Thursday 3 December 2020

Priscilla

 Once more - Percy came into hospital so that the Physiotherapist could watch me walk with him.   She immediately condemned him as he had no brakes!    He went to the scrap heap (RIP) and has been replaced by a Percy lookalike who the Physio christened Priscilla.   Priscilla sits in my garage waiting for me to be strong enough to walk with her.

Yesterday for the first time I went out of doors and, with my walking frame, walked the length of my bungalow and back on the path with the Physio at my side.   It was a lovely little outing.  We are hoping to repeat the walk tomorrow, weather permitting.   But if it is anything like today it will be doubtful.

The sky is very dark and full of something which threatens to f......all on us.   I know that higher up the Dale (ie higher up into the Pennines) there has been a fall of wet snow.   Here, at present, it just hangs over us.

I am very stiff today after my walk but as I haven't actually walked since October 23rd it is hardly surprising.   I am doing my exercises twice daily and I hope that will help too.

So there is a vaccine about to be circulating.    And as I am classed as 'elderly' I shall be eligible for it.   Shall I have it?   I really don't know what to do - it seems so untried.   Have you any views on the subject?   If so I would be interested to hear them.       Until tomorrow...........


55 comments:

Northriding said...

I'd go for it. I would guess (though I don't know)it is a combination of treatments used previously for other variations of the virus in the past, so is unlikely to be harmful, but I can understand your qualms as most vaccines are tested for years. Though we do get what seems like a different variety of flu each year (I know it's not the same) and a different vaccine is produced for that seemingly quickly. I'm sure others will have completely different opinions, all equally valid, but in the end it's the individuals' decision

Glad to hear you've managed a walk! If the weather where you are is like here I suspect you will be staying indoors today. Hope the aches from yesterday abate quickly

Derek Faulkner said...

I'll be first in the queue for the vaccination if I can be, can't believe that anybody could have doubts about it. Personally, I think that the government have got the list of who will get the vaccinations in what order, all wrong. Sure, starting with old people in care homes will earn them lots of brownie points for compassion but if they are serious in halting the virus then surely they should be starting with the people most likely to be out and about in society all the time and potentially spreading the virus. Start with younger people and working people, etc.

JayCee said...

It is good to hear that you have been able to get outside for a walk. Onwards and upwards.
I am undecided about the vaccine. It is desperately needed and has been tested and pronounced safe, so on balance, I can see why it will be advisable to get as many people treated as possible. On the other hand, I feel as you do, that I would ideally have liked it to have been tested for a much longer period to identify any potential problems that have so far not come to light, but then, I am not in a high risk group so I will be one the later ones to receive it. A dilemma to be sure. You must do what you feel is best for you really, but just think of the consequences if you did not have it and then became exposed to the virus.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

It must have been quite surreal to be outside and walking a bit yesterday! Keep up with your exercises, as you are. The body has an amazing capacity to heal and regain what it has lost. I'm happy for your progress! Take care (and I'd be in favour of the vaccine, for what it's worth). -Jenn

Mary said...

Just like there has been no national plan for handling the virus in the US, there is no national plan for distributing the vaccine (all due to the current idiot in the WH). Each state is being left to their own devices (and/or available funding) to determine who will get access. As a result of no coherent planning, the current US caseload and number of deaths are skyrocketing all across the country. Now expecting 450,000 deaths by February (already approaching 300k). From what I have heard so far, my state has indicated that healthcare workers and those in nursing/care homes are the ones who will receive the initial rounds, but our Governor says we don't even have enough vaccine to cover these first two categories. So it will be a while before I have to make any decision.

the veg artist said...

In my opinion you should have the vaccine, no question about it. Keeps you safe and others. Here in Wales we are to be issued with electronic record cards to say when and which vaccine - these will link to medical records.
Glad you've had a little outing!

Sue in Suffolk said...

It's lovely to hear you have got some fresh air and exercise.
Probably a good thing to have brakes on Priscilla with the sloping bits around your house.
Carry on getting better ((HUGS))

Sue said...

Covid is not good news for the elderly so I would definitely recommend having the vaccine. The weather in Lincs today is very wet and wintery, best to stay indoors!

Amanda said...

I have some doubts too, because it is so new, but my inclination is to go for it. I think the benefits outweigh the risks, since both of us are high risk and will be in Very Big Trouble if we get Covid. My inclination is to pay more attention to my MD than the press or the internet. He's actually been to medical school.

Anne Brew said...

I think we should all try to have the vaccine. It will have been fully tried and tested. The more of us who have it the safer we will all be.

Anne Brew said...

Couldn’t agree more Derek.

EM Griffith said...

In spite of all the news (in the U.S. at least) trying to frighten people about it, politicians having announced pre-election that they wouldn't trust it, the published medical analysis is that it's 90+% effective. Including among the elderly. And side effects reported have been minimal during all of its testing. Much like the annual flu shot. Each must make her own decision, but I'll get it as soon as I'm able to. In fact, I'd looked into being part of its testing. Although the COVID-19 death rate is low per confirmed cases, why risk it? And hasn't a vaccine been touted as the only way any kind of a normal life can return?

Librarian said...

Have that vaccine, Pat, I am sure it is as safe as any vaccine can be.

Good to know you have been out of doors! Not surprising that you felt the effects, but you'll get better little by little with your twice-daily exercises.
Priscilla makes me think of a pink satin bow!

Sue said...

I would have the vaccine, and will be doing myself as soon as it is available. It's been trialled on over 20,000 human guinea pigs with very few side effects, other than a sore arm and a vaguely fluey feeling for a couple of days, similar to the flu jab. Better safe than sorry.

Thanks for explaining about Priscilla again, I must have missed the original post. Brakes sound like a very good idea, especially as you have slopes.

Christine said...

I'd have the vaccine as soon as my age group can, I have the flu jab every year now. And our medical chief Van Tam has said he's encouraging his mother to have it, so if its good enough for her it's good enough for us too. Well done on the walking, my walker has brakes. I named him Rhett, after Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind as he's a handsome fella!

Traveller said...

As soon as I am eligible I shall have the vaccine. It has been tested and passed by independent experts.

I like experts and facts and am getting fed up with what I call the tin foil hat brigade - people who eschew “mainstream media”, preferring to get their “information” from the internet and YouTube? WhEn did feelings start to trump facts? 99.9% of scientists believe in man made climate change but you can find the scientist who doesn’t and pin your hat on him!

I am ranting again.

I will take the vaccine, I trust the experts. I needed some eye surgery a couple of weeks ago. The doctor who examined me explained what had happened, what treatment was necessary, the possible dangers, I listened, I agreed. I haven’t spent years of my life examining eyes. What he said sounded reasonable.

Glad to hear you went out today.

Rambler said...

I shall be having the vaccine as soon as I'm able. Initially I had my doubts about it being too new and probably untested, but I am now happy about it. The reasons why it has been produced so fast are that a) it has had money thrown at it instead of the usual long wait for offers to finance it and b) there's been no red tape to slow things down, both of these reasons because of the way Coronavirus has affected us so badly. All tests have been carried out thoroughly and quickly because of the spread of the pandemic - and it's the only way we are going to have a chance of a normal life again. It has to be better than this restriced existence.

Jane said...

You're completely wrong to say the vaccine is "untried", it's been trialled on many thousands of hero volunteers for many months. They were working on this vaccine in 2019. It's not a case of saying "this might work lets roll it out regardless of whether it will or not" " and the people who are scaremongering are risking lives. For someone not to have the vaccine they're not only endangering their own life but all those who they come into contact with, you can have no symptoms and infect others.
What do you intend to do - never leave your house or allow anyone in it for however many years you have left?

My daughter is a front line nurse in ICU and the things she has seen have left her mostly unable to talk about them, from what she has been able to say the virus causes a horrific death, the stories of cosy scenes of lovely kind nurses holding a patients hand as they "slip away" is false, the NHS staff are overworked and stressed, they're understaffed and as much as she would like to be comforting a patient as they take their last gasping breaths the work load prevents this. The note that the relative gets when a relative has died saying a lovely nurse held their hand and comforted them is not always what actually happened, my daughter has shed many tears for the ones who had a horrific and lonely death, gasping to get in air that their damaged lungs won't allow, she's seen the fear in their eyes as they realise that death is very imminent. here simply the time or resources to give patients a dignified and comforted death. Where in normal times she works in intensive care on a "one to one" basis (one nurse to one patient) right now it's one nurse to six patients and some of their support staff haven't worked on ICU before and don't last more than a few days before they're off work with stress.

Everyone who thinks they might not bother having the vaccine should research the facts and question their shaky beliefs. As for the David Icke type scaremongerers who post about how the government is trying to control us with false facts about cases and deaths and who go on to refuse to wear masks ("I can't talk to someone wearing a mask") then they should be ashamed of themselves.

Right now I have a close relative in a care home which has an outbreak of Covid which means that even closed window visits aren't allowed, this has meant a ban on visiting for 21 days. Another resident has tested positive yesterday which means another 21 days starts. The home is desperately trying to keep their residents, our loved ones, safe. Is this the government trying to control us? People need to get their heads out of the clouds and face up to reality, Covid is deadly.

When I'm eligible for the vaccine I'll have it, if it helps to prevent someone grieving for their loved one then I'll be happy to do as I'm recommended to do.

You've got many advisory comments here Pat, I hope you're able to judge for yourself what is the right thing to do for mankind.

Ellen D. said...

It will take a while to get the vaccines out to everyone and it is my understanding that 2 doses are needed so that will make the wait even longer. You will have time to think about it and see what results are occurring in others before you have to decide.
Glad you are getting out and about with Priscilla!

Bonnie said...

I'm so glad to hear that you have been able to go outside! Priscilla sounds like a lovely new helper for you.

I will get the vaccine when it is available. It has been tested on many and is considered safe. I believe it will be given to health care workers first here and that seems wise.

Derek Faulkner said...

Well said Jane.

Tim B. Inman said...

I'm going to have the vaccine ASAP. It has been clinically tried and tested in huge test groups. To not get the vaccine is to tempt a fate none of us really want. So...I vote 'FOR.'

Sue E said...

Glad you managed to have some fresh air Pat, I’m sure you’ll sleep well tonight. As an ex nurse , who used to vaccinate adults and children, I’m definitely going to have the vaccine when offered it. It has been well tested, and I’m sure that any mild side effects, are far less of a worry , than the side effects of Corona Virus such as God forbid, death , or long lasting damage. The more people that accept it , then this will con-fir some herd immunity.

justjill said...

I am having the jab. Not much life left now and I want to live it.

Traveller said...

Another Well said Jane from me.

I suspect your posting privileges re David Icke folks are the same as mine!

Carruthers said...

I'm having the vaccine. It's as safe as anything like that can be. It's certainly safer than catching covid-19, which will not only affect you but whoever you pass it on to, too.

It intrigues me how many people think that covid is a "hoax" when they can see the carnage wreaked by it, all the deaths and the suffering. These same people are now saying a vaccine isn't safe, even though there's negligible evidence that vaccines do any harm. Rationality turned on its head.

The more of us get vaccinated, the better. And the sooner the better.

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

I'm going to have the vaccine, too. If nothing else, I'd rather they tried it out on me than on my children. If after a month it hasn't killed all us pensioners off, then they can work their way through the rest of the population quickly and safely and life can slowly return to normal.

Margie from Toronto said...

So glad to read that you were able to enjoy a bit of a walk and some fresh air - you are making great progress!

I will be getting the vaccine as soon as it's available. The general who will be in charge of our distribution has just been on TV with the first outline of how things will work. Each province will likely also have it's own lead person - ours is a retired general - hopefully these people will just cut through all the red tape and the "politics" and get things done. It will be a tough job in a country like Canada with so many remote locations to reach so the armed forces will certainly have a big role to play.

Anonymous said...

Go for it weave x

John Going Gently said...

I said that ...I’m having it xx

Rachel Phillips said...

Van-Tam nearly in tears is enough to say Yes, go for it. xx

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thank you everyone. This is a resounding vote for having the vaccine and has persuaded me that it is the sensible thing to do.

thousandflower said...

I'll be 77 when it is available and my sleeve is rolled up. Whatever risks the vaccine poses to me are less than the risk of getting the disease and
passing it onto someone else. I will take my chances with science.

Tom Stephenson said...

Belated advice - yes Weave, definitely have the jab. Is Priscillia Queen of the Dessert? (GEDDITT???)

Jules said...

I feel undecided about the vaccine but I'll be one of the last in line anyway. It's good to read you've been able to get out for a bit of fresh air. X

Beverley said...

I am having it Pat. I am a retired ITU nurse, 3 years ago. Still have friends in ITU and they say it is horrendous.
As soon as I am able to have the jab I will be there with my sleeve rolled up.
Bev

Kathy said...

Well done Weaver for making a great effort with Priscilla, you are doing so well, just a shame our winter might not be kind to you and let you go out for your exercise. I admire you.

As for the vaccine, go for it, it's the only way for us all to go.

Take care & stay safe.

Linda from Alabama said...

I am 70 and for sure will be in line for when my turn comes up!

Heather said...

It must have felt wonderful to be able to walk in your garden with Priscilla. Hope the weather will allow another walk very soon. I also hope you will feel less stiff with the exercises and a few more walks.
I think I shall have the vaccine when my turn for it arrives. I believe it is the only chance we have of eradicating the dreaded Covid.

Sackerson said...

I'll be getting vaccinated - the sooner the better. There's really no scientific argument against it. Great reading through the comments to see the resounding vote of confidence people have in it.

Debby said...

First of all, I'm happy to hear that you got outside. Secondly, I'd go for the vaccine. The vaccine hasn't killed anyone. Covid has. I just read a shocking statistic today: one out of every 800 residents of North Dakota have died from covid. Died.

I know that your country is not as wildly out of control as ours, but really, I would not run the risk of covid, were I you.

You're a sensible woman and I know that you will make a sensible choice.

Joanne Noragon said...

Former presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton will roll up their sleeves and be publicly shot; that's good enough for me.

Marie said...

When the vaccine comes to Kamloops, B.C., I'll be first in line for it and smiling all the way, so go for it Weaver, what do you have to lose?

Virginia said...

I hope Priscilla becomes a good and reliable friend Pat, and you have many exciting times together. Does she fold easily to fit in your car?

I'll certainly be in line for the vaccine once it becomes available over here. I trust the scientists will have checked carefully, and they certainly now more than I do. So, I'll be lining up, and I hope you will too.

Meanwhile, keep safe and well, and give thanks for kind caregivers!

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I will have the shot as soon as I can, unless I hear of some major problem caused by it. I know that Covid 19 can cause blood clotting problems in some people, and that is a possible side effect that I am concerned about with the vaccine. I have a brand new grandbaby coming at the end of December or beginning of January, and I don't want to waste time not getting to see and hold her because of this awful Covid, so I will not take too long making my mind up to get the vaccine. I take vaccines for other illnesses, so I am definitely not an anti vaccination person.

I think Priscilla with brakes will make walking a lot easier for you. I used to have a walker that didn't have brakes and it always tried roll too fast for me when my knees were first healing.

vic said...

So nice that you were able to get out and get a breath of fresh air. Makes all the difference doesn't it. Bit by bit you will be getting stronger and the exercises recommended along with short walks will do the trick.

As to the vaccine. I am in my early 70's with no underlying health issues and so I don't know where in line I will be but I will be there with bells on once I find out where my place in line is. The more people who get the vaccine the better since that insures that people with mild to no symptoms will not be as much of a menace to others as they are now.

jinxxxygirl said...

Pat ... What a coincidence ! My neighbor is retired but he tells us he approved the vaccine for use on animals back in 2015. Yes animals can catch a coronavirus... He says its a very straight forward vaccine simple without alot of 'gunk' in it.. Corona viruses have been around for a long time and they have vaccines for other varieties of corona virus... so basically it just needed to be tweaked for this particular virus. If that info helps you decide any... My neighbor does seem the trustworthy sort.. I'm sure just what his job was before he retired but it was in biology..

So good to hear you are getting around.. Hugs! deb

Bea said...

Congratulations on walking outdoors! I think I would be inclined to have the vaccine as well, like so many others have stated.

Donna said...

I will have the vaccine as soon as I can and get a blessing from my rheumatologist. Being high risk like you Weaver, the risk-benefit ratio changes and it strongly favors getting the vaccine.

Sharon in Surrey(western Canada) said...

I will be first in line anywhere a vaccine is available! I have severe asthma & am on oxygen now - I do not need to get the damn disease. And it will be nice not to be stuck at home while someone else picks out my groceries for me eventually . . .

Jane said...

Thank you to those who commented on my comment above. An addition to my comment is that when my daughter arrived home from her latest shift she was unable to even attempt the meal I had waiting for her, she was exhausted, teary, and needed sleep. She said "Sorry Mum, too many Last Calls"

For anyone who doesn't know those "Last Calls" are the phone calls a nurse helps a dying patient to make to their family, to say their last goodbyes. The patient has to be assessed on how much time they may have left in order for them to still be able to gasp their last words to their loved ones. It's absolutely heart breaking.

Where my daughter works they're understaffed and overrun with Covid positive patients, their operating theatres are now Covid wards, A&E has positive patients in the corridors waiting for non existent beds and administrators are desperately trying to find vacancies in care homes for elderly patients who are still testing positive.

I saw my daughter's mask marked face and swollen eyes and thought Shame on You to every person who thinks this pandemic is a hoax or the Government's way of controlling us. The ones who refuse to wear a mask, the ones living their lives as if Covid doesn't exist, the ones saying "I don't know a single person who's had it" and the bloggers spreading their vile propaganda.

I'll not say anything more on here, my heart is heavy, but I wish you well, keep as safe as you can. Pat, I hope your recovery continues to progress well.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Marie - have been to Kamloops several times so you brought back happy memories.

A sincere thank you to you all,, Yes, it is entirely a mstter for each individual as to whether we choose to have it or not but certainly if this is a cross-section of the population then it seems to be overwhelmingly in favour. I do have friends who will refuse as they have refused the flu jab every yeat - that is their choice. We are all of us lucky enough to live in free coubtries where we can make up our own minds.

Jean said...

We're having it, as soonas we're able. There seems less risk in having a vaccine than when we have to go to the shops, risking our lives when surrounded by who knows who or what? We're so tired of having our lives on hold and at our age a vaccine is a risk worth taking. Reading Jane's heartbreaking comment above, shame on all those who put the lives of the rest of us at risk through their arrogent and misguided beliefs.

susie @ persimmon moon cottage said...

I cannot understand why people are so stubborn about wearing a mask.It is not painful. and it helps keep the virus from spreading. Here in the USA it doesn't help that we have what seems like most of the big shots from one of our political parties partying and celebrating with no masks and no precautions. I would not care one iota if they got the virus because of acting stupid when they know the virus is real and deadly, but the problem is other people catch the virus from them including medical workers who are trying to help them. Their stupid behavior also influences other people to think it is just fine to go to grocery stores and other public places with no masks, which makes every place more dangerous for everyone.

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