Coronavirus and GPA

[Masha]

This is a very valid question. Right now I agree with drz to take the same precautions as the flu.
My husband and I are taking a few proactive steps. We are stocking up on home supplies and non perishable food. Probably getting enough for a few months. If things get bad quickly we won’t find ourselves stressed out looking for staples.
Since my diagnosis (we both have had previous bouts with pneumonia) during flu season we avoid places with large gatherings. Yes, it is not good for us to isolate ourselves. Living in a mild climate, a short walk with my dogs allows me to interact with neighbors. If we are going to the doctors office or store, we both wear masks and clear gloves. We go to restaurants, no masks or gloves, and try to go at times they don’t have a crowd. Yes, we could catch something there, but I don’t think it is yet the time to go to extremes. If we schedule a repairman, we stress that we are elderly and have low immune systems, so that they make sure the person is healthy.
With this Coronavirus a person could have it for two weeks and not know it. We can only go so far without making ourselves bananas.
I am blessed to be married to my best friend. We never run out of conversation or find ourselves bored. Movie theatre can easily be replaced with TV services, small groups are safer than large. If we really get shut in, he will teach me to play chess and I will teach him to cook. Church is on the back burner but prayers are on the forefront.
Masha

[John S]

I had a Rituxin treatment yesterday. Dr. Villa Forte reminded me that I’ll be very susceptible for the next three weeks. My wife and I will be self-isolating. Lots of books, Netflix, YouTube guitar lessons and if the weather warms up, bicycle.

[drz]

My internist told me yesterday that with my health issues; diabetes, older age, GPA, several recent episodes of pneumonia, lung and kidney damage from diabetes and GPA, and a suppressed immune system from AZA; I am a poster child for highest risk for serious illness from coronavirus. And I should avoid any unnecessary social contact. So no more group activities or shopping in stores. I will use the drive thru window to pick up some medical supplies today.

I live in a senior housing complex where the average age is mid to high 80's and most of us also have various health issues. Most of the deaths in Washington State were at a nursing home where they had a Mardi Gras party to spread the virus. Not a wise move to expose such a vulnerable population to the coronavirus. Our facility is still allowing visitors and our schools are still open but expect this might change quickly once the virus is detected in our community. Or when some one decides to get more serious about protecting our vulnerable populations.

The Virus has been detected near my area but not yet in my community but our state has moved to many cancellations and precautions like limiting attendance to basketball tournament games to 90 people and cancelling many other games that were scheduled. High school basketball tournaments are big deal in Minnesota as they are in colleges too so cancelling all these sporting events is a serious undertaking. And so far our state is not a hot spot for the virus infections. The pro sports are giving up millions everyday so it is a big deal.

The sad thing is that the USA despite having one of the world's best health care systems is apparently among the worst at being prepared for the virus containment since South Korea tested more people in one day than the whole USA has tested since the virus was first detected. And we had several weeks to prepare but we couldn't even develop an accurate testing procedure. For some unknown and strange reason we did not want to use the testing procedures used by WHO for the rest of the world. Our hospitals are very concerned about being overwhelmed and are taking steps to postpone any elective procedures.

It is also amazing and very scary on how fast our lives have changed from the pandemic. One interesting tidbit is the lack of toilet paper and hand sanitizers for sale anywhere in town. The shelves are empty for these items.

[richard052018]

drz


The lack of preparedness in the US is terrifying, especially considering what's going on in "first world" nations like Italy. As for myself, I've got about 6 weeks of food/supplies (yes, including toilet paper) and have no plans to leave the house after the next day or two (beyond shuttling my child wherever she needs to be). My employer has approved the telework. After 6 weeks if the shelves are empty it will be like the Cormac McCarthy novel/movie "The Road" anyhow.


I don't know what to expect or how vulnerable I am to this illness (doubt any of us truly know). I'm in my mid 40s, no real health issues of concern before GPA. The pred has put weight on me (I can't get below 8mg without issues: diagnosed 2 years ago). RTX I hear is h3ll on the immune system. They say 50-70% of the population will be infected with a 1-3% death rate (concentrated on the elderly and those with immune system issues), so I'm sadly preparing for the worst.


I'm myself am not worried about dying (if anything, it would relieve the crippling fear I live with daily). I just worry about the people I will leave behind, mainly the wife and kid. They don't deserve it.


Not the life I planned for myself, but I'm sure we can all can say this.


What we need right now is a real miracle. Praying for all of you.

[drz]

One bright spot is Mayo just developed a validated test for Covid -19.

The results from the test will be available “within 24 hours,” said Matthew Binnicker, a clinical microbiologist and director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
“We have the expertise to create tests such as this one, and we felt it was our obligation to help ease the burden that the CDC and public health laboratories are feeling at this time," he added.
The samples will also be sent to the CDC or the Minnesota Department of Health “for appropriate follow-up testing and confirmation,” per the statement, which noted the results will then “be communicated with public health officials, per their respective guidelines.”
The test, called "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2), Molecular Detection,” has been “fully validated.” Data from the test “will be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for review and emergency use authorization,” officials said.

[drz]

It is amazing how fast things can change as people react to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shortly after my last post our State canceled all the high school basketball tournament games, all nursing homes and senior assisted living places in my town went on restricted visitation with procedures to try screen visitors and all staff by checking their temperature and required hand washing to enter. Only essential people are supposed to visit and deliveries will be left at door. All doors are locked for entrance but not exit for safety. Most local community events were also canceled. On a national level it seems like our Congress is trying to speed up testing and offering financial help to assist in dealing with the pandemic.

I just read that Norway is basically shutting down everything.

How are things for us users all around the world in different locales? How safe do people feel? Anyone in a hot spot area? Anyone tested so far?

[chrisTIn@]

How are things for us users all around the world in different locales? How safe do people feel? Anyone in a hot spot area? Anyone tested so far?

I wrote a few words in the off-topic section, as it was my birthday today.
Our country is also in kind of a 'lockdown' now.
Most people who can work online do so, and stay home.
Others who work in vital sections as light, energy and transport of food and medication still go to their workplaces.
Schools will be closed tomorrow. People who work in healthcare and public services as police can still bring their children to school, they will be taken care of. We don't want the grandparents of these children to take care of them, and maybe be exposed to the dangerous virus. Children seem to have a somewhat lesser chance to be infected, but there is discussion about the fact whether they can transmit the virus.
Teachers are working on online programs, so most pupils can also do schoolwork at home.
The region I live has many people who are infected. At this time the hospitals can still do their work, but the situation worries me.
I stay at home with my husband, we see our daughter at 'skype' or 'facetime', but we can't hug her at the moment. We communicate with friends on whatsapp or by phonecalls.
Groceries will be delivered at home.
We only leave the house when strictly necessairy, for groceries we forgot, or to go to the pharmacy. I will call the pharmacy tomorrow, to see whether they can deliver medication at our home.
My husband and I both had a bit of a cold, but we did'nt get tested so far. You only get tested when you have a fever, and/or have difficulty breathing.
In general, all efforts are made to 'flatten the curve'. That means, that by taking all this precautions they hope we will not have to big a peak in victims, so that our healthcare-system will be able to manage things, and provide room at intensive-care units for the people who need it most.

[Masha]

This thing has taken us all by storm.
I will start with a little levity. The police in Oregon put out a statement for people to stop calling 911 because they ran out of toilet paper.
I live in an active adult community, you have to be over 55 to move in, most people are septuagenarians. We have individual homes. There are amenities like clubhouse, pools, gym etc. Fortunately management closed everything for the next month and said if people use the outdoor facilities they do it at their own risk. After my diagnosis three years ago I realized people would attend meetings and clubs no matter how sick or contagious they were. If they walked past me, I would have a cold that went into something serious. I realized then that I couldn’t change anyone else, I could only change myself. So I stopped all threatening interaction. We remained here because as you all know, some days I just didn’t have the strength to get the mail let alone move. We like our house and eventually accepted we would just go with good days, bad days. Today I say Wegeners might be a blessing because I can handle staying in. There are 12 houses on our block, people in their 70’s and 80’s. Absolutely, not one household in good health, cancer, diabetes, strokes. Think of it and it’s here. Well, I talked to some of them over the phone and they refuse to stay home, going mall shopping, out to eat, casino trips. They say if they had to stay home they would go crazy. Wegeners, you taught me how to play it safe. Now get this, I am the youngest one on my block. Neighbors have been kind enough to offer to shop for us. Not necessary. Last year when both my husband and I were simultaneously sick, I swore I would always be prepared in the food and paper goods, not extreme hoarding but we’ll get by just fine. We also have two grocery stores doing deliveries for $5, but I hear their shelves are currently empty.
Now, you will all find this interesting. My checkup at Duke was scheduled for this week. Not infusion, just a basic consult and I am actually feeling pretty good. At first we had hotel reservations and picked a nice restaurant. I even had a few shops I wanted to checkout. Then this Covid19 mushroomed like grease lightening. Next, I heard Duke was going to online classes. I cancelled my appointment and received a warm and encouraging note from my doctor in complete agreement that we should stay home and stay safe. Coming from someone who has specialized in this field confirms my decision.
We have sidewalks and walking trails, so we won’t be confined inside. Very small front yards, so I will do a lot of people watching. My husband is going places through the travel channel.
We do not have a handle on how many people this has hit in the US. Whenever I hear that older adults with a compromised immune system are most at risk my stomach does a somersault.
I am not taking this lightly, the unknown is frightening. At first I was watching too much news, but tonight we watched a ridiculous movie and ate pasta. So glad we have two poodles who keep us in stitches.
drz, John, Richard and all, I am so glad you reached out and told us what is going on in your homes and neck of the woods. This contact with all of you faced with our challenges helps. I am praying for all of us.
Stay safe.
Masha

[sshiveley]

You are blessed! Stay safe.