Over two days of twelve hour shifts I have run the gauntlet of PPE
I'm not complaining , it's just a statement of fact
IMAGINE a large pink hairy pig being squeezed into a flaccid sky blue condom
Add to the mix a tight plastic mask , the size of a large breathless yogurt pot, clinging blue latex gloves and a steamed up visor which looked as though it may have been born in Chenobyl and you may get the gist of what I have looked like since early yesterday morning.
One of my colleagues , whilst finally helping to peel the sweaty plastic mess from my slug like body summed it up thus
" Jesus!!!!!You smell like fucking Gandi 's Flip Flop!"
Bless. Cool shower. x
ReplyDeleteThat is not the image I want to start my day on.
ReplyDeleteI hope that after a shower you look, feel and smell better.
Now THERE'S a compliment if I've ever heard one, lol!
ReplyDelete12 hour shifts on your job can be difficult in normal times. Adding the necessity for the PPE gear takes difficult to an entirely different, harder level. I so hope you can comfortably enjoy being clean,relaxed and at home now. xx oo , -Mary
ReplyDeleteMary ....I just needed an ice cold drink when I got home
DeleteBut non of the neighbours had ice!!!!!!
Finally Hattie came to my rescue !!!
Dear John - it is things like this that make me stand at my door and clap every Thursday evening. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear pat x my friend x
DeleteSounds like pure hell, John. And I know that so many are in the same situation protecting and taking care of us. Thank you. And may I say that "You smell like Gandhi's flip-flop" is now my favorite saying?
ReplyDeleteSkin was meant to breathe! This is one more reason why I admire health care workers, as well as lab workers, EMTs, police, etc - the uniforms they must wear are horribly uncomfortable under a lot of circumstances but they do it without fail.
ReplyDeleteBest saying in the world spouted right there!! Sorry you have been so uncomfortable whilst having to work 12 hour shifts. Gruelling.
ReplyDeleteAre none of your neighbours G & T lovers?? Very unusual to have no ice.
Jo in Auckland
I know I was fraught
DeleteWhat is a flip flop?
ReplyDeleteA basic sandal
DeleteIn Australia we call them thongs.....but....
DeleteThank god you don't smell like Ghandi's thong
Oh, we call them flip flops, too. But, I never thought of one as smelly, so I thought it meant something else in other parts of the world. Thanks.
DeletePractical Parsimony, you are quite right Flip Flops don't smell, not least because they are basically just a sole so plenty of air circulating to keep even John's feet fragrant. Put his narrative down to poetic licence and dramatic effect.
DeleteU
Gandhi flipflop
DeleteIs a northern English saying which probably derives from Lancashire or liverpool
It is an old saying which hardly merits discussion
Ursula why do you have to sully John's posts with your constant pathetic attempts to pull him down? The other commenters acknowledge the admirable work he's doing yet you accuse him of lying with your comment that he uses "poetic licence and dramatic effect" in his post. Your comments are always made in such a way as to cause hurt, I can only think you must have some woeful inadequacies in your own life if you feel the need to comment in such a way.
DeleteOne should never answer a question with a question. So I won't. Instead of which I shall answer yours.
DeleteI do not "sully" John's posts. I give them [the posts] their due. That I "attempt to pull him down" is conjecture. Yours.
I am the first to acknowledge the value of the work John does. If you perceive my comments as "always made in such a way as to hurt" I am afraid that is your problem. Not my intention.
Whilst speculating on my "woeful inadequacies in [my] life" maybe you'll be so good as to look at why you feel need to attempt to pull ME down at every corner in these comment boxes.
Hugs and hisses, Heidi, chill,
U
You do enjoy pointing out things alternative and often do that in a way which surpringly as it may seem, sounds critical Ursula
DeleteIt's the way you are
And no more discussion on the subject will be published
DeleteI hope you can relax and unwind now that the two shifts are over, or have you got a third one coming?
ReplyDeleteI'm back on Tuesday
DeleteEnjoy tomorrow then and think only beautiful thoughts. x
DeleteAnd positive ones.
DeleteWhat a lovely picture. Congratulations, you have found a way to include the sense of smell into the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteoh darling. rest well, free of all plastic!
ReplyDeleteMercy! As a surgical nurse of 15 years a couple of decades before the virus, the worst I experienced from masks and face shields was fogged up glasses.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, Ghandi's sandals were probably made from woven grass of some sort and were on well ventilated bare feet so may not have been stinky at all.
Hope you have water freezing in your freezer now so the ice will be ready when you are.
Hugs!
Time for a nice long shower
ReplyDeleteMy youngest son has been working with covid patients but thankfully they only have one in intensive care now. His face looked like he had been in a boxing match when he took all the gear off, red and swollen.
ReplyDeleteWell done all of you nurses you deserve a huge pay rise but I don't think you'll get it some how.
Briony
x
I don't envy you having to wear that PPE gear. Claustrophobic.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you all for what you do under these crazy circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you are suffering with the protection that is necessary at the moment John.Just wearing a homemade cotton mask and sunglasses makes my glasses steam up at times.I saw a photo online yesterday of a Doctor who had indentations on his head made by a mask.it really doesn't seem right that you are all having to endure discomfort whilst working caring for patients x
ReplyDeleteOh my, I almost snorted my rhubarb crumble out my nose. It seems unreal these days. We have fortunately had few cases of Covid in northern BC, so it almost feels like the hoax that "mericans" are talking about. In reality I know that we have a problem, but here, not so much. I just keep plodding along, making the odd mask and doing quilting and gardening, hoping it all goes away and soon. Take care, John.
ReplyDeleteBarb
Don't envy you wearing all that :(
ReplyDeleteWhere did you end up with the NHS by the way, your local hospital or Ysbyty Enfys?
I didn't I'm still at the hospice x
DeleteOh...lol got the wrong end of the stick there didn't I? :) x
DeleteKeep the gin in freezer?
ReplyDeleteAnd I complain about getting hot and sticky behind a simple mask!!
ReplyDeleteI've injured my rotator cuff, so can't even tie my own masks and aprons and have to get someone to get me ready.
ReplyDeleteIt must be such a relief to get it all off. Ghandi's flipflop - haha, that's funny.
ReplyDeleteI really feel for you having to wear all that for so long and while it's so warm. Enjoy your day off.
ReplyDeleteA hairy pink pig in a blue condom. Is it hot in here or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is an ambulance nurse. The stories she tells. She's stayed away from home for weeks. Now, she showers at work and showers again when she gets home before she gets near her family. And she jokes the showers are not simply to disinfect. I had no idea Gandhi wore flip flops. A fashion icon. (Where do people come up with these comparisons? They're so entertaining.)
Must be hot with all that gear and will only get worse with summer upon us, my respect to you and all the other health workers, enjoy you day of tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAs Pat said, THAT is why we clap for you and all those like you who are on the frontline keeping us safe.
ReplyDeleteI hope you know how much you are appreciated. xx
I feel your pain John! The bridge of my nose and my ears are so sore and as for my hands ouch and urgh! The worst part for me though is my specs constantly steaming up. Keep your chin up mate!
ReplyDeleteBless you, John.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry John but that's funny. I am so thankful I only have to wear a mask.
ReplyDeleteKeep your pecker up, it surely can't go on for ever. Can it?
ReplyDeletejeeze...i don't know how you do it. i get claustrophobic from just a cotton mask. and back already tomorrow! have the best relaxing day today.
ReplyDelete"Gandhi's flip flop" hahaha!! I love that.
ReplyDelete'like Gandhi's flip-flops....., how did he/she know?! Best wishes John, hope your Monday was a bit more sweetly fragrant and peaceful, well done to you, Terry in Reigate
ReplyDeleteI don't care what you smelt like - you and all the other carers, nurses, doctors etc deserve medals and I for one am eternally grateful for all you do.
ReplyDeletePaul
It is the amazing sacrifices that you and other carers make that keep us all safe. Thank you doesn't even begin to express our gratitude. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday as I clap for our carers. xx
ReplyDeleteAs a kid I was warned it was dangerous to put a plastic bag over your head. How ironic one now needs one to stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteGosh John, you have humbled me
ReplyDeleteTo think l uses to moan about wearing closed in court shoes with a heel and a stupid suit with natty blouse at my workplace.
Stay safe, keep going and have an ooh la la bath, with lots of bubbles and a nice glaas of er, Tizer, or similar!
Tess xx
Lawdy, Miss Clawdy.
ReplyDeleteAs an anaesthetist my daughter has to wear scrubs,a gown, a mask, a visor, a scrubs cap, a lead vest and apron and two pairs of gloves. Hot, sweaty, tiring and whilst the masks impairs vision the two pairs of gloves hamper manual dexterity! Incidentally the mask was purchased at Screwfix as the NHS unable to provide one to fit her safely!
ReplyDeleteAll medical staff deserve a medal in my opinion. I rather like the idea of John Gray MBE!
My sister Ann already has a BEM
DeleteI AM SO DELIGHTED TO BE FINALLY CURED OF HERPES VIRUS,I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM HERPES TYPE 2 FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND I HAVE SPENT A LOT ON GETTING THE MEDICAL PILLS RECOMMENDED FOR SUPPRESSING THE VIRUS,BUT I NEED MY LIFE BACK SO I OPTED FOR HERBS INSTEAD AND IT WAS THIS PROCESS I CAME ACROSS A TESTIMONY OF HOW EFFECTIVE DOCTOR RAZOR HERBAL MEDICINE IS, SO I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY I CONTACTED THE HERBAL DOCTOR AND HE GUIDED ME AND AFTER FEW DAYS I RECEIVED MY PARCEL FROM THE COURIER SERVICE SENT BY THIS GREAT HERBALIST SO I FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTION ON HOW I WAS TO TAKE THE MEDICINE AND AFTER 18 DAYS I DECIDED TO GO FOR MEDICAL CHECK UP ON THE HERBALIST ORDER, TO MY GREATEST SURPRISE THE DOCTORS DECLARED ME NEGATIVE,YOU CAN GET CURED OF HERPES TOO IF I CAN GET CURED AFTER USING HIS HERBAL MEDICINE..REACH HIM ON EMAIL : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com or Whatsapp or call him on +2349065420442
ReplyDeleteI AM SO DELIGHTED TO BE FINALLY CURED OF HERPES VIRUS,I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM HERPES TYPE 2 FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND I HAVE SPENT A LOT ON GETTING THE MEDICAL PILLS RECOMMENDED FOR SUPPRESSING THE VIRUS,BUT I NEED MY LIFE BACK SO I OPTED FOR HERBS INSTEAD AND IT WAS THIS PROCESS I CAME ACROSS A TESTIMONY OF HOW EFFECTIVE DOCTOR RAZOR HERBAL MEDICINE IS, SO I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A TRY I CONTACTED THE HERBAL DOCTOR AND HE GUIDED ME AND AFTER FEW DAYS I RECEIVED MY PARCEL FROM THE COURIER SERVICE SENT BY THIS GREAT HERBALIST SO I FOLLOWED HIS INSTRUCTION ON HOW I WAS TO TAKE THE MEDICINE AND AFTER 18 DAYS I DECIDED TO GO FOR MEDICAL CHECK UP ON THE HERBALIST ORDER, TO MY GREATEST SURPRISE THE DOCTORS DECLARED ME NEGATIVE,YOU CAN GET CURED OF HERPES TOO IF I CAN GET CURED AFTER USING HIS HERBAL MEDICINE..REACH HIM ON EMAIL : drrazorherbalhome@gmail.com or Whatsapp or call him on +2349065420442
ReplyDelete