Covid

[Motorman]

I tested positive for Covid on Thu. 16th March and I have had an email telling me I am "vunerable". I have asthma as well as CLL, on W&W for CLL. I am 80 years old. I did the test and phoned the result through and answered all the questions. I was told someone would contact me. Well, I am still waiting, maybe I won't be offered anti viral drugs, I am not sure of the criteria. All I expected was for someone to tell me whats happening. I shouldnt have to chase them up, I dont feel well. So the system works for some but not others.

[SofiaDeo]

Unfortunately with the stresses on healthcare everywhere nowadays, a bit of chasing is warranted. Humans make mistakes, calls from a list get missed, or not put on the list by mistake. It could even be a computer/system error instead of human. I am not sure who you call, but there is *someone* (is it ADU? Someone from the UK will respond) locally you should inform, to get assessed for Paxlovid treatment.

[annmcgowan]

Hi sorry to hear you have Covid sorry to hear the system isn’t working for you. You shouldn’t have to chase them up but if it were me I would.

As it’s the weekend you will have to call your emergency GP or 111. I have just recovered from Covid and had to use 111. I found them very helpful.

As you need to get antivirals ASAP if they are to help I wouldn’t hesitate to make contact. If you aren’t feeling well enough to chase them up do you have someone who can do this for you?

Alternately try your haemotology department on Monday if you can wait.

Good luck

Ann

[RZ8983DV in reply to annmcgowan]

I have what I thought was originally a bad cold but tested positive for COVID yesterday. I sent off the PCR test that was sent to clinically vulnerable people and will see what happens tomorrow, but I fear it would be too late for Paxlovid as my symptoms started on Wednesday. I think I will also have to chase my GP

[annmcgowan in reply to RZ8983DV]

Hi I am sorry to hear you have tested positive for Covid. I totally agree with what slsfn has suggested. You need to let the medics involved make the decision regarding paxlovid.

I hope you get it and recover soon.

Take care

Ann

[slsfn]

Hi Motorman

Please DO follow this up - Covid can become very serious and can take a long time to shake off in patients with CLL, as my husband found last year.

It’s true he had just started treatment (and was therefore more immune suppressed ) but was otherwise fit for his age ( 70)

Phone 111 right now, or phone 119 at 9am on Monday morning.

If they don’t get things moving, phone the GP (or whoever is your Haematology point of contact at the hospital - eg CLL specialist nurse, or your CLL consultant’s secretary)

Unless the system has changed, you should then get a call from your local CMDU to discuss getting you Paxlovid treatment.

It depends on your individual risk from Covid, taking into account your age, asthma and the stage of your CLL.

I don’t think there is any way of contacting the CMDU directly, unfortunately, but once they are made aware of you, the staff there seem to have the final say.

Best of luck

[FairweatherSailor]

Hi Motorman, I tested positive late on Thursday, took a LFT (clearly positive) also did my home Priority PCR and posted it very late. I called my GP Friday afternoon, he referred me to the CMDU. I got a call within 2 hours from a doctor at the CMDU. Then got a call from the pharmacist yesterday morning and my Paxlovid arrived by courier at 19.30 last night. So I had my first round last night. There does seem to be cover over the weekend. I suggest calling your GP emergency number and ask to be referred urgently to the CMDU. I am on W&W so you do meet the criteria. Good luck . Keith

[Motorman]

Thanks all, I did get my phone call this am, after a long chat. I decided not to go ahead with the Paxlovid, I was put off by the possible side effects and was informed that "it is better to let your immune system deal with it". Been given a phone number to ring if I need anything. I feel that they are putting people off the antivirals, anyway they put me off, I will tough it out.

[SofiaDeo in reply to Motorman]

Well, not everyone gets Paxlovid side effects. Those that do, you can simply stop the drug.

Not everyone gets severe Covid symptoms/Long Covid. Those that do.....are stuck. It's your decision, but with a CLL diagnosis, I think this is a mistake. Let alone if you have any other risk factors for Long Covid. And it seems you do?

Whoever said "it's better to let your immune system deal with it" obviously hasn't seen the awful effects Covid has done to folk. Particularly those at high risk. I am unaware of any particular instance of anyone with a major risk factor, let alone 2 or more, being told it is better to not use prevention. I think this person somehow missed you are immune compromised. And that you are 80. With cardic problems, and asthma. 4 risk factors for severe disease. You aren't a 20-something in the peak of good health. You *are* in the over age 75 group that is no longer getting preventative screening; perhaps your post last year in the Heart forum questioning whether or not the government thinks your lot is dispensable, contains a nugget of truth? If NHS is routinely telling everyone over 75, who no longer gets routine cancer, heart disease, and other screening like younger folk, "let your immune system deal with it", well, that seems morally reprehensible IMO.

[Motorman in reply to SofiaDeo]

I have made my decision and yes, if I was asked again I would probably take the antivirals, but I have declined and I will stick with it. As an aside I am feeling maybe 5% better, the old defective immune system still has something left !

[pigeonCl-HU in reply to SofiaDeo]

I agree with what you have said, it is so sad.

After years of contributing to society, it looks like one is being punished for still being here after the age of 75...I refer to the lack of routine health checks offered to younger people, but not to the over 75s.

Sorry if I sound cynical, but as you said, it is morally reprehensible, and cannot be justified.

[PurplePotato69]

I am 78 y.o. on W&W. Had Co VID in Sept.2023. My cardiologist called PAXLOVID™ (nirmatrelvir tablets; ritonavir tablets) in. My symptoms dissappeared in one day.

[Motorman in reply to PurplePotato69]

I am over the c'vid now, it took a while, about three weeks, next time I want the anti virals! Now I await my "urgent" consultation with a cardiologist, appointment moved, so my two week referral will have taken three months.