Prepping for Brexit thread

DigForVictory

Zentimes wrote: »

I do feel for those needing insulin as they can't get extra, nor store it if they could due to its short shelf life.

Much depends on the type, as some can sit for a year, plus just because it's "out of date" doesn't mean it doesn't work, (as several Americans working for pharmacists & doctors have proved since they can't afford to buy their insulin. <shakes head bemused at US>)

Doesn't alter the fact that some diabetics are in a tricky spot but many are actually probably able to switch around products - not ideal but still lifesaving.

I'm worried for a pal who's daughter is on medicine genetically tailored for her - she can't get her meds from anyone other than her research lab & can't share.

[Deleted User]

I think there's a vast difference between making sure you have enough to tide you over and actual panic buying. It's panic buying if you suddenly get scared stiff of what might happen and go and buy everything you see and that is including the luxuries in life and making sure you have enough is steadily putting together a store cupboard of items that are regularly part of your diet and will be used anyway whether Brexit happens or not. All my life I've got a few extra store cupboard items whenever I've had housekeeping left after the main shop each week, it's only seemed like common sense to me to do it. My store cupboard has seen us through some very 'tight' times money wise over the years and I see it as 'putting in futures', more of an investment than many things I could with the dregs of the purse. If people don't like the idea of it well, that's their choice and good luck to them. I know that even if the food get's repetitive and less than inspired should there be supply problems at some time in the future we will still eat, we will eat as well as I can cook with what have. Don't tell me I'm in the wrong for that? rather a store cupboard than a soup kitchen in desperation!

DryTheRain

DigForVictory wrote: »

Much depends on the type, as some can sit for a year, plus just because it's "out of date" doesn't mean it doesn't work, (as several Americans working for pharmacists & doctors have proved since they can't afford to buy their insulin. <shakes head bemused at US>)

Doesn't alter the fact that some diabetics are in a tricky spot but many are actually probably able to switch around products - not ideal but still lifesaving.

Most modern insulins have long expiry dates, my current batch are both for 2021. They also tend to come in boxes of five - a fixed number every month - for a variable dose regime, so I suspect many of us will have a smalll 'excess' stockpile, if that makes sense.

I was pretty appalled when govt types airily suggested we could just swap types, that's something that only happens if your current regime really isn't working, and is done under close hospital supervision. Type 1 typically operates on very tight margins, so any abrupt change is potentially disastrous.

DigForVictory

Wholly agree - I've a few cherished Type 1 relatives & have been taken to the funerals of several more as Diabetes-As-It-was-Managed-Then was a much more hit & miss affair & renal failure was much too common.

My Aunts (the sort who always wore hats & gloves & carried handbags) were very sharp eyed for a slight slurring of speech or unexpected stumbling & would calmly descend on them and ply the relevant soul with dextrosol tablets from the depths of their bags. Us children were clearly raised that sweets were one thing, the dextrosol was Something Quite Else.

What they'd think of this 'oh you can just switch types' - well I've been chided by one cousin just mildly channelling an Aunt - I just wish they were alive to give the govt in any manifestation the benefit of their experience & opinions. Coz suggested my "probably able to switch" was about as accurate as being able to change tariffs & provider whilst in hock to the existing provider.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

DigForVictory wrote: »

My Aunts (the sort who always wore hats & gloves & carried handbags) were very sharp eyed for a slight slurring of speech or unexpected stumbling & would calmly descend on them and ply the relevant soul with dextrosol tablets from the depths of their bags. Us children were clearly raised that sweets were one thing, the dextrosol was Something Quite Else.

That's great to hear. My partner is Type 1, and I worry that most people would assume the signs of a hypo are just drunkenness and would avoid rather than trying to help.


He has a year's worth of insulin in his fridge, mainly due to problems with pharmacies processing orders over the years. He also stocks up on glucose tablets whenever they're on offer.


I visited a friend recently and was mystified at the lack of food in her kitchen; she explained it as "we mainly eat fresh food." That's laudable obviously, but couldn't believe that she didn't have any kind of emergency tin/packet. Odd how other people live!

DigForVictory

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

I visited a friend recently and was mystified at the lack of food in her kitchen; she explained it as "we mainly eat fresh food." That's laudable obviously, but couldn't believe that she didn't have any kind of emergency tin/packet. Odd how other people live!

I have teenagers - I can relate to a disconcertingly empty fridge, but even so I have sundry tins & packets (& of course the teenagers know where those are too.) My kitchen is many things but not, last I looked, lacking food. I do note that now the lads come home from school for lunch, the amount of fresh fruit they appear to be eating has fallen & that our recycling bin is filling faster (bless 'em).

DryTheRain

Hey great to hear other people's experiences, many thanks :-)). I hope I didn't appear abrupt discussing insulin swaps, but if I hope you'll forgive my irritation at bloody stupid govt ministers talking rollocks when it's their job to know this stuff!

Zentimes

DryTheRain wrote: »

Hey great to hear other people's experiences, many thanks :-)). I hope I didn't appear abrupt discussing insulin swaps, but if I hope you'll forgive my irritation at bloody stupid govt ministers talking rollocks when it's their job to know this stuff!

Not abrupt at all - I think I heard them talking about 'swaps' and recall thinking at the time that didn't sound like a good idea!

I'm totally fed up with the lot of them especially in the light of some of them changing their minds re 'the deal' as soon as they got whiff of May promising to resign if her deal goes through!

Expecting another delivery shortly, that should complete my stocking up for the time being.

GreyQueen

Many a true word spoken in jest: https://www.thedailymash.co.uk/politics/blue-peter-asks-kids-to-send-in-their-brexit-plans-20190328184092

DryTheRain

Ahh good call, a daily mash brexit search brings up many treasures!