Looking for advice x

[Jmcb123]

Hello,

I have SLE and take hydroxychloroquine and amitriptyline. Recently my symptoms have been pretty well controlled with my medication, plant based diet and exercise.

I work full time as a pharmacist in a busy community pharmacy and so far have continued to work as we have been so busy and know all my customers need me.

Should I be self isolating? What is the current advice for lupus? Anyone know? I thought I didn’t fall into criteria as I’m not on steroids, etc?

Thanks in advance,

Jackie x

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Jmcb123 ,

I'd recommend that you have a look at our article at lupusuk.org.uk/coronavirus/ for more information and guidance.

The guidance from the BSR generally suggests that people who have lupus with no overlapping diagnoses or other health problems, well-managed disease with no recent flares and treatment with only hydroxychloroquine may be considered as in the lower risk group and recommended to follow social distancing measures.

[Teanna in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul, I have many health issues from SLE Lupus, APS, Under active thyroid, Liver failure, Low Auto immune & many more.

I have at least 2 appointments weekly now obviously none, and every appointments was going to be by phone. I’ve already had a flare up with the lupus, but as for the phone appointments, they never happened.

So would I be low risk or not?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Teanna]

Hi Teanna ,

Are you taking any medications at the moment?

The guidance we have published at lupusuk.org.uk/coronavirus/ recommends that those with recent poorly controlled disease/disease flare should be in the 'high risk/extremely vulnerable' group and instructed to shield for the 12 week period.

Have you had any contact from your rheumatology team?

[Teanna in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi, I was supposed to see my rheumatologist the week of the lockdown. And I was seeing them in clinic every week.

As for the Lupus, I’m on the Hydro 200mg, but the creams are not working.

I’m on 2 injections daily (blood thinner), and something for the Liver, and Thyroxine for the Thyroid. My legs are now completely black due to my blood,. Adronlic Acid for Osteoporosis. etc, (sorry for the spelling). I have not been lockdown since this as started, and I have a full time carer who also lives next door, and her son is high risk, so I know that my carer is fine.

Thank you for quick reply.

Teanna