Shielded group interpretation : Just looking at News on... - NRAS

NRAS

36,431 members45,078 posts

Shielded group interpretation

lilley22 profile image
36 Replies

Just looking at News on TV and wondering if we RA patients are considered to be in the ‘shielded’ group? It sounds very drastic - implying this group has to stay indoors for the next 12 weeks? Surely we can wander into our garden, provided we don’t mix with other people/groups?

What are your interpretations on this.

Written by
lilley22 profile image
lilley22
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
36 Replies
Rachhfost profile image
Rachhfost

I’m hoping not. It specifically says some, not all immunosuppressant medications. I take methotrexate and Humira so I’m being very cautious anyway but would be still nice to have confirmation we’re not considered that ‘high risk’.

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to Rachhfost

Yes, more specific confirmation would be mighty good because it’s frightening.

Sometimes Boris and co instructions can appear vague. To stay in your house and not go out at all can’t be healthy, anyway, surely?

Jean-- profile image
Jean-- in reply to lilley22

I think we can go into our gardens 🌸

SoulmanPaul profile image
SoulmanPaul

Hi it seems likely many of us will be depending on what meds we're on and how immuno suppressed we are. The minister mentioned there was a list of meds online now prior to people receiving a letter. I've looked online at gov.uk but couldn't find it. Anyone?????

Moleymum profile image
Moleymum in reply to SoulmanPaul

Azathioprine

• Mycophenolate (both types)

• Cyclosporin

• Sirolimus

• Tacrolimus

Tillie20 profile image
Tillie20 in reply to SoulmanPaul

Hi I had a look gov.uk/corona and could not find the list.

Badger22 profile image
Badger22

It’s a bit ambiguous isn’t it? If you look at the nhs rheumatology guidance (link below) it says most people on biologics are considered high or very high risk. Bit boring if we do have to stay at home for 12 weeks!

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

Buckybri profile image
Buckybri in reply to Badger22

I know if u look at that we are high or very High , but then I look at different s websites and it says we are at risk , I suppose we will just have to wait and see but my rhumy doc told me I’m high risk and I’m on mtx and biologics unless something has changed over the weekend .

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to Badger22

Yet on other sites RA isn’t given a mention when talking about high risk.

Why can’t we go into our own private garden?

CarolineGN profile image
CarolineGN in reply to lilley22

Hi lilley22

I’m hoping we’re not on the list but if you are, you can still go into your own private garden.

Buckybri profile image
Buckybri in reply to CarolineGN

And my private garden is looking nice and tidy now just think what it will look like in 12 weeks

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to Buckybri

Well that’d be enough for me!

CarolineGN profile image
CarolineGN in reply to Buckybri

I look forward to seeing a picture of it!

Jean-- profile image
Jean-- in reply to Buckybri

Ha exactly , we should all have beautiful gardens after this 🌻

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to CarolineGN

Phew! Well thanks for that, CarolineGN. Boris did make it sound like the ‘shielded’ must ‘stay indoors’ and that is it...

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to lilley22

We can?

CarolineGN profile image
CarolineGN in reply to Eiram50

Self isolating in your own home would include your own private garden. It’s the interaction/proximity with others that would be the issue. I don’t have a garden but I do have a nice balcony with a wonderful view. I’ll see if I can put some pots on the balcony. Perhaps I’ll have a go at growing some tomatoes.

Buckybri profile image
Buckybri in reply to CarolineGN

And get some chickens

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to lilley22

I’m sure we can go into our own gardens ...unless ”they” employ Drones to hover over our houses ...if only “they” could find us.

Badger22 profile image
Badger22

There is no list of meds unfortunately. Checked as soon as he said that. Nada.

in reply to Badger22

gov.uk/government/publicati...

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to

Thanks Kikideelili

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

See Victoria, from NRAS's pinned post from the other day. It very much depends on which drugs you are on.

But, yes inevitably some of us will be in the high risk group.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

My understanding is private gardens are absolutely ok. We are encouraged to go out into them.

Thingybob profile image
Thingybob

I don't think that going in your garden is an issue, as long as you are not out there with others other than people you live with. Social distancing and stopping social contact is the thing

lilley22 profile image
lilley22

Thanks Thingybob for your reply.

That was my understanding too. Also, as Marie says those in charge are encouraging us to get into the fresh air.

It’s still contradictory and vague.

Also, listening to the News report earlier - there were bits when I thought - have you just made that one up, on the spot? The woman on the end was vaguely nodding her head in agreement to a leading question from journalist as if it’d taken her by surprise.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Wig, hat & dark glasses🦹🎩🕶

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

If I get the letter...you will find me in a darkened room,,,,sobbing!

3LittleBirds2 profile image
3LittleBirds2 in reply to AgedCrone

I was just thinking the same! 🙏

in reply to AgedCrone

Me too

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to

Postie been....still no letter!🤗🤗🤗

in reply to AgedCrone

Same here

Deniseelk profile image
Deniseelk

twitter.com/rheumatologyuk/... I think this is the clarity we have been awaiting

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to Deniseelk

Thanks Deniselk

That’s a bit more clarity isn’t it? I guess it is posted on one of the prominent information sites other than twitter? Must be. Will take a look.

At present am - in the garden!! Yay...

I was given to believe that you have to go into isolation if you are on Methotrexate or prednisone both of which I am taking. I am also taking Leflunomide and was told that is also on the list.

We can go into our own gardens as we are not mixing with other people there.

I know it was be difficult to stay just in our own house and gardens for 12 weeks (and possibly longer) but surely if it means that it could save our lives then it will be worth it.

I am looking at it in the way of getting some of the things done that I have said I would do if I had the time. We at least have social media now which makes it easy to interact with others. I will have time to catch up with reading and read all the masses of books I have but have never read, do some card making, get masses of photos put into albums, decorated and labeled, watch DVDs and anything good on TV, get back to playing the guitar and keyboard and many other things. It is up to us to find things to do.

lilley22 profile image
lilley22 in reply to

I’m sure we will, thank you.

You may also like...

To shield or not to shield, that is the question?

received a letter telling me that I am in the \\"shielding group\\". My GP is convinced that I am...

shielding letter at last

Along with all the other grandparents in the country our main sadness is missing our 15 month old...

To shield or not to shield that is my question

or Doc to shield. I have more or less been isolating from my family next door and am very cautious...

Shielding Email popped into inbox... today!

So I am CEV and being in group 2 I’ve had my first vaccine. I’m immunosuppressed due to RA/PsA and...

Vaccine and shielding

Hello lovely people Has anyone been given advice about continuing to shield after having the vaccine