Thursday, 9 April 2020
These are difficult times, unprecedented in our generation. The world may never be the same again when we come out of this Pandemic however, we are all in this together. As we try to not let our Mast Cell disease define us neither should we let COVID-19 define us.
I have had a lot of communication over the last few weeks relating to Mast Cell sufferers fears relating to their individual battles and how the virus may impact on them through lifestyle changes as well as if they happen to acquire the virus.
As you are all aware, one of the biggest triggers of Mast Cell degranulation is stress and these are stressful times, however, the stress we feel has a catalyst that is far beyond our control but there are things we can do to assure our coping mechanisms stay intact.
- Keep your normal medication regime.
- Contact Your advising Physician if you feel concerned or symptoms persist or elevate.
- Ensure that you continue the strict personal hygiene protocols.
- Adhere to the current self-isolation regulations.
(My personal advice would be to take extra care and necessary precautions with numbers 3 & 4) - Continue your normal ‘rescue medication’ regime when required as advised by your physician.
- Maintain contact with others (We are in physical isolation, not total isolation). Debriefing and relating to others is a good de-stressor.
- As always keep a diary of triggers and symptoms.
- Keep your mind and body active (Watching TV all the time may not be helpful).
- Maintain a good healthy diet within the restrictions of your personal triggers and symptoms.
- Practice the relaxation techniques that best suit you when you are feeling concerned or stressed.
Stating the obvious, these are difficult times for the whole world not just those with a Mast Cell condition however we need to be more focused and vigilant. A sniffle or a cough doesn’t mean you have the virus it may just mean that you have a common cold. If you are justifiably worried, organise testing don’t wait too long as worry and stress will do more damage than a common cold.
Without seeming flippant, there is very little we can do during these times apart from following the correct guidelines and maintaining the Mast cell disease ‘status quo’.
People, we will get through this and we will survive. Worrying about what we can’t control is our biggest enemy. Just work with what we can control will see us through.
Stay safe, relaxed and yet be vigilant.
David W. Mayne
Chair (TAMS)
