We do have a lot to be thankful for despite being confined to our home
Former West Sussex County Times journalist has penned a special diary piece documenting her life in isolation during the current coronavirus pandemic.
I have been confined to home for at least 12 weeks because I am registered with the Government as being extremely clinically vulnerable – this follows a kidney transplant which transformed my life 12 years ago.
Fourteen years ago I unexpectedly developed polycystic kidney disease.
I started getting cramp in my legs and felt weak and unwell, and also struggled playing golf on a hilly course.
It seemed I had started my own line, because no one in my family had been known to have it.
But fortunately my GP at the time was swift with a diagnosis and referred me to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
He also recommended that I went on peritoneal dialysis, eventually using an overnight machine, which left me free during the day to live as normal a life as possible, and continue working as a journalist, until
I could find a match from a kidney donor.
I was a lucky one, because a year later, I got a call from St George’s telling me there was a kidney match for me of the right blood group, from a man killed in a motorcycle accident.
Time was of the essence. I was at work at the time in the West Sussex Gazette office, then in Worthing.
I headed for home, having phoned my husband, Tom, who was in the middle of a round of golf at Pyecombe and he rushed back to take me to Tooting.
It was a mad scramble but we made it and I had the kidney transplant.
Transplants mean that the immune system is suppressed and that is why I am now classified as extremely clinically vulnerable, so far as infections are concerned.
Normally everyday life is no problem at all. I just steer clear of anyone sneezing, and have been thankful for a good transplant.
But this current virus is so destructive to poor immune systems, it is the reason why I am now confined to home, and have been firmly told to avoid contact with anyone outside, for at least 12 weeks, along with Tom.
Tom has been grounded here with me, because if he was out and about as normal, he could bring infections back into the home and the result would be disastrous.
Our main initial problem had been getting food supplies. With all the madness in supermarkets, home deliveries to us have been refused by our normal shop, Waitrose, despite them being told of the circumstances.
Neither have they allowed us to click and collect online, which I think is totally unforgiveable, especially since they were informed I was on the Government register for extremely clinically vulnerable people.
Our sons and their families are widespread, with one abroad in New Zealand and another Turkey, and a third in northern England – all areas equally affected by this dreaded virus.
But there is a plus side to all this.
When we came to live here and bought our house, between Washington and Ashington in 1978, we had virtually a blank canvas to work on, and thankfully Tom’s many talents have helped create a lovely home.
We now have a large garden at the rear of the house, which is my pride and joy.
It is complete with an extensive lawn, plus apple tree, where our two cats, Reuben and Cassie, enjoy lying in the sun.
We have fruit bushes and large flower beds there, and a patio with swing seat. We have a front garden and land across the road where I have created a shrubbery, flower beds and extensive grassland.
So despite being confined to home, there is plenty to do here and I have no problem in filling time outdoors, as I am currently preparing beds for Spring.
And we are thankful for the good neighbours here and others who have helped with vital items, when we have not been allowed to go out. Without their help, life would have been impossible.
Our first Government parcel arrived today and had been well thought out with essential items and will certainly plug any gap.
Fortunately I had a double delivery of Sheba cat food for Reuben and Cassie before all this kicked off, which they love -and it should see them through several weeks.
We have a lot to be thankful for.