Self isolation

[stefi]

Hi this might be of use -

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng179/resources/visual-summary-pdf-8782806637

It is the NICE rapid guideline on elective surgery that hospitals are advised to follow (updated 24 Aug) - relevant part is highlighted in purple (however I think each individual hospital makes its own decisions guided by this).

The guideline says 14 days prior to op you need to social distance; then self-isolate from members of your own household (2m apart and practice strict hygiene within the home, sleep on own) from the time of your Covid test (usually given as part of the pre op tests such as blood collected for transfusion etc 72 hours before) until the op.

I had my second op a week ago and this is what we did. I asked my family/kids to social distance with me for the two weeks prior as I couldn't see how it would work otherwise. I went out for a walk on my own or with one of them (at a distance!) prior to 3 day self isolation but beyond that didn't really go out. It is such a pain, I was lucky to be working at home. This is the second time we had to do this during Covid - the first time was worse as guidance was stricter and we had to self-isolate as a household for 2 weeks.

I was told to be careful after surgery as I would be vulnerable in the case of any chest infection - so we've tried to be careful and I have social distanced again. Covid makes this situation just so much more drawn out.

hope that helps

x

[rosietd]

The self isolation was mentioned along with a load of other info. I assumed it was standard practise.

I tried the ‘surely it will be less risky if I have the test closer to home’ argument but no success.

Hey ho, I am seeing this as an opportunity ...... I am lining up a huge list of things to do at home during the two weeks that I cannot go out, so I should have a clean shiny tidy house by the end of it!

xxx 

[nieve2016]

My operation is in a few weeks and they still haven’t told me anything, was you told about isolation after as I heard your immune system is weak as recovering so it’s advised to isolate after too x

[Seabreeze]

Hi Rosie,

Could you get online food deliveries to reduce household risks in the build up to your op? That way your partner may be able to self-isolate or minimise contact?

I wonder why the London hospital is insistent that you have the covid test there? Would it be worth asking a bit more about why, to see if there is any way they can flex on this to an agreed hospital closer to your home, with the added benefit of reducing risks further, i.e. avoiding any chance of needing a service station stop etc!    

Seabreeze x

[rosietd]

I am having surgery on Oct 10th and have been told very firmly that I must self isolate for 14 days beforehand. The only thing I am allowed to go out for are medical appointments. As I understand it, my partner should do the same, but the reality is that one of us needs to go out to buy food! So I will follow the rules like glue and he will do the best he can.

The slightly daft thing is that I have to have a COVID test three days before surgery and they are insisting I have that done at the hospital where I am having surgery, which involves a 4hr round trip by car. They say I cannot travel by train or taxi - and there is no parking at the hospital (it is in central London) - so my partner will have to drive me down, amuse himself in a self isolated manner for an hour or so, then bring me home. I asked if I could have it done locally, but they said no. 

Sending best wishes,

Rosie

[whiters14]

I am booked in for lumpectomy on the 14th and been told my household need to self isolate for 14 days prior with a Covid test a few days before the appointment. I am lucky that My two boys are going to stay with their Nana as it’s their first weeks back to school. Although being away from them is going to be hard.

 I haven’t been told anything about isolating after the op.

[EJBSinger]

I also should have said that isolation is usually 14 days, but you're allowed to go to essential medical appointments in that time x

[EJBSinger]

I hope this will be helpful.....  The government rules do keep changing and I do think hospitals can make their own rules too.  Your breast care team should be able to tell you what the CURRENT guidance is.  I am currently isolating prior to surgery on 3rd September.  However, I rang the breast care team to see if I was allowed to go for solitary walks.  They told me the guidance is now NOT strict isolating but social distancing.  When i asked what this meant, basically it is the same as isolating, because you can't mix with others or go to their houses and you can't go into shops, but you can go for a walk alone, and your family doesn't have to isolate but they should minimise their contact with others as much as possible.  So we are just being sensible and and cautious.  I am staying in and have only been out twice for walks in 6 days.  I am exercising and meditating at home, and friends can come to the window.  My partner is going to shops as infrequently as possible and he works from home so that makes it easier.  My daughter is autistic so she has to see a couple of carers but she's not seeing friends while I'm isolating.  My daughter doesn't go back to school until the 7th so that helps.  I hope you get some answers from the breast care team.  Much love xxxxx

ps I have been told I don't need to isolate post-op x

[nieve2016]

I have spoke to my breast cancer nurse about self isolation before and after having a single mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction and they haven’t said much as they said it keeps changing and tells me to wait nearer the time, I have 3 children at school and a partner who works so need to know a bit more in advance regarding how the self isolation works and for how long. My partner needs to tell his work and I need to arrange with school. Could you help?