Covid And People

[Scarlett]

It’s now been three weeks since any of my friends have been in contact with me. The only reason I know this is because of the rule about private gardens. I fully expected at least somebody to come and sit in the garden for a catch up, and I have suggested it to everybody – not one person wants to meet up. It’s as if the pandemic has broken everybody. Even my very best friends have gone AWOL. This has been a massive disappointment to me. Has anybody else found that their friends have changed?

[ladybirder]

It was such a lovely sunny morning today, albeit chilly, that I took myself and my dog to the local park. Not easy for me as I struggle for breath but we had a little walk and then a coffee sitting at a table outside the cafe on the grass. A familiar face came over and sat with me chatting and playing with Jay and his ball, then another who recognised me from before lockdown. So all in all a very enjoyable couple of hours. Glad I went.

[anneasquith]

Sounds lovely lady birder . I’d say this is exactly what Scarlett would enjoy .

[Scarlett]

Anneasquith - sounds lovely! But I have mobility probs and would need someone with me.

[ummmm]

I don't live alone. If I did I think I'd be stir crazy by now.

[woofgang]

Scarlett they may not be empathetic but neither are they telepathic. Have you said to them how important this is to you?

[ummmm]

Scarlett - can you not get a frame? I've got one from the NHS and I've only used it once. The NHS won't take it back.

[anneasquith]

Scarlett, I understand re your mobility issues.

[Scarlett]

Ummmm I have a stick but my joints dislocate all the time, so I can’t walk on my own. I have to basically go from car seat to a chair somewhere. I can do a few steps.

[Scarlett]

Woofy- I’ve been quite lighthearted / easy going as I didn’t want to put pressure on people as I know they all have their issues too.

[ummmm]

Can you afford an electric scooter?

You must be in so much pain. I dislocated my knee years ago and I still have problems with it.

[Scarlett]

Ummmm I was looking to get one but I live in a first floor flat, so have hired one a few times- but again, the shop mobility is at the top of the multi-storey so they assume you either drive or have a helper!

[ladybirder]

Scarlett whereabouts in the country are you? You don't have to be specific.

[Scarlett]

Kent Ladybirder

[ummmm]

Can you not arrange it through your GP. I didn't ask for a zimmer frame, they just gave me one. It's pretty cool, it has a lift up seat.

The meds I was on can make people dizzy so they gave it for my own safety.

Luckily I had plenty of people living here at the time so they done the shop runs for me.

[burlyshirley]

Scarlett - if only we lived nearer, I'd GLADLY come and sit in your garden with you, sadly I live in the north west. I don't have mobility problems as bad as yours, just an arthritic knee and I have a dog to walk, so that gets me out and about and keeps the old knee going ! Do you have any pets, they can be great company ?

[Scarlett]

Sadly not permitted in the building Burlyshirley!

[Mamyalynne]

Disability can be very isolating and not everyone takes well to the life of a hermit.

Have you thought of reaching out to local Befriending Groups?

They won't be your old friends but you may make new lasting ones.

[burlyshirley]

Oh that's a shame Scarlett. Like someone said, could you afford to buy yourself a mobility scooter and then you could go tootling around the local park and I guarantee people will talk to you.

[Scarlett]

The flat I’m in is 1st floor so sadly nowhere to store a scooter! I am thinking of other groups but at the moment nothing seems to be running -
I have people occasionally phone from the NHS volunteers but it’s never in person.

[burlyshirley]

Keep ringing your friends Scarlett, the weather is getting warmer, they may like the idea of meeting in the garden very soon. Maybe tell them you are feeling a little lonely ?