I’m 47 and a former doctor who has lived with multiple sclerosis for the past 27 years. For the past seven years of that I have been living in an aged-care nursing home. Since March 24th this year I haven’t been able to leave the nursing home except for three times. The first time was to attend my 94-year-old Oma’s (grandmother’s) funeral, the second time was to visit an eye specialist and the third time was a short hospital admission after I fell off my shower chair and broke my leg. I’ve been imprisoned by COVID-19.
Prior to March 24th, I used to go out in a maxi-taxi approximately three times per week. I went to physiotherapy, singing lessons, to family lunches, to the movies and out for meals with family and friends. My life was busy and fun. I miss the outside world. Geez, I even miss traffic jams. I miss my family.
I miss my Oma. Her name was Anneliese. My dad’s family migrated to Australia in 1954 from Achim, Germany. Oma was a resident in a Melbourne nursing home. She died on April 15th from long standing lung disease - she did not have COVID-19.
Lydia, centre, at her graduation. Source: Supplied
To deal with the grief as you can imagine, I felt very frustrated that I couldn’t leave. But I’ve been keeping myself constantly busy with singing practice, Zoom physiotherapy and singing lessons, staying in touch with friends and family by phone, e-mail and text, listening to podcasts and audiobook novels and monthly zoom meetings with my local MS group.
As a former doctor, I have found this pandemic to be fascinating and frustrating.
I guess that I’d better tell you a little about my broken leg. Technically, I fractured the lower part of my right femur. I slid off my shower chair. I was transferred to the Austin hospital. I underwent orthopaedic surgery. My mum and sister could visit. Quick turn-around. I was back in the nursing home after three nights.
My leg is healing well. The long scar on my right thigh is healing well and I expect that one day it will be invisible. My right thigh is a bit less bulky.
I am concerned about suffering COVID-19 while living with MS. Of course, I am. I’m concerned that my usual function in a wheelchair may adversely be affected by COVID-19. I might experience significant COVID-19 related fatigue. I have a catheter for my urinary system. I shudder to think what COVID-19 would do there. Urinary tract infection is my concern.
But I hope that my age, lifestyle and lack of other health problems will assist me. I don’t smoke and rarely consume alcohol. I have a healthy diet. I have regular physiotherapy on Zoom. All of these healthy habits should shield me from COVID-19 assault. COVID-19 is a brutal enemy. I can only hope for the best.
“I wish that I was working and helping the community at this time”
As a former doctor, I have found this pandemic to be fascinating and frustrating. And tragic, obviously. Super interesting medically. I wish that I was working and helping the community at this time. All I can do is watch this pandemic be managed by other people on TV. I feel frustrated that I can’t help in this battle. I loved being a doctor. I love helping people.
I would like to urge the community to help lessen this threat of COVID-19 outbreak within nursing homes and outside. Be COVID-safe. Follow the rules set by public health authorities. Wear a mask in public. Sneeze or cough into your elbow. Wash your hands regularly. COVID-19 survives on surfaces for a period of time. Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any flu-like symptoms: a cough, runny nose, reduced taste and smell. Don’t go to work if you feel unwell. Isolate at home if you have been tested. All of these measures will reduce community transmission of COVID-19. All of these measures reduce the COVID-19 risks to nursing homes. Taking on these simple tasks could save someone’s life, potentially someone who lives with MS.
I feel like a caged animal. Melbourne’s lockdown will cease one day. My relatives will be able to visit me for half an hour per week. With a beer. Far out. Now is the time for a beer. But I will only be allowed out when a vaccine is available. That is my assumption.
Lydia on a Europe holiday. Source: Supplied
I eagerly watch every news bulletin about COVID-19 vaccines. I feel resigned to wait. I’ve predicted that I will not be free to go out until a COVID-19 vaccine is found. Despite my frustration, I find the science behind vaccines super interesting.
I expect that for the rest of 2020, I’ll wait. Chin up. Trying hard to continue a busy and fun life. My physiotherapy and singing lessons are now on Zoom. I’m making sure to have 20 minutes of light in the courtyard most days. I’m listening to an excellent Australian novel called The Trauma Cleaner. I chat to my friends and family on the phone. On and on and on. I feel mentally strong. At this point.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Metropolitan Melbourne residents are subject to Stage 4 restrictions and must comply with a curfew between the hours of 8pm and 5am. During the curfew, people in Melbourne can only leave their house for work, and essential health, care or safety reasons.
Between 5am and 8pm, people in Melbourne can leave the home for exercise, to shop for necessary goods and services, for work, for health care, or to care for a sick or elderly relative.
All Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live.
