I don't mind self checkouts really, and they can be convenient when they work properly. But when they don't, it's annoying. Also, I have some level of social anxiety, so they can be good for avoiding interaction with the checkout person!

I do remember when Sainsburys first introduced self checkouts, IIRC in the late 00s. They were incredibly glitchy, until presumably the software was updated.

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I found that (on the very few occasions that I've tried to use self-checkouts) that they really don't seem to like you using your own bag (in my case a backpack). Make the mistake of moving something in the bag while packing and you get "unexpected item in the packing area" error.

In normal circs I quite like self checkouts if I only have a few things, but after getting caught out on numerous occasions with all that bagging area stuff, I just pack it all after I have paid.

Former picker here! Yes, we got timed - the system gave us 30 seconds per item - and we were ‘spoken to’ if we had too many substitute items even though it was not our fault if the requested item wasn’t in stock

Hugs to everyone who needs them and sounds very difficult for pickers! I am having a wonderful start to 2021 - two freak accidents limiting ability to walk (but physio from tomorrow!), write and cook and now a dose of shingles! I'm still smiling but am looking forward to brighter days

Oh no! Hope you feel better soon.

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Thank you!

I hope that's an instance of 'things can only get better', roversgirl! Get best soonest, please!

Roversgirl, hope you recover from all your ailments soon. Take care with the shingles. It can be nasty.

Bit of solidarity, here, roversgirl - I've just been diagnosed with shingles as well, but in my case it's very mild, as when I had it previously (and as I must have had chickenpox originally, since I was supposed never to have had it).

My GP reckons far more of us are 'run down' healthwise at the moment than is generally supposed, and says that there is already research into the matter!

Thanks, Audrey and Noreen ! and commiserations, Noreen! I hope it stays mild for you and definitely I was not surprised when they diagnosed it and very interested in that research. I have added a possible broken bone in the intervening days. Have to say, duty doctor aside, I have nothing but praise for speedy, smooth and Covid-cautious way in which the NHS has treated me.

SLOC had shingles during the first lockdown. I recognised it instantly having had a severe bout (face, not fun) myself: it was when GP's were virtually shut so I took a picture and sent it over, got him the anti-virals straightaway, but it was still very troubling. My entire sympathies with you sufferers, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Thanks, roversgirl. I suppose it's a bit mad, but odd things like that always interest me, and are even a bit of consolation for the nuisance. Fortunately mine is no more than that, Lucy, but I know it's often awful. Thanks for the sympathies, and hope your SLOC made a good recovery..

Yes, it's important to get the antivirals straight away - saves a lot of pain later if it's caught in time. I was lucky to be working as a medical receptionist when I got it, and one of the GPs recognised the single 'itchy spot' on my forehead as the beginning of it, so put me on the meds straight away.

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Noreen, I hope you also get over it quickly. I was another who did not know I had chickenpox until I took shingles, although my sister had a very heavy dose of chickenpox. I had a mild case of shingles and I hope yours will be likewise.

Thank you, Audrey and abbeybufo. It's a bit worse than the previous time, but still fairly low-level. And that reminds me that it's almost time to take my next dose of antiviral, so thanks for that as well!

Hope you are both (Noreen and roversgirl) feeling much better now. Big hugs in any case.

Thanks for that, Jools - my GP has just ordered me another batch of antibiotics as the cellulitis doesn't seem to have entirely gone. She's also got me an invitation to book for my first CV19 vaccination, which I have. So my current problems have at least got that fixed!

That's good to know Noreen. The roll-out of the vaccine here is ridiculously slow. But on the bright side we are both well and our family and friends in the UK are also will.

That's great, Jules - it all helps!