No letter yet

[Shimara7]

Hello

Should I be shielding for 12 weeks as I have asthma and on methotrexate? Still have no letter yet thanks

[allanah]

If you look at the charts on the pinned posts above you can work out your risk. Shielding seems to be biologics with steroids and health issues.

So have a look at the charts and you can work it out . It tells you about low medium risk and social distancing.

If you look up NRAS.org.uk or they have a chart done by the Britidh Rheumatolgy Society which is good and easy to follow .

Good luck , keep well xx

[AgedCrone]

Try to speak to your health care provider...they will be able to tell you.

[Froggie70]

Hi Shimara, I have Lupus and on max dose of methotrexate but still flaring. Like you I’ve had no letter and on looking at the charts and various supporting guides it’s unclear, one chart says high/very high risk another says if you’re on only one DMARD then it’s moderate risk and on our local health board website it says strict social isolation. I phoned my Rheumatology department who said I should have had a letter but it doesn’t come from them and they can’t help, I phoned my GP and they are no longer taking calls and the receptionist has no idea. I’m using common sense and self isolating but this provides no support and with no letter or confirmation work are wondering what I’m doing and I have nothing to give them. Getting a bit fed up at this stage there should be clear definitive instructions. Even if we’re not in the shielding category there should be guidance/confirmation for those in self isolation as there isn’t a lot of difference between the two. Know this probably doesn’t help you directly but wanted you to know there are a lot of us with no letter and self isolating. Take care.

[vonniesims]

Yes, you should have had one from your rheumatology dept. Maybe your consultants secretary could help. You heed the letter to get access to online shopping?

[ldwilliams]

ask your GP to look at this link. They were all sent an email about now being able to place any missed people onto the register themselves

htgov.uk/government/publicati...

[BoneyC]

... those charts don't cover every scenario . Also depends on your blood results - whether you have low white cell count, or low neutrophils (neutropenia).

[chelleD]

Yes definitely you should be shielding. I think the letters must be taking a while to roll out. As I got mine yesterday and I take the immune suppressant sulphasalazine.

[Tigs2]

Hi Shimara

I got my letter today ! I have asthma and on Methotrexate and it says I should be shielding.

The good bit is you can register to get priority delivery slots for online food shopping. That will be great as I have really struggled to get delivery slots. Fingers crossed x

[Grayling]

You are taking MTX, and this alone will hit your immune system so its not working as it should, and will leave you open to infection, so yes you should shield for your own sake, I had a very bad chest infection which took months (4) to clear up and nearly ended up in A&E, so do as they ask and look after yourself. At this moment I'm on Humira and the dreaded MTX again, but only 10mg, I have asthma as well as RA, Osteo. I received a text to tell me that I was high risk with letter to follow, where its coming from god only knows, I asked on tues this week and was told my name is on the list, and should get the letter this week, again!!! I wish you well and keep your head down, and don't mix anybody, it's too late if you get it. It's better to be fed up than deceased.