Shielding letter!

[Brushwork]

They’re still arriving because I just got mine. Shield for 12 weeks from now!

I’m in Scotland. Was this a 2nd tranche or did it all just take a long time?

[sunnyweek]

I'm in England and I only got mine last week. A friend in England has had hers at least two weeks before me and she only lives about 50 miles from me but a different county.

Yes mine said shield from now but I've been shielding a month!

Hope all goes well for you.

[Brushwork in reply to sunnyweek]

Me too. Still, it’s official now I suppose.

Stay safe

[sunnyweek in reply to Brushwork]

Yes it's official like you say, thank you stay safe too

[morto99 in reply to sunnyweek]

A lot of the reasons for the delay is probably down to your own GP surgery, it is down to them to kick start the process off. Remember they could be short staffed and this is a huge increase on their work load.

[Gnarli]

It's good to hear you finally had your letter and I hope it helps. Neither Himself or I have heard anything

[LJS13 in reply to Gnarli]

I’m still waiting for a letter. People with the same condition as me and on the same meds have had one , but nothing for me yet. I struggle to get delivery slots so at the moment still having to go to the supermarket

[Gnarli in reply to LJS13]

Not good. Not good at all. Have you tried ringing your GP surgery? It seems to be taking ages for some of us. According to the flow charts I am supposed to be shielded and Himself is over 70.

[LJS13 in reply to Gnarli]

The GP said I should be shielding but no written confirmation from anybody, I know we are in a crisis and I do understand things take longer than usual but I just feel like I’ve been missed completely

[Gnarli in reply to LJS13]

You aren't alone as I'm in a similar position but I'm retired and have family to shop. Have you tried your rheumy?

[morto99 in reply to LJS13]

Hi I have received a shielding letter, it doesn't really do anything apart from telling you don't leave the house and giving you a link to the Gov web site. If you don't have anyone or family to support you I think it triggers some help, But as I have my wife to go shopping nothing has changed apart from being excluded from going outside, even for exercise!

[Stayloose]

My OH had his shielding letter last week from Rheumatology. This week Rheum sent a letter to everyone saying Patients were concerned and giving the points chart. I suspect the helpline has been inundated with calls even though the helpline said no Covid questions. Nearly one month in and counting!!

[rab1874]

Still waiting for mine in West of Scotland better late than never,but going by chart I’m shielding anyway

[Brushwork]

Interesting. I wasn't expecting a letter, I had decided that I probably wasn't in the higher risk category. I have active sero-positive RA, I take 2 drugs one of which is a Biologic and I have a couple of complimentary conditions... but still I naively thought I would be ok.

I was self isolating anyway, but was comforted by the idea I could take my daily walk and if I was desperate (family and kind friends and neighbours didn't allow me to get desperate) I would be able to shop in the vulnerable slot at the supermarket.

I really don't like this idea that I am higher risk!! I was happy in my bubble...

I will do as advised, of course I will, and I will stay the course for the 12 weeks or longer if instructed (I rather think we will be).

[Gigi71]

I’m in the south east and received my letter on Wednesday, I knew I would be in the second phase, as my GP rang in the beginning to tell me to shield as they don’t have details of my bio med on there records and this had been noted by him, he said I would be getting a letter. I started to receive the texts from the NHS service the week before. I also received a telecall from a rheumy doctor last Thursday to say I should be shielding and a letter would be coming out. It’s very hit and miss. X

[Jacey15]

I still haven't had a text or letter despite needing to according to the guidelines by the British society of rheumatology.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Jacey15]

Same here, no letter but should have had one according to the same guidelines.

[Runrig01 in reply to Jacey15]

You can still register on the government website, using your nhs no, without the letter. They will check your records and add you if they agree. If they don’t agree you get a text asking you to contact your GP. I did this and a week later started getting emails from supermarkets stating I was on the list, followed a week later with the letter. Also had a call Thursday from local council, giving me contact no’s if I need them. Then fri received my first food parcel

[Jacey15 in reply to Runrig01]

I registered on the government website weeks ago. I've had emails from supermarkets but still no shielding letter/text. Work are demanding to see it.

[Mandalou]

I would be wary of supermarkets Brushwork but maybe continue with the walk choosing a time that is as quiet as possible.

It’s great that you have been taking precautions anyway.

I do think this is going to go on for a while yet whenever people received their letters. So much depends on the testing and eventual vaccine.

I’m on Benepali and Hydroxychloroquine for sero negative RA and have been told by my consultant to socially distance not isolate.

Not that my GP would have a damn clue , he thinks I don’t need blood tests at all.🙄🙄🙄

All the best to you, take care.

Mx

[juliejswift]

My husbands arrived yesterday and we are in Kent! After calling the doctors surgery three times over three weeks and being told it’s nothing to do with them and to look on the government’s website I noticed the letter had our doctors contact details and phone number on it. 🤔

[Scottishlad]

My letter arrived yesterday. So text sent to see if we can get on supermarket delivery list. The grocery box not much use to us as we are both on a gluten free diet. I'm sure for most people it is a great help.

My wife is trying to restrict shopping trips to two a week.

[Runrig01 in reply to Scottishlad]

You can register dietary requirements when registering. Although they say it might be a few weeks to perfect it

[Plumcrumble]

Yes, mine came yesterday, I'm in Norfolk

[Fifi2]

I’ve had 2 letters but when I went to register on the government website after the first one arrived it said I should contact my GP or hospital if I thought I should be shielding

After the second letter arrived I registered again last night .

I just need to be able to book a delivery slot

[SmilerWend in reply to Fifi2]

I got email from Asda last Sunday, after getting shielding letter last week. I'm in Wales so its taken time!

[Mittagating]

I’m lucky as only moderate - biologic only. Still glad I looked at NRAS chart 3 weeks ago so the fact I got my first contact of any kind from care team today..... I was already aware my risk was moderate and already following guidance. Though I do walk outside - middle of the fens not a soul! Still getting such belated official guidance put me in rotten mood on such a lovely sunny day 😡

[ColinRR]

Mine came yesterday. I am in Gloucestershire

[Bagels]

Mine came yesterday too. I’m in Leeds.

[SmilerWend]

Had mine last week I'm in Wales.

[Leics]

No letter for me yet although I have registered on government website get texts almost everyday but not been contacted by supermarkets. The only letter I did get was standard one everyone got and a letter from immuno which I asked for and told me very high risk and to shield. So letter or no letter A isn’t talking to B anyway. I’m already a customer of Asda but only got a standard text from CEO on April 3rd. I’m lucky my husband can go shopping once a week for us and then stay in with me doesn’t go out for exercise except in the garden and it’s a military manoeuvre with everything being washed as soon as he comes in including himself and all surfaces.