Covid 19: Quick question. Has anyone... - ITP Support Assoc...

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Covid 19

NickyD profile image
8 Replies

Quick question.

Has anyone had a letter from the NHS to say they are a high risk individual? I have not, but I am still shielding because I have no spleen and am on immunossuppressants every day. I am not prepared to contract the virus when I can stay indoors and stay safe.

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NickyD profile image
NickyD
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8 Replies
Kazpig1 profile image
Kazpig1

Hi, I am also on immunosuppressants. I have asthma as well. I received a letter from my GP and one from the NHS advising me to shield when Covid started and I received another one on Monday with the new updated advice for people who are shielding. The government website has a list of people who should be shielding and the ITP association has info on there to, if that helps. It seems to have been hit and miss with the letters from the government.

NickyD profile image
NickyD in reply to Kazpig1

Hi Kazpig1

I live on my own and have not been outside my front door for 99 days. I agree that it is hit and miss, so have decided to be responsible for my own health and stay in. Should I contact my doctor for a letter? Will I need this letter at some point in the future? I dont want to bother my doctor if I dont need to.

Am interested to get other people's views.

NickyD

Anthonyh7 profile image
Anthonyh7 in reply to Kazpig1

It sounds like you have received exactly what I have received Kazpig.

For anyone living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, they will be following different Govt advice as they have their own devolved Govt & may not follow the exact same instructions as those issued by the Govt in Westminster and applied to England.

Anthonyh7 profile image
Anthonyh7

Yes NickyD I had my letter way back in April.

The first notification I got was by text on March 24th advising me that I MUST stay at home as someone on immune suppressing drugs, so I would be "SHIELDED".

I then received that exact instruction in writing on April 16th. The letter was actually sent by my GP, albeit the wording was obviously taken directly from Govt "shielding" instructions. I am happy to email it to you if you want a copy.

I have also received another letter only 2 days ago advising me that "shielding" arrangements are being eased and it advises me what I should and should not do as we move forward. Again, Im happy to email you a copy if you want.

Best wishes

Anthony

Dawnwarry profile image
Dawnwarry

Hi - I didn’t receive a shielding letter for in May for ITP but took strict precautions anyway.

However at the end of May following a routine blood test which showed further anomalies in my blood I received one, telling me to shield till the end of June. I consulted my GP explaining my regime and his response was, that it was my choice as shielding was a personal choice. I got the impression it was quite random and computer generated.

I have continued my regime.

Anthonyh7 profile image
Anthonyh7 in reply to Dawnwarry

Hello Dawnwarry, as far as I was told by my specialist, having ITP would not put us on the shielded list BUT what would do so was taking immune suppressing drugs to control our ITP.

So any drugs like Prednisolone, Azathioprine, Dexamethasone, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Rituximab would mean we would be shielded. I am on Mycophenolate Mofetil and have been for 4 years and 6 months so that is what put me on the shielded list.

The full list of who should be on the shielding list is at ... gov.uk/government/publicati...

Having said all that, we all need to be doing what we think is right for us I suppose. I certainly won't be going very far unless I absolutely have to.

It is Always useful to discuss our individual situations with our specialists too.

Take care & best wishes

Anthony

NickyD profile image
NickyD in reply to Dawnwarry

HI Danwarry

Just received my first letter today from Matt Hancock explaining shielding will be paused from the 1st August. I too have taken strict precautions and today is my 100th day of not going outside my front door.

Yes, it has been tedious, but I am still here and that is what matters.

Take care and stay safe.

NickyD

NickyD profile image
NickyD

Hi Anthony

I have had my shielding letter today telling me what I can and cant do going forward. Thanks for the offer or emailing yours to me.

Take care and stay safe.

NickyD

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