topic Re: Isolation in Wellness

Isolation

I am still oxox — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:12:37 GMT

I have been thinking about writing this for a while. As some of you know I have an immune deficiency, my body does not make enough antibodies to fight diseases, I supplement my system weekly with Gamma Globulin Infusions, I have been doing this since May 2020.

I have been vaxed and boosted but I still shut myself off from the world. I can not even see my brother for Thankgiving.

I broken my hip 13 months ago and I am still in pain.

These days I do very little, I am sad and have no energy.

I speak to a therapist weekly but it takes time.

I do have a wonderful husband and would be lost without him

I miss the old Ellen and not sure if she will ever be the same

Re: Isolation

millieshops — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:22:04 GMT

@I am still oxox Just lately I have had a sense of being by myself too often. I have no disease preventing me from venturing out - just my own reasons for limiting where I go. Most of the time, I'm okay with my choice, but for a reason I have not uncovered yet, I have felt more lonely than alone the past few days and I don't like that feeling. Wonder if it's the upcoming holidays?

Re: Isolation

LindaSal — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:40:20 GMT

I am sorry for your poor health @I am still oxox . I wish you the best and hope you can find at least some joy this coming holiday season. It's good that you are seeking help with a therapist. Sometimes things are not as sad as they seem to be, it's just our perception of it all. Blessings to you and @millieshops .

Re: Isolation

DSD2 — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:43:43 GMT

Ellen, my heart goes out to you. The pandemic has taken a toll on all but the staunchest. And it is also the time where many suffer from seasonal depression.

I gently say that sometimes we must fight to be more positive, to be happier. Please consider trying. We cannot control everything but can control some things. Schedule zoom calls with friends, if you can't keep in touch in person, there are other ways including phone calls!!

See if there are any virtual support groups you can join. Fight to get connected, not to be isolated. That just makes things more difficult.

You have your husband who sounds like a blessing and much to be grateful for.

Finally, pray. Ask for guidance, for support, for strength.

God bless you.

Re: Isolation

KailaS — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:44:53 GMT

@I am still oxox

I am not as severely immune deficient as you. But I have been ill since 2011. Interestingly, my sister also is ill. I limit my interactions to doctors and to my 95 year old mother. I have the vaccine and my booster as do my sister and mother. We have not seen the younger members of the family in about 19 months. It is hard to be alone. (We are hoping to get together in about two weeks--the children will have their first shots this week--because we wonder how much time mom will be with us.)

I have found that emailing my few family members and one friend have kept me from feeling and being totally "alone." And I adopted an older cat when my sweet long- haired boy died in April. So sometimes I lessen the silence in my home by talking to my furry new companion. Covid has left some ill, many afraid, and even more of us forgotten. It is a shame.
Will you ever be the same? Maybe not, but I prefer to believe that many of us will be better. Therapy's a good thing. So is interacting with people here. And taking your tomorrows one day at a time may, I hope, lead you to a peaceful future. Hang in there.

Re: Isolation

DSD2 — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:45:59 GMT

milleshops, seasonal depression is very real. Seek out friends and family for comfort and reassurance. The best of luck.

Re: Isolation

wagirl — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:00:50 GMT

@I am still oxox ---I am very sorry for all you are going thru--and with your maladies and the way things are with this virus. I understand feeling isolated----wish I had a magic wand to whisk all of it away--- won't try to advise you, as people who do, make it sound so easy and belittling--none of your issues are. Glad you are doing therapy and yes that takes time---thank god you have hubby---- I guess I would say--- take on one thing at a time, day by day---I know for a fact that being in constant pain makes EVERYTHING 10x worse. The one thing I am wondering about---can you write in a journal everyday, how you are doing and what your are thinking/feeling---maybe that will help alleviate some stress----what would the "old" Ellen do?

Re: Isolation

qvcaddition — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 16:42:12 GMT

I know the feeling, and with the holidays another alone, but in a way it,s a blessing. Last year I zoomed with the people I like to be around, but in another state.

I was invited to son,s home for Thanksgiving, but he and my other son not vaccinated, the 12 gr. Old not vaccinated. My DIL,S both vaccinated, but we have nothing in common. My grandson, not vaccinated.

I have had my booster vaccination, but don,t really want to take a chance and rather stay home in peace.

Going to stuff a Cornish hen with all the trimmings for me and I decorate every holiday for me, to lift my spirits.

You can,t give up. Make happiness for you.

I go out to stores, but can,t afford prices and except for food, don,t need clothes or stuff. Trying to get rid of stuff.

It,s crazy out on the highways with the lunitics driving, so it,s peaceful at home. I have taken up learning sign language, play games on computer, zoom, and read. I also do my couple hours exercise a day, or gardening and keep house clean. Have gotten into cooking a couple of times a week. New receipes.

I keep busy. I am fortunate not to be in serious pain.

Do what you can to stay happy. No one can do it for you.

Re: Isolation

deepwaterdotter — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:18:52 GMT

@qvcaddition Your positive actions are a healthy way to enhance your daily life. Good for you!

Re: Isolation

FancyPhillyshopper — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:48:23 GMT

I am so sorry to hear that you feel poorly both emotionally and physically.

These past two years have been a rough ride for the majority in the world, and returning to "normal" does not yet seem to be on the horizon.

Thus we are required to have a lot of patience and time at home.

We also need to support our own healing, and practice self-care so we can look out for others.

However, the advantage in our country and in our time period is that we have so many electronic devices and the ability to connect anywhere and any time, even if not in person.

Make a list of things to do just for yourself! Discover novels to read, binge watch a few television shows, join some online travel forums and explore the world, learn how to paint or sew or needlepoint, research family history, make scrapbooks of your favorite memories, create a collection of favorite music, play dress-up with clothes in the closet.

I live a bit far away from family and rarely spend Thanksgiving with them, so we always enjoy the Christmas and New Year's holidays, and try to make them extra-special.

You also need to celebrate your marriage and plan special occasions just for the two of you (order a fancy dinner to eat-in, watch family videos together, etc.).

It is good that you are receiving therapy, but please know none of us can ever go back to the former person we were--we are constantly evolving, and changing, and growing, and learning how to incorporate new experiences (whether good or bad).

Life is too short to not make every moment the best it can be.

Re: Isolation

Leeny — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:20:10 GMT

@I am still oxox

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way. It's no fun feeling like you do. I won't go into great detail, but I also have a disease that has caused me to take meds that has caused me to suppress my anti bodies, basically I have no immune system. I am totally vaccinated and always wear a mask. There are days I don't feel like going out, but I found I have to as Dh doesn't go like he use to either. Try to keep as active as you can and keep in touch with others. That's very important. It is good you have your hubby too. I know it's a tough road, but just by reaching out to your Q family and getting things off your chest is the right direction. My prayers go out to you.

Re: Isolation

Leeny — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:26:24 GMT

@qvcaddition

What a lovely post. You have a wonderful attitude God Bless You.

Re: Isolation

qvcaddition — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:51:27 GMT

@Leeny

@Leeny wrote:
@qvcaddition

What a lovely post. You have a wonderful attitude God Bless You.

Thank you. God bless you also. I have been very blessed.

Re: Isolation

CrazyDaisy — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 09:44:57 GMT

I am sorry you are having such a hard time. I hope the therapist can help you. My 16 year old niece, with no health issues, is having a hard time too. These lockdowns did a number on many young people.

Re: Isolation

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:20:35 GMT

@I am still oxox

I am very sorry that you have to deal with this disease, as I am sure it is very draining physically and emotionally. This virus thing has hit many of us so hard. People who are blessed with good health or relatively good health don't realize how this thing has impacted those of us who do not have good health. You want to go out and do things and see people but you have to be careful. It does make you feel isolated and lonely. All I can do is have empathy for you and let you know that there are many others who feel as you do. I am blessed as you are in that I have a wonderful husband and don't know what I would do without him. At times, my faith is all that gets me through. Faith and hope for better days!

Re: Isolation

hckynutjohn — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 22:52:05 GMT

I learned decades ago that there is no material thing or any other person that can make me happy. The only one responsible for my sadness or happiness? That would be me, regardless of life's circumstances.

Yes, I have been there!

hckynut

Re: Isolation

jubilant — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:32:23 GMT

@I am still oxox I wanted to post to you earlier and couldn't get on QVC. It's never easy to get over being sick or being limited in our bodies but, I have found, my mind can still be free and go where it wants. I am truly convinced, it is my faith that gets me through the hard times. I couldn't do it alone. I prayed for you today.

Re: Isolation

Growing — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 22:13:02 GMT

What an honest and realistic post. I have a lot of health problems that kept me from enjoying life before the pandemic. Then it hit and suddenly I was isolated. I am married so I have a good husband. I do an inperson book club and all the ladies talked about being isolated and alone one meeting. ALL OF US. I would encourage you to read good books and join the book club at your public library. Many people listen to audio books which public libraries also have. I do book clubs with people who have vision loss on zoom called accessible world (look at their website). I would also encourage you to get outside and walk some, every day if you can. Yes, I know you have pain but just doing things makes us feel productive and being outside is good for depression. Make sure your Vitamin D level is checked yearly and is "high enough".