first time I nearly talked myself out of it but with Mr. S.'s encouragement decided to give it a go.

So glad I did as I'm really enjoying it.

I know that some of you have no choice but to stay at home and reading this thread has reminded me of how lucky I am that I can go out, so a BIG thank you to everyone whose posted here.

MerylStreep

Fanny
I know you have some health issues, but do you and your husband drive?

Hi Meryl, thank you
I don’t drive, but my husband does.

I think that the Covid situation has resulted in a double, or maybe even triple, whammy, for not only us but others.
(I don’t mind talking about us at all, but I don’t want this thread to just be about me, if you know what I mean).
Any way - triple whammy -
Not being able to go out; not wanting to go out (due to not only fear of infection, but burgeoning agoraphobia); and fewer safer places to actually go to.

Very true Fanny.

Hello Shep (that’s going to be my new name for you, sounds friendlier than GSM, I hope that you don’t mind)
It’s a vicious circle isn’t it?
DH and I are actually having counselling next month, as we are in such a muddle. I’m thinking (hoping) that CBT might do the trick?

Maya don’t worry! I still get CEV and ECV mixed up. It doesn’t help that the first one is correct, but the second one most commonly used.
(I think )

That's very good advice Anniebach.

There is nothing at all to prevent me from going out but I was getting very lethargic because of lockdown and no-one I know wanting to meet outdoors.
Then I joined our U3A walking group and that has cheered me up a lot.

I’m delighted to be Shep Fanny!?

Thanks Fanny it is very confusing. That sounds like an excellent idea about the counselling, hope it helps.
I don't drive either and l think that's what puts me off going further afield. I don't like the idea of catching the bus now.
As l said luckily l have the dog and can get out and feel for all of you that physically cannot.

Having to make appointment at pharmacy some miles away for booster jab as our surgery, where we had our first and second jabs, has a recorded message telling you to wait to be called when it’s your turn, which it was several weeks ago. Just had letters from NHS telling us to book online. Not looking forward to going, even though it will be by car, wonder if I’m becoming agoraphobic. I wasn’t like this pre-Covid. I feel totally pathetic.

Riverwalk (all about me again, I’m afraid!)
The reason I don’t go out is because I literally can’t walk more than a few steps, and I’m in chronic pain due to a trapped nerve and osteoarthritis.
I’ve had to cancel two operations due to DH being in hospital. It’s a long and miserable tale!
The good news (the fantastic news) is that DH now has the most wonderful Respiratory OHT, who is trying to sort various things out for us. She’s even given me her mobile number.
She is an absolute, total and utter, diamond.

Poor you Fanny. I do hope you’re able to have treatment soon. Constant pain wears you down. Well done for always being so cheerful on here.

And some ? for you.

I am on my own for the last 2 years since I was born, and I struggle to deal with it, sort myself out.. Please help!

I don`t have many relatives or close friends, and they are all busy,, I have been getting out, then succumbed to depression, so now off them after 7 days as I was worse taking them, than not taking them.

wish someone had a magic wand for me.. and others..

I mostly go out for doctor appointments or to pick DGC up for sleepovers. Other than that I’m indoors.

Oh polnan
You really need to speak to your GP again. They can try you on another antidepressant.
Can you do a self referral to have counselling so that you can talk to someone about it? Your doctor’s surgery should be able to help you with that.
PM me if you would like to please x