Shielding

[Barbara17]

Has anyone else been advised to Shield for twelve weeks because of prednisolone? I got a phone call from my dermie consultant this afternoon advising me to do this even though I now only take 10mg and am about to decrease to 5mg this weekend. She feels that, because I have taken it since November at a higher dosage, I am at greater risk. Obviously I can’t ignore her advice it I wondered if anyone else had been advised to do this.

[Maureenpearl]

I only have 5mg Prednisolone but I had a text with a link to a video to check my risk factor and I come out as high risk along with a biologic infusion.

[Barbara17 in reply to Maureenpearl]

Thanks for answering. It’s a scary world at the moment.

[PMRpro in reply to Maureenpearl]

It is the biologic that puts you at very high risk - irrespective of anything else.

[PMRpro]

I assume you have lupus? It is not the pred alone, it is the combination of the disorder and the medication you are on. Lupus plus pred at above 10mg for 4 weeks takes you to the high risk category.

[Maureenpearl in reply to PMRpro]

I was diagnosed with lupus (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease) which has damaged my lungs (Pulmonary Fibrosis) so I also use oxygen.

[PMRpro in reply to Maureenpearl]

You should be self-isolating with NOONE allowed anywhere near you. My niece has cystic fibrosis - same sort of level of risk. All the best

[happytulip]

I have been advised because of pred but not just because of pred. I've been on it for years but have other immune deficiency problems that put me at a big risk as well as SLE.

I haven't got "the letter" but my GP took the time to call me and tell me to shield.

[Lily77]

Yes indeed. I have lupus and am on 7.5 prednisolone and have been totally shielding since the end of last week because my GP had told me that if I ever got flu I would probably have to go to hospital and I knew Covid-19 was proving even worse than flu. Then the official notification came through to me by text on Monday this week. Take great care, with my very best Lily

[Donnygirl]

Morning I hope everyone is keeping safe. I have lupus sle I take prednisolone hydrachloroquine ramprili it has effected my liver and kidney and spine. I have had no letter or text message I have also registered with the link and still not heard anything

[hinegan]

Hi Barbara17, my friend received the same letter so I spoke to my renal department (as I hadn't had one) and was told the same, they said letters are due to go out, I have lupus nephritis , fibromyalgia and sciatica and on mycophenolate (myfortic) 1800 per day 5mg prednisolone and hydroxychlotoquine 300mg per day, I also take pregabalin and zappain for pain

[Cat_Mum]

I received “the text” earlier this week but I’m still waiting for the letter. I’m guessing that the postal service is working on reduced manpower at the moment. I’m on 5mg pred, hydroxy and azathioprine for my SLE. Then again, I’m also at stage 5 (final stage) chronic kidney failure, so would be considered high risk in any event.

[Krazykat26]

Hi Barbara 🤗

I had a phone call from my 🌟 GP couple of nights ago n she told me that I'm at risk because I'm on hydroxy n methotrexate..so I'm shielded n should self isolate for 12 weeks..we didn't discuss pred specifically..but as u know u n I are on very similar meds!!

Hope this helps..stay safe 😽😽xx

[Barbara17 in reply to Krazykat26]

Think my reply to you went further down the chain !

[happytulip]

They have 1.5 million letters to go out. They have to have time to do this. In the meantime if you think you are in the high risk catagory, stay safe and shield/isolate, until you can get advice otherwise.

It's not worth the risk.

If us high risk people get sick not only are we putting ourselves in danger, but we are adding to the work of an already overstretched NHS.

Stay at home and stay well x

[Barbara17]

Thanks for replying, Krazycat. It came as a bit of a bolt from the blue to me as I didn’t realise I was so susceptible. Think you have a husband at home too? Mine is staying in and only going out once a week for shopping but it’s not easy as we don’t live in a palatial home! Lots of time for handicrafts though and this site is a lifeline.

[Krazykat26 in reply to Barbara17]

Yes I have hubby at home too! He's following strict rules n is taking all the necessary precautions n he's having showers when he comes home!! His hands r drying out..n he's using aqueous cream to stop them splitting!! He's got into the swing of it now but it did take him a while!! 😹

Another thing that my GP said was that because I'm high risk n shielded..I should ring my pharmacy n get meds delivered..I haven't done it yet but it will save our husbands queuing outside the chemists!!

I was surprised too as I've got SCLE n my internal organs r all doing ok..considering my age!! But I have to have the flu jab n I'm immune suppressed..etc etc!!

Happy crafting!! 🤗🌈😽😽Xx

[Barbara17 in reply to Krazykat26]

It’s all a bit of a nightmare. And now Boris has tested positive! Like you I feel fine and I even look quite normal at the moment as the mtx is working it’s magic on my skin. I have scle and sjogrens. We’re both retired so are now cooped up together 24/7 for the foreseeable future!!! Husband is planning to get up at crack of dawn tomorrow to go and see what we can get in local Tesco’s. Good idea about getting meds delivered and will look into that. Thanks again.

[Poshcards in reply to Barbara17]

ha, you'll be lucky, I asked at my pharmacy and they say they cant cope with any more deliveries. We have an arrangement though, my over 70 hubby, drives there and when outside he rings them and they bring my meds out to him x

[YlloM661]

Yes - it affects the immune system.

[Poshcards]

I have SLE, both arthritis, Asthma, on Methotrexate, on and off steroids, just got over pneumonia yet I haven't had any letter or phone calls, but I am into my 3rd week of 12 isolating, as this thing terrifies me and mu hubby is over 70! xx

[Tazuk]

I’ve been receiving texts all week from the Coronavirus service, but only got my letter today, my daughter got hers on Monday issued from her GP via the NHS. We’re both on immunosuppressants but have different autoimmune diseases, re shopping, any existing online customers with the NHS letter who isn’t one of the 270,000 identified by Sainsburys can use the link on the online shopping to register as extremely vulnerable and should get an email invite, I’ve yet to get one but have signed us up. My papa got one and he’s 86 and has kidney and heart issues.

Not going out just staying in...

[Barbara17]

Thanks for info. Will look into it