‘It’s so hard being away from my family right now’
THOSE WITH EXISTING HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE MORE ANXIOUS THAN MOST ABOUT COVID-19 - CIARA GALVIN SPEAKS TO JESS DEERING WHO HAS MS
Jess Deering hasn’t seen her family in nearly two weeks.
The 29-year-old from Sligo Town has Multiple sclerosis and made the decision to self isolate on March 12 th last as due to her condition the threat of Covid-19 was and is serious.
“Everyone kept saying to me I was compromised because it’s [MS] autoimmune and the treatment I’m on also suppresses my immune system. I’m in a high risk along with so many others.”
Diagnosed in 2011, aged 21, up until now Jess had lived a fulfilled and active life, walking daily and enjoying spending time with family and friends. Now, her only interaction with other people is via her phone. Her father delivers groceries to her home and they wave to each other through a pane of glass.
“I’m so used to being around my family every day and it’s so hard being away from them, but I know why I need to be away from them. It’s to protect me, it’s to protect them and to protect others,” Jess says with an air of determination.
She describes the current situation as ‘very overwhelming’.
Being away from her parents, three brothers, two sisters and two nephews is incredibly difficult for her, but, she understands the importance of self isolation.
“I live alone but I’d usually go over to my family every day or every other day. It’s horrible, but it’s the way it is at the moment. I was advised by my GP to self isolate for the next month.”
At the moment Jess’ health is ‘very good’ and she says she has not had a relapse in over four years.
A relapse could see Jess losing mobility, but, thankfully because of effective treatment she has been doing well.
However, with the current state of play at Sligo University Hospital, Jess is uncertain if she will be able to receive her next treatment.
“I get the treatment done every five weeks, I got my last one on March 6 th, so I’ ll be due for it again on Good Friday.”
Jess explains that the whole treatment takes a number of hours. She says though the treatment has always been high risk the benefits outweigh this.
“I don’t know now with all of this how is going to affect me. I don’t know if I’ ll be able to go for the next treatment.”
If Jess doesn’t get the treatment she fears she will go into relapse.
“Coming near the five weeks I find my body getting very fatigued, aches, pains so much as if it’s telling me it needs it [treatment]. Not getting it could bring on a relapse.”
Asked how she feels with the perception that younger people are not following HSE guidelines, Jess says she is ‘annoyed’.
“There’s people out there that don’t have a choice, they have to stay in doors. They can be so naive and go out and party and it’s awful. They need to start taking it more serious.”
Appealing to younger people to play their part in this fight, Jess says, “Wake up, your health is your wealth. If you’ve loved ones, friends, people you know, they’re at risk.
“The more young people are out the more they’re putting their loved ones at risk. It’s the elderly you have to think of also. It’s unfair.”
Jess believes this virus can be slowed down if everyone plays their part.
“It won’t be stopped, but it can be stopped in its tracks and stop the spread.”
Commenting on the caretaker government’s response to Covid-19, Jess believes they are doing as much as they can in light of the escalating pandemic.
“I think they’re doing as much as they can and taking all the measures they can.”
Jess acknowledges the Trojan work being done by frontline staff and says many are putting their lives at risk to help the sick.
“I just wish people would take it more seriously. I know staying away from your loved ones isn’t easy, but if it saves lives it’s worth it.”
From being out and about going for four walks per day and visiting family to now getting fresh air in the confines of her garden, Jess says social isolating is tough, but it is an essential measure for her own health and the health of her family.
“It’s going to be very hard for me because I’m always out and about.
“In isolation I’d get up in the morning around 10am or 11am and have breakfast and let the dog out and watch a bit of telly,” explains Jess.
Like many others wanting to keep informed, the 29-year-old admits she does find herself on social media throughout the day.
“I’d go on social media which probably isn’t the best thing. I probably should avoid it but you have to know what’s happening at the same time.”
Between preparing meals and keeping in contact with her family Jess tries to get some fresh air, however, unlike her frequent strolls across Sligo town visiting friends and family, Jess is now confined to her back garden.
“I can go out the back garden for fresh air but
I can’t be around people. It is tough, it’s madness what’s going on in the world.”
After dinner and a movie it’s time for some sleep, to repeat her day the following morning.
“It’s such a difference from my own life. I cannot be around people right now. There’s not a lot I can do, I miss my family, but we’ ll all come out stronger in the end.”
I’D GO ON SOCIAL MEDIA WHICH PROBABLY ISN’T THE BEST THING. I PROBABLY SHOULD AVOID IT BUT YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE SAME TIME.