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

Isn’t walking recommended for good health?

To those that can walk, please do.
We all feel lazy from time to time, but a bit of self discipline will go a long way.
I have a bad back and don’t always feel like going out-in fact, I don’t go out every single day. But I think if I stayed in all the time, I might go a bit crazy.
During lock down i tried to go out most days just for a short walk.
I think a lot of people have become housebound and institutionalised.

This Friday I am meeting 3 other GNs for coffee locally. I think we are now in our 5th year.

Would that be of any help to anybody, especially polman who feels isolated? There are many, many GNs who are happy to meet for coffee. I live in NW London if that helps anybody.

Sort of. I work from home, so spend most of my days staring at walls. I miss the social interaction. I have “weed breaks”! Not my drug habit but every now and again, I see a weed in the garden and have to rush outside to yank it out. It could be worse. At least it’s not ill health or mobility issues that keep me confined.

I’ve been housebound for the last 3 years or so. Had to give up work due to poor health and mobility issues. I can still drive anywhere (with plenty of stops to get out and stretch) but once I get there, couldn’t get much further unless they had a mobility scooter for use or hire.

So I have purchased a mobility scooter. I don’t need it for home as there’s no shops I use nearby. But I have used it twice for going out on trips to my beloved football stadium to see my team play.

The difference it has made is amazing! No more struggling for an hour on stop/start with having to sit and rest. No more taking 3 days to recover from the day out.

I have felt quite lonely in the past, until lockdown where my daughter has worked from home. Having here around every day has been brilliant for me.

But… she’s preparing to go back to work soon so I’m guessing the loneliness will rear it’s head again. But at least now I’m able to get out and about a little more on my own.

I’m thinking of starting a mobility scooter club in the area, where we can all meet up in the local park (there’s a cafe there)

I’ve never seen a Mobility Scooter Gang - should I insist on leather biker jackets and motorbike boots?

Should I be blaming the period of lock down for this.?
Yes I think so. I am not housebound but I don't go out nearly as much as I did. I have little motivation and just don't feel like going out much anymore.

Hi, I haven't left my flat in over 2 years, apart from when hospital transport come and take me to appointments.
I DO have a problem leaving the building, I am now in a wheelchair and to get outside I have to negiotate 6 very heavy fire doors. I have ti try to open the door, have to use right hand, but I then need the right hand to operate the wheelchair, so I have to let the door go and it promptly shuts in my face. So unless I have someone with me I can't get out.

I'm not housebound but DH is immunosuppressed and finds walking difficult so he's hardly been out of the house for last 18 mths plus. Consequently neither have I as have been concerned about catching and passing on anything to him. Now I find I've lost a lot of confidence to actually go out and about on my own. Still, could be much worse I know.

Polnan, there are lots of different antidepressants and if the pills the doctor gave you caused side effects do ask tell him/her and ask for different ones. They do take time to take effect, a couple of weeks or so, but the right pills can make such a difference to your life. I have been taking mine for many years and my life is so much better with them. Do go back to the doctor please.?

Oh polnan, l wish l could make things better for you. It cannot be easy for you on your own. Or indeed anyone else who is alone or lonely.
If you are anywhere near me, l would be glad to meet up for a coffee. I'm in Cambridgeshire. Pm if you like.

polnan, antidepressants take 2-3 weeks to kick in, give them a good go

I've started going out more just recently, now that I've had my booster jab. But not mingling much with people, although I did go to the cinema last week for the first time.
Sometimes I just drive up onto Dartmoor and take a walk somewhere quiet, and then sit in the car and read.
I get depressed if I have to stay in too much.
I do wish I could wave a magic wand for you, polnan, and all others who are finding life so difficult.

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

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

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..

And some ? for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I’m delighted to be Shep Fanny!?

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.

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 )

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?

Very true Fanny.

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.