Hello everyone, hope your all safe
I was wondering if anybody could help me I had a big bleed 5 years ago which has left my mobility. I have always thought I should of been sent a letter to shield, I’ve looked on the government Covid and it mentions neurological problems I’ve just took it , that I’m vulnerable,has anybody else received anything?
Headway told me that all of us were vulnerable because we got brain injury. They didn’t said about shield, but I’ve got to be careful. I hope it helps
Have a word with the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244. They will be able to help you with this. 🙂🌸
Dear Dynamite36,
I Was sent 'Shielding' letters, but then, I'm in the 'At Risk' Category. Not only do I have Vasculitis, an 'Auto-immune' Condition, but I have had a Kidney Transplant- in July 2013.
Whether You receive such 'Letter', to a large extent' depends on how the DSS's 'Categorise' you. How well do you 'Get On' with your own Doctor (GP)? Perhaps, not at the moment but, once things get back to, somewhere near 'Normal', you could ask for an appointment. Else you can 'Chat' to your Hospital 'Team'.... currently even less likely.....
No easy answers, at this Time, Dynamite36 I'm afraid. Like everyone else, you are going to have to 'Sit Tight', until this Damn Virus is under control.
If it's any consolation, we are All in the same boat....
AndrewT
I was not aware headway were saying people with brain injuries are vulnerable. I may have long covid as I have new symptoms but a lot of my ill health could be the brain injury.
Hi Dynamite,
While a brain injury in itself doesn't put you in the highest-risk category, many people experience other complications alongside their brain injury that could increase the risk from Covid-19.
It is well worth speaking to your GP about this as the situation that is different from person to person. There are a number of risk groups so even when people weren't in the shielding scheme, they may have a higher risk than the general population meaning it's important to be extra-cautious.
Please do get in touch with our helpline to talk it through, you can contact them on 0808 800 2244 or helpline@headway.org.uk
Best wishes,
Andrew
I was told to shield in March during the first lockdown because I was going through tests for a possible autoimmune condition (all clear). I asked my GP about the Brain Injury regarding shielding, his advice was that I have enough on my plate due to the Brain Injury and mental health so the last thing I need is a bout of covid irrespective of how severe. I'm in a remote location but still he suggested I play it as safe as possible and keep contact to a bare minimum.
Hi Dynamite. My GP phoned me at the start of the first lockdown to check I was keeping safe, but her concern was centred around a heart condition and breathing issues which could be badly impacted by Covid. But I haven't had an official notification to shield.
Whilst I don't consider myself at risk owing to the haemorrhage, I do think we need to be extra careful when already struggling with fatigue, mobility and general malaise from our compromised brains. Surely, robust folk have more likelihood of fighting a virus .....and I really don't feel robust !
I shop once weekly with mask, hand gel and distancing, with mask even outdoors this time around as many people don't (won't ?) respect distancing. And all my groceries are washed in soapy water or 'quarantined' for days.........I'm told that's OCD but it what works for me. 🥴
x
There is two levels of Vulnerable/at risk, moderate which has a whole range of bits and bobs, such as being 70 (might have changed to 60?) and having a brain/nerve condition so that would I assume be us!
But that’s not the high risk ie shielded such as folks with COPD and so on.
nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...
I tend not to respond to colds well, and did get COVID19 last February was just before it had hit the news, so I thought it was a very bad cold, lasted a good month or so.
I only know as I have the antibodies or at least did when tested!
I’m quite keen not to get it again!
having a brain injury does not make you vulnerable but it depends on any underlying health problems you may have, which may or may not have caused the brain injury
I think it depends what stage your at with TBI or with other conditions; my husband classed as vulnerable we still have home visits from hospital, and GP apps they come to car to collect him, so we go straight into treatment room. Hes classed as high risk at this stage. But as time goes on, i will be glad hes not classed in vulnerable group.
The NHS would appear to disagree in that, “if you have a condition that effects your brain or nerves” is listed.
which is seriously long list of conditions, but would include a brain injury.
I certainly get more colds etc than my peers, I never used to get a cold more than maybe a few hrs, but it can lead to being off work for a few days now. The mechanism is probably fatigue which all folks with a brain injury seem to suffer from, essentially permanently run down to some extent.
The initial question was about shielding and that is not required in abi
Does yiur husband have some underlying health condition?
Realising your injuries.
Mum's brain injury
Hypoxic brain injury
Sky dive for headway Brain injuries Survivor
Post Traumatic Amnesia with Anoxic Brain Injuries 
