I have pericarditis. Since I was very poorly in 2015, with pneumonia and had the fluid drained from around my heart, I have had flare up nearly every year or so.
I work on the 'front line' within the NHS and although Oct health deem ke as vulnerable, I will still get redeployed to another dept if they need me.
Just wondering, should I be shielding? I didnt get a letter in March last lockdown but my GP signed me off sick.
I dont want to get signed off sick again as it will go on my record against me. But I am afraid of being redeployed, maybe catching covid and it could affect my heart????
I am extremely anxious and worried about it.
Written by
Foxy1979
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
My 31 year old son had pericarditis following a heart attack, pneumonia, sepsis and liver and kidney failure (all together). He never got a letter telling him to shield although the GP did say he should be shielding. Luckily he was unemployed so going out to work wasn't necessary. I should think a call to the GP would be the best idea just to get the correct advice.
I also work for the NHS (though not on the frontline), i've been redeployed a number of times since Covid came along, but have been able to do each role from home. If you are told to shield you'll still be able to help where you can remotely.
Hey lovelies, You have every right to be concerned. You should let your Dr know how your feeling. Your health is important, I know we all other priorities, as working or other commitments are necessary I don’t think it comes before health. Being unwell is already mentally and emotionally draining. We should give ourselves all the TLC needed so we can be well enough to do other things. There are many obstacles and challenges being unwell, we all have to accept and be kind to ourselves so we can get more involved in other areas in our lives. I hope you are able to get help and advice from you Dr so all your concerns will be at ease.
Have you contacted your manager and Occupational health to ask about your Trust's policy of vaccinating vulnerable staff such as yourself?
If you are redeployed ask your employer to carry out a risk assessment as they have a duty of care to you.
They should allocate you to an area that does not unduly expose you to Covid.
Many pregnant members of staff have had to be redeployed too.
I acknowledge the problem of being caught up in the Bradford score of rolling sickness that can effect anyone in the NHS.
I suggest you also contact your professional body or union if you are member to ask that the exceptional circumstances causing the need for your sickness are recognised.
We certainly are not living in 'normal' times.
I hope you are able to resolve this issue quickly without causing you further worry and anxiety.
I have recurrent pericarditis and have had pericardiocentesis a few times - not the most fun you ever had, is it?
I shield - by choice, I'm not on any shielding list. I've taken the decision to do so owing to my worries (quite reasonable according to my cardiologist) a case of Covid-19 might be catastrophic for me.
I'm retired and can do this, your situation is a bit different from mine - you're 'frontline NHS' so you need to talk to who ever it is that decides deployments to make sure your deployment doesn't put you at risk.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Should I feel better by now?
Should I get a piercing?
Should I ask to see a cardiologist?
should I believe it? And if so, should I be worried? 
Should I see a councillor 
