Is there anyone who thinks they should have received a letter from their Consultant or GP and hasn't?
High Risk Letter: Is there anyone who thinks they... - NRAS
High Risk Letter
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Mine came from my consultant and only came today so maybe bear with the post and time till Monday or Tues but there is enough advice on here NRAS and Rheumatology to give you best practice based on your meds and other conditions etc.
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Thank you for your reply Deeb2908, I was just wondering if anyone else was expecting to get a letter and to date hasn't. I know I am at high risk due to the medication I am taking and the brilliant NRAS site. I am retired and in order to register at the supermarkets as being vulnerable you do have to have the said letter. I will leave a message with my Rheumy, maybe they haven't been posted yet.
i registered and dont have a letter, sainsburys have told me that they will go on data base or something to get clarification and thet i dont need to do anything else. go to gov.uk and register anyway
I am expecting a letter because of biological injections, but it has not yet come. It's been comforting to see from the comments that I'm not alone and I'll be patient for another few days. All the very best.
Hopefully delivered tomorrow. Take Care
Are you on one Biologic injection or two? Do you take any other medication with the Biologic and do you have any additional underlying health conditions? I currently only take Benepali which is a Biosimilar to Enbrel. British Society for Rheumatology has advised Clinicians that patients taking one Biologic treatment with no other immunosuppressant medication and no other underlying health conditions have no need to Shield as per the link Below
I wasn’t going to chase any letter if I didn’t get one but now you’ve said that about supermarkets then I’ll chase it if it doesn’t arrive this week.
My rheumatologist said the letters are being sent by NHS England based on a point system depending on your health conditions and medications you take. You have to have 3 points to get a letter. I have 1 point for diabetes and 1 point for Abatacept and 0 point for sulphasalazine. Therefore only 2 points so will not get a letter.
Hi iv got lung disease I havnt received one
I haven't. Do you think we should be making contact with our GP?
Not yet, not all have been sent yet.
Stay in and wait, ! It will only say stay in and wash hands and social distance or shield so we should be doing that already!
The large majority
Digital England have a list and Gps and Consultants add to it. Letters should arrive by Monday 30th apparently.
i work at a delivery office and we have currently about 20% of people off at my office so that will means deliveries do not go out every day . dont know what it is in other offices but i do know a letter that usally arrives on thursday each week arrived on saturday
We have not received ours. For us it wont make any difference as we know what to do.
Thank you for your reply Ajay575, from the replies here, I am not the only one that has not received this letter.
I think also that this letter is important to have, in order to register on the Gov.uk site you have to enter the box saying so. Thank you for your help.
I do think that this letter is important to anyone at High Risk, I don't think that it is anything to do with what we have to do to keep ourselves safe, hand washing etc. It is a proof that you are in the High Risk category, if you are vulnerable and extra needs.
My letter arrived yesterday (it was sent out by my GP) so I assumed that would enable me to get priority for on-line grocery deliveries. Unfortunately, that's not so because none of the supermarkets have been informed and they won't prioritise us until they are provided with a government list.
Hopefully that will come through after Monday
Hmm.. hope so. I haven't been shopping for nearly 3 weeks and crave fruit and veg which are my normal staple diet. I'm quite lucky to live in a small village where we all try to support one another and one of my neighbours just left some of her hen's eggs on my doorstep - delicious!
I already used an online service as my knees are so permanently bent I can't walk more than a few steps at a time. I contacted them complaining I couldn't book a slot and they put me on priority ordering and I did get a last minute late evening slot.
Thank you, I will leave a message on the Rheumatology Nurses answerphone too.
Most of us I guess.... But the letter has been published time and time again on many many websites ...there is even a table showing descriptions of which category a person fits in& whether they should
1. Shield
2. Self isolate
3. Maintain social distance.
Check the British Society for Rheumatology website...on 24 March.
Now of course we should all remain in our our homes except for the published reasons.
.
Sorry AC but you are missing the point of my concern, and probably others, at not having received this very important letter.
Without the letter we cannot prove that we are in the vulnerable category in order to be able to book home deliveries from the supermarkets or access other help which is only available to people that are classed as "elderly or vulnerable." I am not yet 70 so have to prove I qualify as vulnerable.
I know exactly what to do to stay safe as I'm high risk - I'm shielding!
I haven’t checked personally but I thought I read on here that there was a section in the form where you could explain that you hadn’t received a letter.....maybe if the person who wrote that could write again or you could check with admin.
Thank you so much for your reply Lolabridge, this is the very letter that I am waiting for; it is not on any websites - if it was it could be used fraudulently were by anyone could use it who are not in a High Risk category for RA or any other chronic condition. It all depends on what you suffer from and the medication prescribed for it. Take Care.
I agree with what you are saying both my husband and I haven't received a letter either. I called my GP on Friday to say we hadn't received a letter from the government. They said that the letter was coming from the government not them. I explained I was high lighting the problem that there could be other vulnerable people who haven't received a letter like us who may need help. I have access to my records and they don't have all my medical details documented like taking Benepali and have a lung condition. My husband is over 70 and has diabetes.
I contacted my Biologics nurse. She said that the department had thought that letters were being sent out by the government and, when they found out that it wasn't the case, they made the decision to do it themselves. All of Biologics patients would be put on the 'shielded' list and the secretaries were in the process of sending letters out to patients on their list. Hope this helps. It certainly explains the delay in my area. Stay safe everyone.
My letter arrived on Saturday, sent from my GPs surgery. My elderly parents received their letters at the start of the week. I guess they started with the eldest first before sending to the under 70’s. interestingly when I went onto Sainsbury’s website yesterday it did allow me to book a slot so the info had already trickled through I assume as it hadn’t let me book before. Hope you get yours soon.
I have received my letter and had previously had a text from the NHS. I to was able to book a delivery slot with Sainsbury’s which made things a little easier. Take care everybody and stay safe 🙏🏻
My hubby and I are both high risk but no letter. I’ve been trying to book a delivery slot and they were all unavailable for 3 weeks, I was up early on Friday morning and tried again and lo and behold they had loads of slots, I think they are opening more daily. I could have got one for this week but decided next Sunday would be better as I will be running out of groceries by then, If at first you don’t succeed try try again.
I don't need a letter telling me what i already know darling.xxxx
I haven’t received a letter yet but I contacted my care team and they confirmed that I must shield for 12 weeks. Also, if you register on the gov.uk vulnerable person website then, I heard they were going to pass these details on to the supermarkets, so if you want to receive an online delivery from Sainsburys for example, they will know who you are and prioritise you in the online queue... but it’s not working yet it will take a little more time.
my consultant said they have 5000 letters to stuff and post but because of running on bare minimun staff and having to reply to so many phone calls they were struggling to do it he said if on immunsupressants(wrong spelling) we deffo shied
That's helpful to know. I didn't know that. Thank you Ajay
Sad to say i haven't worked since 2009.xxxxx
I used to darling. You know when i married my darling hubby i always thought i would look after him as he is 12yrs older than me, yet it is the other way round and i am a lucky girl in him as he does just about everything for me. We now have a cleaner to help him out she does the bathroom, and upstairs and the kitchen or polishes in here. xxx
It sure does darling. He is a man in a million.xxxx
I should be receiving a letter but haven't yet. Xx
My consultant told me on the phone on Tuesday that being on Benepali and Hydroxychloroquine meant I only had to socially distance not shield and my blood tests can go to every 12 weeks not 8 weeks.
I’m a key worker so have a letter printed from work to either show or have in the car and as I’m currently driving 120 mile round trips to look after my very poorly Mum I carry her disabled badge with me.
Sainsbury’s let me in to the OAP hour with the disabled badge so I could shop for Mum.
Having said all this , I was doing great until the last few days where phone calls in the night and emergency dashes across several counties have made my knees thick and spongy with the familiar bubbling of inflammation starting!
Wishing everyone the best , with their own battle , be it health, bureaucracy, etc etc ( the list is long)
Mx
Hi. I am on Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine also blood pressure tablets I’ve not received one .
I think a lot of us although we are old I’m 80 I have rheumatoid arthritis a fibrillation high bp and other problems come under vulnerable but the extremely vulnerable are people with cancer, transplants,maybe recovering from recent surgery and although I know we suffer with these health problems if we don’t get a letter ( which I pray I don’t ) I feel if I get the virus I may stand a better chance of recovery than they do
I have not received a letter so far. I am on Benepali entaracept I also have bronchiecstasis
No not had a letter or a text. I have been self isolating for over 2 weeks. I’m on Abatacept currently but had Truxima infusion in Nov only 4 months ago. I have Lung involvement with RA causing small vessel fibrosis & several lung nodules. Currently having 3 monthly lung CT’s due to varying amounts of inflammation. I was in hospital with Pneumonia in November then again with chest infection in Dec I also have Asthma. I am also carer for my daughter who is autistic & has severe ME. I have managed to book an Ocado shop for delivery tomorrow but we have run out of so many things. Mainly fresh fruit & milk etc. I’m not sure how the vulnerable shopping things work but my daughter told me they are mainly for cancer patients or those who have had transplants. I’ve not had the chance to look into it yet.
All I can do is isolate. I will however call my Rheumatology Advice line in the next few days.
I feel i should have received a letter & didn’t. I know i’m not 90! But i’m in my 40’s, on an Infliximab infusion every 6 weeks. Plus i’m on blood pressure pills. (Losartan, 100mg). I started to panic the other night, 2.30am. I had been feeling out of breath for a couple of days, with a tickly cough. I’d had awful flu like symptoms from the 8th of March. (I put my symptoms in a diary). I’d been to a couple of boozers on the 5th March. Then suddenly felt awful on Sunday the 8th. Deep aches in my joints. (Of course, i have arthritis!) A bad cold, cough & totally exhausted. I also noticed my sense of smell & taste had disappeared. That was one of the worst things, as i love my food. (My smell & taste still haven’t come back, plus i still have a bit of a cough, still not feeling normal. So i rang 111 on Thurs. Of course i was ready to be very patient! The staff were so lovely. Said i’d be waiting about 2hrs. I didn’t mind. I put the radio on in bed, got a cuppa & a couple of naughty chocs. Couldn’t bloody taste them. (Just imagined, the lovely cool choc slipping down my throat. Not the same though!) I love listening to people’s opinions. Radio London & LBC. I was expecting a wait. But at 6am i settled down to sleep, still nervous about my breathing. Glad though, that they hadn’t considered me urgent. At 9am someone rang & said they hadn’t forgotten about me. Which i found comforting. Then at 12pm a lovely nurse rang & made sure of my symptoms, said my GP would ring in the next 2 hrs. At 12.50 my Doctor rang. (Nearly 12hrs later!!) He asked me to count as fast as i can, for as long as i can. I counted to 40. He said that was good. But from my other symptoms, he felt i had the virus, but a mild form of it. I had a feeling i had. But i was soooo relieved it was mild. Who the hell wants to go to hospital at the moment? The poor staff. After me rambling on. I didn’t get a letter. Eventhough my Doctor said i’m quite high risk. I still feel wiped out, no sense of smell or taste. Plus a bit of a cough. But thank God no breathlessness. But because of the stress of this whole situation, my iritis is back & i’ve put myself on steroid eye drops & pressure drops. Thank God i’ve got my infusion on the 6th of April. Although it seems a bit dangerous going to hospitals at the mo. But what can we all do? We need our treatment too. Anyway. Stay safe everyone & i’ve come up with a saying. (I think). KEEP EM WASHED!
Gosh, that does sound as if you had all the symptoms. So, so glad you are recovering well. Take Care.
I wonder if they will go ahead with your infusion with your symptoms? When I had pneumonia they took me off my Humira. Good luck. At least you will be able to discuss with the experts.
Hi Cress. I know. I’m torn. I really need my infusion. I had the most awful, awful flare up of my arthritis. I’ve nearly got back to my form of normal about a month ago. I was literally bedridden for 3 months. Indescribable pain. Plus my vision was awful. (Iritis & Glaucoma). But if i do have the infusion, of course i’m vulnerable to this evil virus. (As we all are!) I’m due to have it next Mon. I’ll have to call my infusion nurse. Take care & keep em washed!!
Hi everyone, ive not received one yet, not sure if I will looked on the graph type thing didn't understand the prednisolone bit, I take 3mg of pred and 20mg of leflunomide daily, but even if I do get one not sure it would be of any benefit, as I'm already following all the guidelines.
But it would be nice to get priority slots with the supermarkets so my hubby doesn't have to go out and put us at risk, so I registered with the gov website and stated I hadn't received a letter but gave my NHS number, but I still don't understand how the two tie up, ok I might get a letter then, what what about the supermarket slots as they tell you to register with the government 🤔😁 stay safe everyone 🙏
Sarah
Morrison’s told me they are working with the government to get this sorted for the vulnerable so hopefully due to us having to register with our nhs number something will be done
When I registered it asked if anyone is able to support. I was told my hubby is Zoe ted to go out for shopping and that slots are for those who live alone with no support. I would rather hubby didn’t go out shopping, but it would mean lying on the form - frustrating
I had a video with information sent to me by text. I have found out that there is a government registration for vulnerable at Gov uk. It is simple to register and list all conditions applicable. You need to put your nhs number. Just took a couple of mins to do. I had an online order from Morrisons and had a problem completing the order and had to ring. Doing online with them for 6 years but due to the situation can’t get another slot. I asked lady who sorted my problem out about being one of the ones that have got to stay in and have got no other way to shop. She informed me they are working with the government and it should be up and running in a couple of weeks with all the supermarkets. Should be advertised on tv and the supermarket websites and register with gov. Uk. Just register and see what happens .
Regards
All stay safe and keep well
I received an email from my doc. Telling me to isolate for 12 weeks. I’ve Reg on government site. When my gp told me. I did message my nurse but no reply that was two weeks ago. I got an email yesterday from Sainsbury’s it said they had received a list of ppl who in vulnerable group from government and would be writing to all those ppl with a booking spot for shopping. So I’m waiting. 😷
You should all read vulnerable patients on government website. Think most of us fall into it🙂
Thank you Plumcrumble and to everyone who took the time to reply. I am now going to enter my details in Gov.uk declaring that I have not got my letter yet and see what happens.
Again thank you to everyone and I will let you know what happens next. Take Care.
I do not have RA but I do have OA in knees back and worst neck which causes
Radiculopathy which required Morphine. I have Angina, a Leaking Heart Valve and a history of VT and active AF....requiring a plethora of heart medication including the toxic Amiodarone which has destroyed my Thyroid due to I can't have other regulators because I have COPD. which requires oral steroids and times and inhaled steroids day and night every day.
Above all I have a shadow on left apex which has spread to Right Apex and after 2 X Rays. 2 CT Scans and on PET SCAN they are unsure what is is and have to have a further scan in June,
There is more like CKD Stage three and other assorted not quite as bad goodies.
My point is I have had no letter and I doubt I will get one because except for steroids I take no
immunosuppressive suppressive drugs We shall see,
If you ring your GP he will print the letter off for you.
I was on steroids but it’s my last day today so how long do they stay in ur system for? I’m only wondering because of the chart
I was told that I would be receiving a letter, so it must be on its way.
My husband has copd and has not received a letter
Thank you for replying Hellenne1, I think that the answer why so many have not received their letters is because of the sheer volume of printing, enveloping and posting these letters. GPs and Consultants are so busy without having to envelope thousands of letters.
I note that the MP Boris Johnson is sending a letter to everyone re the Corona Virus - Is this really necessary? - does it serve any purpose? - I think not.
However the letters from our GP's and Consultants are proof that we do have chronic diseases and may well need additional help.
As someone else has commented, what a shambles - we'll see what the postie delivers tomorrow. Take Care.
Just wanted to add....the minister said today that a million of the letters have been sent. So....500k still to go.
Brilliant, thank you for replying. Take Care
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Hello
To the best of my knowledge the people who are classified as the most vulnerable include people with RA if they are taking biologic drugs, and also are over 70 and completely alone with no means of getting any shopping or their usual meds from chemits, because they are in the shielded group. There is a sheet you can access which shows how you stratify your risk on our website in the COVID-19 area. If you are on DMARDs only, and are otherwise well with no other co-morbidities or special circumstances (such as working for the NHS or caring at home for an elderly relative who has underlying health conditions), I don't think you will get a letter. I am in the shielded group because I'm on biologics, I'm 70 and have other co-morbidities, but I do have the ability to get food as my husband is going out, my children can help and we have great neighbours who can help and at the moment I have everything I need to be able to remain at home, not going out. So in spite of that I don't expect to receive a letter. It is confusing admittedly but hope that is helpful
Ailsa
National Patient Champion at NRAS
Yes and I've tried emailing as well I live at home 24/7 if I have for many years I have p.c but they are busy with other clients and don't have time to stop and pick up things, I am on disability, and don't have others to help.
I am also immunocompromised and take a chemo drug for RA
My partner and I
He is over 70 and has diabetes I have RA on biologic with a lung condition
To date I have not received a letter from my Consultants or GP. I’m under both a specialist for chest & Lung condition & for RA as my RA has attacked my Lungs & given me a progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis. I have registered with the government but as yet no reply from that ether.
Haven't had one. Have no faith in getting one either though on Oluminant.
I should have one but haven’t received anything yet. . . .
Is this only in England? Haven’t heard anything about this in Scotland. I did have a letter from my Rheumatologist telling me to continue with methotrexate unless I became symptomatic. Wasn’t a personal letter although it was addressed to me it gave advice on several different medications.
I haven’t had one yet an I’m on biological injections for RA. Also my husband works for railway an has to go in. As an essential service. They’ve not been supplied with any hand gel masks or overalls. Also their office is less than two metres squared with three people in it. The only way he will be able to stop working to shield me is to receive this letter as proof
Hi I had my inflixamub infusion on Fri. Spoke to the consultant and he said that I need not self isolate but must do strict social distancing. Also recently tested for MRSA and came back as colonised. However no treatment needed at present. Anybody else come back with that result. Take care everybody xxx
Mine hasn't arrived yet so I contacted my Specialist Nurse who told me to phone my GP if it's not arrived by Monday. I am on combination therapy (Imraldi and Methotrexate) and also have hypertension.
Hello,
I actually am a care worker and signed off on Friday with symptoms. I called 111 who informed me to get the isolation note and to call and explain to my GP my condition.
The receptionist informed me ‘we don’t do letters’ but they deigned to get a brief print off of my transfer of care report. It gives some brief info of me having RA, but that’s about it.
I’m currently in isolation anyway, so I can’t really see what this print off will do for me.
Thank you x
They stated people will get missed so if you haven't received a letter by tomorrow to contact your GP. Mine came from rheumy. My GP has nothing to do with my RA treatment so always get missed including call for flu jab.
Haven't had anything yet
Goes my yo son. Ross Philip Sawyers SR7 8SG is insulin dependent diabetic on a Pump. Has been since 1994. No lettert
Yes I think I should have as have bronchiectasis on top of RA and on methotrexate and biologics
I got a letter.
Me, was told I would get one it’s not arrived
I haven't received mine either as I also have Sle plus RA & more. I asked on Lupus page, but not many have received theirs either. I will have to see what happens as i am now only on Tramadol, Ranitidine ,Amitriptyline & inhalers, as Hydroxichloroquin was stopped last July because of retinal damage & can't take Azathioprine because it causes chronic Neutropenia. I will just have to play the waiting game.
I have not had one either I am on oxygen and probably like everyone with underlying illnesses am worried .
Me, I do not have one from either RA Consultant or GP. I am 72, on baricitinip and methrothrexate. I also have asthma, but not had anything from anyone. What do I do.
Have three health issues which I thought should qualify me for letter yet haven't received one to date.
Managing as best I can but it's difficult to a. Get to shops, b. Queue when there (the wait at chemist was the most painful wait so far so i now take a small folding chair) and c. Get what I need when I get there.
The first members of the public to receive these were not from GP rooms - but an external data base - text i received from GP. Letters may still arrive this week. My brother received one as he has no immunity at all - genetic condition - and receives 3 weekly infusions of antibodies. Advice to him absolute self isolation - only open a window but do not step outdoors, use a different bathroom and bedroom to his wife and 3 teenagers, different kitchen utensils - and rigorous cleaning. Entire family have been self isolating for 3 weeks already. Hope that helps those that are still wondering if they will still receive one - and what the advice is. Stay well!!
Do all of things you have stated and have been advised to do. As Ailsa - NRAS the administrator has replied above. If we have someone living with us or neighbour who can go out and get our essentials and medicines, we will not get a letter. I don't think that this fact was mentioned on any website. We just have to stay indoors and let others do the running about for us. However if we are living on our own, we should be in touch with gov.uk, our GP or Consultant. Thank you all for your replies and hope we have got our answers from it. Take Care.
I’ve not received a letter yet, So you are not on your Own. Be Safe and Take Care.
My dear hubby is here, however we will be both be 70 next month, so we should both be in isolation for the said12 weeks. I am the one with RD (30 years), our two children are married and live a distance from us which includes a ferry trip. Take Care.
Mine came to day from my consult today
Thank you for replying, I have left a message with my Rheumatology Nurse, just waiting for her reply. Take Care.
Both myself & husband have very low immune systems . He has Sarcoidosis ,which had damaged the heart and lungs & is on Mycophenolate . He got his letter a week ago .
I have R/A, CKD stage 3b MCTD and other things ,I'm on biological drug called Etanercept ,but despite my g.p meeting at the health centre telling me I shouldn't have been out as I was Very Very high risk ,I still not received any letter . I would normally say no news is good news ,but not this time . Lorraine .
Hi please look at the Risk Stratification Guide and Score Grid contained in the link and if unsure contact your Rheumatologist.
I got a letter today. However I’m only taking hydroxy so unsure why?????????????
Did you watch the government daily update on BBC today? Hydroxy is one of the drugs they’re trialling to actually treat Covid 19!!!!
Which letter was it though, there’s a few of them 😐
It was from the rhumatology department and says important information to keep you safe from Coronavirus and the NHS has identified you or the named person you care for at risk of severe illness if you catch COVID-19
Goes on to say the safest course of action is for you to stay at home at all times and avoid face to face contact at all times.
Then other pages have the score chart etc and I score 0 for being on hydroxy alone.
So why send the letter, I just don’t understand!
I’ve not had one and sort of glad I haven’t but thought I ought to 🌸
My GP said he needed guidance himself!
To date I’ve still not received my letter but Dr.from the rheumatology department phone today to say I’m in the shielding group and she’d send me an email to that effect. I’m registered on the vulnerable list with the government but until they send my name to the supermarkets etc i can’t get a delivery slot anywhere. What do I do?
Like you Pamak I have also registered myself on the vulnerable list with the government and have telephoned my Rheumatology department to inform them that I have. So like you I am waiting for the government to forward my name to the supermarkets. This process is definitely not working. Our local Council does have a number to telephone if anyone is in a desperate situation. Age UK maybe able to help or give you advice. Thinking of you and Take Care.
I should have one and haven’t as yet. I’m going to drop my GP a note and say so just to have it recorded in my file, and also speak to my rheumy nurse this week as I need to know if my next infusion is planned to go ahead in a month. Also I had recent surgery on 10 March so need to discuss that.