We’re almost at the end of week five (sigh) of Covid19 Coronavirus Lockdown and I’m still hanging in there. Last week, I was bracing myself for the announcement of an extension of two more weeks, so when it was announced as three I did curl up in a ball for for the rest of the evening.
For those of you who may be reading from other countries, the Current Covid-19 Coronavirus restrictions in Ireland, which are definitely working to flatten the curve, are:
Stay within 2 kilometres of your home at all times.
Only essential journeys beyond 2 kilometres are allowed for food and medicine.
All non essential businesses are closed.
I’ve collection a few thoughts on Coronavirus, diabetes and the world in which we are living at the moment.
Coronavirus Leaves No one Untouch
Over Easter weekend, I heard the news of two of my neighbours from home who passed away. And as I thought about how I couldn’t attend the funerals the image from the previous week of a hearse with a coffin travelling through town with only two cars behind it came back again to haunt me. The Irish wake and funeral is such an important part of our grieving process and I’m so heartbroken for all who have to go through losing a loved one without the support and strength of their communities.
Life Tries to Continue
This week, I had my twice yearly diabetes review over the telephone. I had chosen not to get my lab work done three weeks ago because I felt it wasn’t necessary for me to put this additional pressure on my GP surgery. My diabetes is doing fairly well, give or take, so I didn’t mind waiting another six months for new labs. Plus, I really don’t pay that much attention to my HbA1c but I do keep tabs on what my kidneys and cholesterol are up to.
I’ve decided that I’m not a big fan of having my consultation via telephone, I would much rather have a video consultation instead so that I could see what my nurse was looking at when she was commenting on my glucose information. I’m glad that I’m where I am with my diabetes management and not someone who needs more support from their diabetes team because I think a lot of what’s going on with a person is missed over the phone.
However, it did cause me to do an additional review of my numbers myself and make some changes in my background insulin which have improved my numbers but I also need some more tweaks.
Physically Distant but Not Socially
With the announcement of three additional weeks of lockdown I knew I had to come up with another plan of coping. Our Clare type 1 diabetes group are doing another virtual video meet up next week and I am giddy with excitement to see and hear people chatter. BYOB Bring Your Own Beverage
Misinformation and Knee Jerk Reactions
I used to take it in good faith that if a photo or video was posted online the timing was accurate. Even more so if it’s posted by someone I would have thought reliable on SoMe. NO SIR-EE!! A photo or video posted on social could've been recorded anytime in the last… ever! Thank goodness for journalists and editors who fact check.
But once the post/tweet is up there, unless it’s deleted, there continues to be outrage and judgement shared. I’ve observed that rumours are amplified through social media: unverified videos are shared, opinions are stated as facts and reactions abound.
Save your blood pressure!
So that’s been my week four Covid-19 Lockdown. Not bad really! I’m still here and I sincerely hope you are too. Stay Safe!
