coronavirus Archives - JoelvsArthritis

Painkiller withdrawal is hell – but how was it a result of shielding?

24/07/2020 by Joel Nelson 6 comments

I am currently having my first experience of painkiller withdrawal and it’s horrendous. It is also an unnecessary consequence of shielding.

As August approaches, my world is about to change

11/07/2020 by Joel Nelson 2 comments

When the Govt. announced Shielding was to end in August, I said that I’d stay home until there was a vaccine – but social expectations makes this impossible

Shielding Mini Series, Health Stories and Interviews

As a shielded person, I am dreading Saturday the 4th of July

02/07/2020 by Joel Nelson 1 comment

This Saturday, Government relaxing of the rules here in the UK is going to feel like a day to celebrate for many. But as one of the approximate 2.2m people who have been classed as ‘high risk’ and more or less confined to our homes since March under the guidance […]

Shielding Mini Series, Health Stories and Interviews, My Arthritis Story

As shielding comes to an end in England, do you feel safe?

27/06/2020 by Joel Nelson 6 comments

On Monday, the UK Government announced that from 1st August, those of us who have been shielding will be allowed to meet outside in groups and go back to work if their workplace is secure. It also means an end to statutory sick pay and the delivery of essential food […]

Creative Writing

The Outcasts

17/06/2020 by Joel Nelson 1 comment

When families reunite, in gardens with beer and cheer,I will still be listening. When neighbours have toured more houses in a weekend than I’ve visited this year,I will still be video calling. When Facebook is filled with pictures of friends by the sea,I will still be pacing my garden. When […]

My Arthritis Story

Isolation is one thing, but medical isolation is terrifying

08/04/2020 by Joel Nelson 2 comments

Thursday 19th March, a day that will long live with me. I was walking my dog on a grey, chilly morning. Still carrying the limp on my right leg from the pain which had kept me off work the last four weeks; I received a phone call. It was my […]