'The Letter' has arrived

[dawkin_S]

So I got a letter from Rheumatology today, but it's just a generic one to all patients. It just has the drugs score chart in it, going by which I am 'Low Risk'. I just saw the post from MandiS, who also got a letter today but which had the flow chart in - and going by that I would be 'Moderate Risk'. (On methotrexate and hydroxy.) In other words, it's just as confusing as ever to me!

Since I work in a patisserie which has stayed open, as it sells bread, eggs, butter and flour also, I've been off work since this started because of being presumed higher risk, and am now furloughed but I feel a bit like a fraud now. I mean, the official word from my hospital is that I am Low Risk and so presumably could be working still.

[girli1111]

I’m as confused as you..... I’ve been working in an infant school minding young key worker children.... according to the chart you mention I’m moderate risk, same drugs as you, but going on info sent by my rheumatology dept I’m a risk score of 1 and should only “socially distance’. I phoned my rheumatology team this morning about my working and they could only advise that ‘ it’s a matter between you and your employer’... so I’m none the wiser... but having now seen that other chart I think I’m going to say I won’t be returning to work next week when I’m due in

[dawkin_S in reply to girli1111]

That seems wise to me - I think if you are interacting with loads of kids there's just no way you can 'social distance'. It's all very confusing! I think we could all do without the added stress to be honest - very bad for us!

[Boxerlady]

Well, I've just received my second shielding letter; this one came from my GP surgery, the first one from my Rheumy department. I'm also on Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine and had assumed that I'd be low or moderate risk from all the charts I've seen... There really doesn't seem to be parity between areas which is annoying/concerning depending on your point of view.

I'm able to work from home but I would ask to be furloughed if I couldn't. However, I'm not willing to shield from my husband and we're still walking the dog across empty fields. As I said in another thread, we each have to find our own way of dealing with all this and our mental health needs to be considered as well as our physical wellbeing.

[Hellsgranny]

I also don’t understand the criteria, I am taking 20mg of methotrexate and 200mg of hydroxycloroquine I have seen the chart and presumed Id be social distancing, but 3 weeks ago I received the NHS letter to say I’m on the extremely vulnerable list and to shield, so not to go out at all. I’m 62 and had BC 13 years ago with no further problems. I queried it with my GP who said being on methotrexate makes you extremely vulnerable , hence the letter. Saying that, I still have to go to the hospital for 4 weekly blood tests as GP does not take bloods. This being a large covid hub hospital, so Im ok to go there but apparently not for a walk ! Stay safe everyone , thankyou for all the advice on this site.

[dawkin_S]

I think I'm just going to *try* and stop worrying about it - I'm lucky enough to be on furlough, so I can stay home (for now!). There seems to be such a disparity of advice that I guess I shouldn't feel bad about being cautious. Thanks ladies - I feel reassured that I haven't beeen over-reacting.

[Brushwork]

It is confusing and I don't think anyone other than those shielding has any real idea. I rather think that if you can isolate then do, but if not extreme social distancing is the answer.

But... what do I know? I'm in the same boat but with the benefit of being retired.

[Angels-delight]

I don't think I can really help, I am retired 71, I am high risk due to RA, Diabetes, THYROID, health issues and I am stay at home, stay safe for me taking precautions. You need to discuss with your family doctor and/or Rheumatologist nurse for advice. I haven't seen my family or friends and my medical appointments have been cancelled or rescheduled for a later date with the possibility of having to change again. Everyone is different and you just have to do what is best for you and taking consideration of others.

Take care, stay safe and hopefully this will be over soon.