Coronavirus concerns

[FoggyMoggy]

I'm sure we're all worrying about this but as they didn't think I was 'vulnerable' enough for a flu jab as I'm undiagnosed (I have FM and ME) I'm wondering if I'm considered vulnerable for this. I'm 60 and had pleurisy over 25 years ago. I also worry about other family members, one who has MS and also my mother who is elderly but very fit. But my main question is in relation to how Coronavirus it might affect us. I do realise the picture is constantly changing and there are a lot of unknowns as yet and that we need to do what we can to protect ourselves as our loved ones but I do worry that some people with weakened immune systems aren't recognised as vulnerable.

I have seen that it's being addressed in the Lupus forums but isn't it recognised that people with ME have compromised immune systems too? This is what we've been addressing with my OT last summer (I've not been able to have a proper sessions with her since apart from briefly on the phone). Given the fact, too, that the ME Association say that 65% of people with ME are misdiagnosed I find it very worrying indeed.

[Hidden]

The problems are with the cardio-vascular systems not the neurological ones so unless you have a current heart or lung issue and all things being equal you should be fine.

I have a long term bad chest due to smoking and poor genes, I have a kid with asthma and I have no concerns - my poor chest isn't bad enough to warrant medication but I take a knock from upper respiratory tract infects (had two this past year). My kid with the asthma is as fit as a fiddle so no worries there either.

I don't think they would misdiagnose cardio-vascular problems as ME so again no worries there (well unless you had a very incompetent Dr)

I'd imagine if you got it bad then it would be like a flu (not a cold- every runny nose and headache isn't a 'flu!!), which can be nasty but short lived thankfully.

[FoggyMoggy in reply to Hidden]

Hi, the thing is people with Lupus are worried as they have an AI condition and it seems that ME also has an element of this too. Plus older age groups are affected. I'm worried about two members of family as well, a family member who has MS and is older (he would also be counted as vulnerable and yet MS hardly gets a mention either) and my mother is elderly though touch wood she is in good health.

[Hidden in reply to FoggyMoggy]

My poor father is a walking advert for those who will die if they get it, he doesn't worry. I think the thing is to be prepared but worry will only increase stress and damage our immune systems more leaving us more vulnerable to the effects of an illness.

The best thing any of us can do after we make sure to wash our hands and not sneeze in each others faces is to turn off the news who are fuelling panic and fear without offering anything in the way of information or new advice. I have friends who have children terrified they will get it and die yet have never cared about influenza or the myriad other dangers that they lived cheek to jowl with for years!

As ChocolateBrownie says other than the flare ups IF we get it we are as the rational and non-alarmist Dr Speight says we are of no greater risk - but that sort of stuff doesn't attract the attention that view seeking news channels need!

Hope you and you're loved ones are OK through out all this, as is all our loved ones.

[ChocolateBrownie]

Hi, yes I agree think we’re all concerned. The worry with ME/CFS is that catching any viral infection can make your ME/CFS much worse. Flare ups are no fun.

Here’s a good expert article from an expert on another ME website. solvecfs.org/coronavirus-an...

[FoggyMoggy in reply to ChocolateBrownie]

Thanks for that ChocolateBrownie . I am fortunate not to be in the 25% group but I hardly go out at all either! But do have a few people to the house, not many, but have needed various things doing in the house and so various tradesmen will be coming to the house. am very paranoid as possible too as mentioned in the article, I naturally move if ever I hear anyone spluttering and coughing on the rare occasions when I'm out and try and always carry hand gel with me! I guess it's so difficult with this one though as people can be carriers without realising.

[YASMINTINA]

It is a very worrying time right now, the unknown and like someone has said properly best to not read everything in newspapers internet etc. I watch the BBC news once a day at six for any updates and also what the latest guild lines are for us all. Anybody that is on the vulnerable list would have received a letter from the Prime minister this week, but i get what you are saying people with Fibro and ME will feel vulnerable this is something new and has changed everybody’s lives in the last 3 weeks. Like you say we can do our best to stay safe, I am missing family so I have used the telephone more to stay in touch and makes me feel a little easier by speaking and knowing they are safe. I have 2 little grandboys 5 and 3 , I am glad they are home with Mummy and so glad the nursery/school closed, missing them terribly, but having a chat here does helps with members . Hopefully you will be able eventually to see your OT to catch up , but would it put your mind at rest to give them a call for a scheduled call back appointment on the telephone.

[FoggyMoggy in reply to YASMINTINA]

Hi YASMINTINA thanks for your reply. So much has happened since I posted that.

Yes we're vulnerable with ME but not in the shielded group. I watch the news at 10 pm but also listen in the morning when I wake up and then when I have my late afternoon sleep. In between times I do stuff that I like. I live with one family member but have to make do with others via FaceTime and Skype. I'm glad I got my elderly mother to use that

I have managed to catch up with most people by email or phone just to check in with them and they are safe.

Stay safe

[Antony_M]

I became ill with symptoms of coronavirus at the time this thread was stated i.e. 5 months ago. I had thee months off work and a trip to A&E.

I thought I was getting better, but every 10 days or so, my symptoms return and most days I'm struggling with asthma and having to cough up mucus, plus fever, sore throat, aching muscles and joints and need for excessive sleep. The recent high temperatures and allergies seem to have to have further weakened me and to have brought coronavirus back.

I had ME for over 5 years and am permanently physically disabled by it and need a walking frame to walk. Coronavirus has made my dizziness and motion sickness worse and I'm in more pain with my legs.

I'm still trying to work, but I'm always playing catch up and am working nights and at the weekend if I've not been able to function during the day. My eyesight has also been worse with flickering vision and a dark spot.

I also face a problem for when we reopen the office as I'm regularly symptomatic of coronavirus (though unlikely to be infectious) so won't be allowed back in due to the risk assessment my employer has done. Working from home is problematic due to the equipment I've been given and having both children at home, also there's a risk I'll be left behind.

[FoggyMoggy in reply to Antony_M]

Really sorry to hear Antony

As you say your immune system was already weakened and now it's having to fight this. Can you not apply for ESA if you're too ill to work? That's what it's there for. You could then give yourself a fighting chance of recovering while resting and take the stress off yourself.

All good wishes