ISOLATION CONFUSION 🤷‍♀️

[Stacy123456]

Hey everybody,

I've just recently told my work that I will be on 12 week isolation as I fall into that after reading an update on the site that all lupus patients have been advised to self isolate for 12 weeks no matter what medication your taking.. I now have read its SLE patients but I'm SCLE and only on hydroxychloroquine. I'm so confused right now my rhumy clinic nurse said I did fall into that category last week but I don't even think she knew herself.. I haven't had a flu jab yet as I was only diagnosed last July but she said I would definitely be on the list because every patient under the rheumatology clinic all get flu jabs.. Anybody else got the same as me that cud share a little light on their situation or what they have been told... Theres just so much uncertainty and I don't know whether I'm coming or going right now.

THANKS X

[PMRpro]

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

is the specific guidance for rheumatology. Look at the two tables, the first lists by illness, the second by drugs.

As far as I can gather, the 12 week total isolation guidance is not for all patients, it is for the very high risk ones. For those at less risk someone classed the social isolation as stringent and very stringent. And of course, when you share your home there are other considerations.

You will get a letter in the next week, if you haven't had one by next Sunday you are to contact someone (can't remember off the top of my head now) for more information.

Personally I think it is a bit slow - we know here in Italy the difference even 24 hours would have made at the start. The UK has been playing about for weeks.

[Stacy123456 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for this

[BellaC79]

Hi Stacy123456,

I like yourself decided to self isolate on march 17th before the lockdown. Luckily I am able to work from home.

I didnt think I would receive a letter as I am on hydroxychloroquine for MCTD and had checked the table stating I was not in high risk.

However I received a letter yesterday dated 8th April telling me to stay home for next 12 weeks as I am at risk of severe illness re covid.

Just hoping you received one too by now?

[Stacy123456 in reply to BellaC79]

No I didn't receive a letter but my doctor has signed me off for 6 weeks because the stress of it all has caused a lupus flare.. Isolation is really getting to me now I nearly wish I was back working again.. Hope ur keeping safe xx