Just catching up and very much hoping you and your mum are feeling at least slightly better! What an awful experience, I'm so sorry. I'm so impressed that you're able to write, thank you for sharing with others. I'm sending you all the positive thoughts and energy for recovery. <3
Thanks hon, it was the burning fire in my belly that needed to ensure others were aware...these are the tricky times of year - seasonal spreads. Mum's feeling a bit better but I'm a day or two behind her. These are the times I realise I need to reinforce the backup plans C and D! Plan B is just about holding. Us caregivers can't recover under duvets for a day.
My dear Vicky! It saddens me so much to hear the kind of grueling ordeals you've gone through, battling COVID yourself while taking care of your mum. Monitoring her medications is a very tedious job that takes up a lot of attention and energy. Don't you wish that the nurses would be more on top of things? The frustrating thing seems to be that there's never enough resources in the hospital system. It amazes me that you were able to write this article to give other caregivers warning and resources. Your generosity is boundless. I hope you take your time to rest up and focus on your own healing now. Sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers!!! xoxo
Thank you hon! The Fire in my belly RAGES, because if this is my journey imagine how bad it can be for others. I HAD a moral obligation to ensure others are aware and are at least informed somehow...if only a few people get this message it's worth it! THIS is what Carer Mentor is for.
I'm just VERY VERY glad to have the support of our community network. I'm glad you've been with me from Day 1 and I value you support, empathy and ability to emotionally relate to everything I've been through. It's painful for you I know. However, it means SO much to know you understand and care. xoxo
Oh I do understand and I care! What you're going through right now is 10x more grueling than I have ever experienced. I have so much empathy and respect for what you do! Know that you're surrounded by love!
Victoria, I'm so sorry! It's hard enough to take care of someone when you are healthy, much less sick yourself. I know you are strong, but I send my love and hugs and prayers for you and your mother to be well soon.
Thanks Cherie. I used up all my strength advocating and NOT crying trying to ensure we were both safe and Mum was getting the right pills, and tests. I had to keep asking what pills were being given and why, a few were on her repeat Rx list but not needed, then others were being given because antivirals need antiemetics (because of nausea induced)...etc etc. SO I WILL gladly receive, hugs, prayers, love right now because I'm wasted...
STILL no six pack abs from all this coughing...mainly because it feels like my throat and larynx is controlling the cough not my lungs...I guess that's actually a good thing - means no full on pneumonia!
Yes! Thanks, Cherie. Monday night camped out in her hospital room with heart racing and high temp was scary, lonely and hard. Just had to keep meditating, praying and watch each hour pass.
Thanks Cherie - We have each other.
This is also why I'm so concerned for others. Some people may think I'm over-protective or exaggerating risks - BUT the Carers UK forum of real people sharing REAL examples of being chucked out late at night, AND my own experiences with Dad...how things work...THese risks are real.
I couldn't have slept at home knowing Mum was alone and could be chucked out.
Oh, I get that! I don’t leave my husband alone in the hospital anymore. Not only the risk of being chucked out, but they need an advocate while in too. Gosh, I can so relate to scary, lonely, and hard. And of course, that’s when time moves slowest!
My little Munchkin and his parents have Covid right now in US. It seems mild so far, but still a little scary. He’s 5 months old tomorrow and would have been eligible for a vaccine of his own in another month, but I think they’ll have to wait a bit now.
Remember to do the best you can taking care of yourself through all this, too! I know that’s so hard to do, but try! ❤️❤️❤️
That's probably the nicest bestest way someone's articulate 'look after yourself' (which is banal platitude!) THANK you Cherie - YOU SOOOOO Get it!
Ohhh I'm SO sorry Munchkin and his parents have COVID, That's so nerve-wracking and heart-squeezing for you....sending love and prayers for them.
I think today, is the first day I can actually feel like I can spend more time on me..hence this article..because Mum says she's stronger, and I've disentangled us from Virtual ward AND I feel like my symptoms are bottoming out...
I hope you are soon feeling better! Thank you for this helpful information. My husband and I just had our vaccines yesterday. We lost dear friends to Covid because they didn't take precautions.
OH Karen, my heartfelt condolences and BIG hugs (sanitised and cleaned ones tho).
I'm glad this is useful information. Click through to the D-Dimer information, this was a big reassurance for me, and is only a blood test. Mum's febrile fever freaked me out. I was over-cocky thinking I'd had the vaccination on the 19th and would be ok, but of course, I'm caring for Mum in close proximity and high viral loads, so it only took an extra 24-36hrs to hit me hard.
I'll be on-off Substack if you have any questions. xo Take care of yourselves
Dear Victoria, i’m so terribly sorry that you are so sick with Covid and that your mom is sick. It sounds like you’ve been through the mill. Both were trying to get your meds and the symptoms that you’re having. I pray that you will feel better soon. I guess my mom got pretty lucky this summer when she developed Covid and didn’t have too many visible symptoms however she did get body weakness and pain and her body. She didn’t have the typical symptoms and I did not catch it. I triple masked myself however I was just there yesterday and the day before and I didn’t mask up which was probably mistake. Thanks for reminding us all to take care of cell while we’re being caregivers.🙏❤️ sending love and hugs for a speedy recovery for you and your mom
That’s awful that you don’t have easier access to the antivirus meds and the vaccines. The rehab wouldn’t give her the antiviral because she didn’t have severe symptoms, but I can’t guess it was all right ago. I thought they should’ve anyway I don’t do the vaccinations anymore. I stopped after the first year because I’m convinced that I got arthritis from it. I believe it was triggered by the vaccines. Some others had joint symptoms as well. mine were severe, but it may be because I had had Lyme disease a few years earlier anyway I stay away from the vaccines at this point and it seems to have been OK for me.
Thanks Susan. Ohhh I'm so glad to hear your Mom didn't have severe symptoms PHEW! Please take care. You know all this already and I'm happy to hear in the US you have more rapid access to Antivirals and vaccinations versus here in the UK. I 've pushed myself to get this article out because I'm seriously worried for a lot of friends and those I don't know here in the UK. From those I saw in the hospital ward there are a LOT of vulnerable elderly people about to get hit with this AND THE HOSPITAL STAFF..
The NHS system is NOT working. It's not hard to predict the impact that all this will have October to February 2025!
Oy. I'm so sorry, I hope if resolves itself soon, it sounds very painful, and having to keep your wits about you and care for mom at the same time. Too much. But no choice, right? I've dreaded getting Covid here in the States mostly because it would mean Mom's aides wouldn't come until we were clear and I'd be where you are - sick and still having to care for Mom. Not being able to just lay around and be sick, sleep, whatever. Luckily, we're both vaccinated and the strain we got last year was minimal. In the States most any insurance covers both vaccines, Covid and the Flu, fyi. One of the rare times our health system is ahead of the curve compared to any one. Sending love. And chicken soup.🩵🐓🥣
Thanks hon. Sending sterilised big hugs back. I'm having soup but can't taste anything right now. I'm exhausted beyond beyond...because it's been more than a week of 'BEING ON', like you said adrenalin-keeping wits about me.
I'm glad to hear you're both vaccinated. YES from what I know of Kamala and Walz their Carer related programs are fab. HERE people are still trying to hold onto the remnants of the NHS...as a result its budget confined and not working...I'm raging inside about the Virtual ward thing, and seriously concerned for others who can't handle it and will be emotionally on the hook to do it...sigh..SO tired Thankfully now it's just me and Mum and she's a lot better watching murder mysteries.. I had to get this article out because many are under the impression they can get a booster for COVID.. - FLU yes, COVID maybe
This cough is awful I sound like a barking walrus and if I could tone up ab muscles via coughing I think I'd have a six pack right now!
Of course, it's NOT just about being sick at home and caring for Mum - I've had to rearrange all her appointments, blood tests, other appointments etc etc while doing updates, comms to people...tomorrow I do the blanket email to close friends and family...no more energy now...SOUP
Just catching up and very much hoping you and your mum are feeling at least slightly better! What an awful experience, I'm so sorry. I'm so impressed that you're able to write, thank you for sharing with others. I'm sending you all the positive thoughts and energy for recovery. <3
Thanks hon, it was the burning fire in my belly that needed to ensure others were aware...these are the tricky times of year - seasonal spreads. Mum's feeling a bit better but I'm a day or two behind her. These are the times I realise I need to reinforce the backup plans C and D! Plan B is just about holding. Us caregivers can't recover under duvets for a day.
My dear Vicky! It saddens me so much to hear the kind of grueling ordeals you've gone through, battling COVID yourself while taking care of your mum. Monitoring her medications is a very tedious job that takes up a lot of attention and energy. Don't you wish that the nurses would be more on top of things? The frustrating thing seems to be that there's never enough resources in the hospital system. It amazes me that you were able to write this article to give other caregivers warning and resources. Your generosity is boundless. I hope you take your time to rest up and focus on your own healing now. Sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers!!! xoxo
Thank you hon! The Fire in my belly RAGES, because if this is my journey imagine how bad it can be for others. I HAD a moral obligation to ensure others are aware and are at least informed somehow...if only a few people get this message it's worth it! THIS is what Carer Mentor is for.
I'm just VERY VERY glad to have the support of our community network. I'm glad you've been with me from Day 1 and I value you support, empathy and ability to emotionally relate to everything I've been through. It's painful for you I know. However, it means SO much to know you understand and care. xoxo
Oh I do understand and I care! What you're going through right now is 10x more grueling than I have ever experienced. I have so much empathy and respect for what you do! Know that you're surrounded by love!
Victoria, I'm so sorry! It's hard enough to take care of someone when you are healthy, much less sick yourself. I know you are strong, but I send my love and hugs and prayers for you and your mother to be well soon.
Thanks Cherie. I used up all my strength advocating and NOT crying trying to ensure we were both safe and Mum was getting the right pills, and tests. I had to keep asking what pills were being given and why, a few were on her repeat Rx list but not needed, then others were being given because antivirals need antiemetics (because of nausea induced)...etc etc. SO I WILL gladly receive, hugs, prayers, love right now because I'm wasted...
STILL no six pack abs from all this coughing...mainly because it feels like my throat and larynx is controlling the cough not my lungs...I guess that's actually a good thing - means no full on pneumonia!
I'm not used to No voice though!!
Oh, my heart is so with you! As hard as it is, you know you are the only one and the right one who can do it for Mom. She is fortunate to have you!
Yes! Thanks, Cherie. Monday night camped out in her hospital room with heart racing and high temp was scary, lonely and hard. Just had to keep meditating, praying and watch each hour pass.
Thanks Cherie - We have each other.
This is also why I'm so concerned for others. Some people may think I'm over-protective or exaggerating risks - BUT the Carers UK forum of real people sharing REAL examples of being chucked out late at night, AND my own experiences with Dad...how things work...THese risks are real.
I couldn't have slept at home knowing Mum was alone and could be chucked out.
Oh, I get that! I don’t leave my husband alone in the hospital anymore. Not only the risk of being chucked out, but they need an advocate while in too. Gosh, I can so relate to scary, lonely, and hard. And of course, that’s when time moves slowest!
My little Munchkin and his parents have Covid right now in US. It seems mild so far, but still a little scary. He’s 5 months old tomorrow and would have been eligible for a vaccine of his own in another month, but I think they’ll have to wait a bit now.
Remember to do the best you can taking care of yourself through all this, too! I know that’s so hard to do, but try! ❤️❤️❤️
That's probably the nicest bestest way someone's articulate 'look after yourself' (which is banal platitude!) THANK you Cherie - YOU SOOOOO Get it!
Ohhh I'm SO sorry Munchkin and his parents have COVID, That's so nerve-wracking and heart-squeezing for you....sending love and prayers for them.
I think today, is the first day I can actually feel like I can spend more time on me..hence this article..because Mum says she's stronger, and I've disentangled us from Virtual ward AND I feel like my symptoms are bottoming out...
Thankfully I've Amoxicillin!
Oh good, that sounds like progress! Good for you both!
I hope you are soon feeling better! Thank you for this helpful information. My husband and I just had our vaccines yesterday. We lost dear friends to Covid because they didn't take precautions.
OH Karen, my heartfelt condolences and BIG hugs (sanitised and cleaned ones tho).
I'm glad this is useful information. Click through to the D-Dimer information, this was a big reassurance for me, and is only a blood test. Mum's febrile fever freaked me out. I was over-cocky thinking I'd had the vaccination on the 19th and would be ok, but of course, I'm caring for Mum in close proximity and high viral loads, so it only took an extra 24-36hrs to hit me hard.
I'll be on-off Substack if you have any questions. xo Take care of yourselves
Thinking of you, praying for both of you. Thank you for raising awareness, Victoria. ♥️
Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate all your support and prayers. Please share this far and wide. This strep throat WITH Covid is ugly.
Stay safe xoxo
Dear Victoria, i’m so terribly sorry that you are so sick with Covid and that your mom is sick. It sounds like you’ve been through the mill. Both were trying to get your meds and the symptoms that you’re having. I pray that you will feel better soon. I guess my mom got pretty lucky this summer when she developed Covid and didn’t have too many visible symptoms however she did get body weakness and pain and her body. She didn’t have the typical symptoms and I did not catch it. I triple masked myself however I was just there yesterday and the day before and I didn’t mask up which was probably mistake. Thanks for reminding us all to take care of cell while we’re being caregivers.🙏❤️ sending love and hugs for a speedy recovery for you and your mom
That’s awful that you don’t have easier access to the antivirus meds and the vaccines. The rehab wouldn’t give her the antiviral because she didn’t have severe symptoms, but I can’t guess it was all right ago. I thought they should’ve anyway I don’t do the vaccinations anymore. I stopped after the first year because I’m convinced that I got arthritis from it. I believe it was triggered by the vaccines. Some others had joint symptoms as well. mine were severe, but it may be because I had had Lyme disease a few years earlier anyway I stay away from the vaccines at this point and it seems to have been OK for me.
Get well.!!
Thanks Susan. Ohhh I'm so glad to hear your Mom didn't have severe symptoms PHEW! Please take care. You know all this already and I'm happy to hear in the US you have more rapid access to Antivirals and vaccinations versus here in the UK. I 've pushed myself to get this article out because I'm seriously worried for a lot of friends and those I don't know here in the UK. From those I saw in the hospital ward there are a LOT of vulnerable elderly people about to get hit with this AND THE HOSPITAL STAFF..
The NHS system is NOT working. It's not hard to predict the impact that all this will have October to February 2025!
Oy. I'm so sorry, I hope if resolves itself soon, it sounds very painful, and having to keep your wits about you and care for mom at the same time. Too much. But no choice, right? I've dreaded getting Covid here in the States mostly because it would mean Mom's aides wouldn't come until we were clear and I'd be where you are - sick and still having to care for Mom. Not being able to just lay around and be sick, sleep, whatever. Luckily, we're both vaccinated and the strain we got last year was minimal. In the States most any insurance covers both vaccines, Covid and the Flu, fyi. One of the rare times our health system is ahead of the curve compared to any one. Sending love. And chicken soup.🩵🐓🥣
Thanks hon. Sending sterilised big hugs back. I'm having soup but can't taste anything right now. I'm exhausted beyond beyond...because it's been more than a week of 'BEING ON', like you said adrenalin-keeping wits about me.
I'm glad to hear you're both vaccinated. YES from what I know of Kamala and Walz their Carer related programs are fab. HERE people are still trying to hold onto the remnants of the NHS...as a result its budget confined and not working...I'm raging inside about the Virtual ward thing, and seriously concerned for others who can't handle it and will be emotionally on the hook to do it...sigh..SO tired Thankfully now it's just me and Mum and she's a lot better watching murder mysteries.. I had to get this article out because many are under the impression they can get a booster for COVID.. - FLU yes, COVID maybe
This cough is awful I sound like a barking walrus and if I could tone up ab muscles via coughing I think I'd have a six pack right now!
Of course, it's NOT just about being sick at home and caring for Mum - I've had to rearrange all her appointments, blood tests, other appointments etc etc while doing updates, comms to people...tomorrow I do the blanket email to close friends and family...no more energy now...SOUP