Living as an older individual with comorbidities

[Hillbilly RN]

I am a retired RN of 43 years experience. I have several comorbidities and have been isolated since this has started. With everything that has been said and all the research that has been done, there is still so much that is unknown about Covid-19. My wife has been the one who has gone out into the world to do the things that need to be done. She is always masked with an N95 and gloves and an overcoat. She strips down in the basement and showers down there before coming upstairs. I am afraid I will always be isolated for my own safety because it may not be possible to develop a vaccine. I never thought my life would take a turn like this in my retirement years. It is frightening to think about.

[Trampledunderfoot, LPN]

On 5/22/2020 at 4:11 AM, toomuchbaloney said:

Quarantine? Accidents? Flu?

Fear is expressed in a variety of ways. This post is an example of fear, IMV. Given that 90,000 Americans haven't died in vehicle accidents in the past 3 months, the "could just as well die" comment seems fearful as well as irresponsible. Health professionals should have a better capacity for assessing risk than that. Perhaps the unaddressed anxiety of this pandemic is impairing the critical thinking or professional judgment of some. We shouldn't ignore the stress that can precipitate such flawed thinking.

I agree with this post.

[Trampledunderfoot, LPN]

13 hours ago, Hillbilly RN said:

You may feel caviller about what should happen but for those like me, Covid-19 is a death sentence. It is something that here to for was not something you lived with everyday. Because some covidiot decides that they will flaunt common sense and go out in public without a mask or social distancing, I will lose my life. As far as I can see, in the future, I will be in my N95 mask with gloves on so as to protect myself as best I can. I understand that life must go on but you say return to normal. The old definition of normal is not the same definition as the future normal. I hope you understand that.

Most of us don't feel this way about your life, Hillbilly RN. I appreciate the years of service you gave. I wish we could have been smarter about this from the start and saved the thousands of lives that we possibly could have. I have family members in the same boat as you. I shop for and care for them. They are my top priority. I think we will get a vaccine, my only worry is that it won't be as quick as I like. Don't lose hope. Don't give up.

I wish I could see your wild animals. I have neglected mine and the feeders have run out, causing a rebellion from the raccoons that my trash cans tend to see the worst of.

[Trampledunderfoot, LPN]

14 hours ago, Hillbilly RN said:

I am sorry you feel such animosity because I stated my feelings. I was just trying to communicate my anxiety and fear.

You did good. I enjoyed what you had to say, Hillbilly RN. It is sad, but know we are struggling together. You described a lot of what I and my family feel, and our anxieties as well.

[Hillbilly RN, BSN]

31 minutes ago, Trampledunderfoot said:

Most of us don't feel this way about your life, Hillbilly RN. I appreciate the years of service you gave. I wish we could have been smarter about this from the start and saved the thousands of lives that we possibly could have. I have family members in the same boat as you. I shop for and care for them. They are my top priority. I think we will get a vaccine, my only worry is that it won't be as quick as I like. Don't lose hope. Don't give up.

I wish I could see your wild animals. I have neglected mine and the feeders have run out, causing a rebellion from the raccoons that my trash cans tend to see the worst of.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

2 hours ago, Hillbilly RN said:

I lived in CA for 53 years before moving here to NE TN. I lived in So Cal where it was all asphalt and concrete. I moved here to TN in 2002 because I met my future wife online. I was so lonely after my wife died that I could barely function. Here I have an 1.25 acres in a very small appalachian town. I tell people I have thousands of mouths to feed. I have squirrels galore, more bird types than I can count, I have deer, skunk, possum, fox, black bear and chipmunks. I sit quietly on patio and watch mother nature at it's best. This makes my retirement better than anything I could ever have imagined. I am a city boy and my wife is a born and bred country girl. She is so very protective of me and for this I am grateful. She says that she is so happy I no longer work in a hospital and I have to agree with her. You folks are now living in a world I could never have imagined. My hat is off to all of you. God Bless you all!!

We are actually thinking of retiring to Tennessee My husband will retires in 6 years and if I ever get my book published I might start writing full time. How are the winters?

[toomuchbaloney]

9 minutes ago, hppygr8ful said:

We are actually thinking of retiring to Tennessee My husband will retires in 6 years and if I ever get my book published I might start writing full time. How are the winters?

In my view, Tennessee doesn't really have a "Winter". Perspective is funny that way.

[Hillbilly RN, BSN]

Winters here in Mountain City have been very mild last few years. Johnson County is right on the border of Virginia and North Carolina. It is well known for retirement. It is 2500 feet in elevation. Very laid back here. I personally love it because it is so relaxing. Lots of trees and if you work at it, lots of wildlife. Also there is no income tax in TN at this time.Lots of open space for fishing, hunting, hiking,

[UMBANAT5]

Hello Hillbilly RN

Take care of yourself.You are doing the right thing to protect yourself. Hang in there. Until a vaccine will be made we can only do as much to prevent contracting the virus. Thanks to your wife who is very supportive of you. I pray for you and your wife's safety. Remember this too will pass.

[BlessYourHeartt]

On 5/22/2020 at 7:44 PM, Hillbilly RN said:

I lived in CA for 53 years before moving here to NE TN. I lived in So Cal where it was all asphalt and concrete. I moved here to TN in 2002 because I met my future wife online. I was so lonely after my wife died that I could barely function. Here I have an 1.25 acres in a very small appalachian town.

I'm so sorry it's been so tough. I have to believe that every week brings us closer to effective treatment and, one day, a vaccine that works. We are holed up at home too--I took an unpaid leave of absence from my ICU job of many years to protect my high-risk husband who now works from home. Would you please PM me? It's our dream to move to NE TN. Please take good care.

[Hillbilly RN, BSN]

23 minutes ago, BlessYourHeartt said:

I'm so sorry it's been so tough. I have to believe that every week brings us closer to effective treatment and, one day, a vaccine that works. We are holed up at home too--I took an unpaid leave of absence from my ICU job of many years to protect my high-risk husband who now works from home. Would you please PM me? It's our dream to move to NE TN. Please take good care.

I am sorry but I have no idea how I would go about PM to anyone. I looked for instructions but could find nothing. I would be more than happy to talk to you. Maybe you can tell me how I go about using PM?

[herring_RN, ASN, BSN]

23 minutes ago, Hillbilly RN said:

I am sorry but I have no idea how I would go about PM to anyone. I looked for instructions but could find nothing. I would be more than happy to talk to you. Maybe you can tell me how I go about using PM?

Look at the top of the page and then click "Account". Then under "CREATE" click "Private Conversation". You can then send a private message.

[Hillbilly RN, BSN]

3 minutes ago, herring_RN said:

Look at the top of the page and then click "Account". Then under "CREATE" click "Private Conversation". You can then send a private message.

I did what you said and got this message "You are only allowed to send 0 messages per day. Please try again later." I have no idea what that means.