Who to call?? No email/letter re ECV

[Hazel2020]

Hello,

I have a diagnosis of RA, chronic urticaria, hypothyroidism , Vit b12 and Vit d deficiency and just started taking blood pressure medication. I had a letter for the previous lockdown but I haven’t received one this time. Previously I wasn’t on methotrexate, prednisolone or cyclosporine and over the last 8 weeks I’ve taken all of these drugs. The mtx made me so ill I only tolerated 7 weeks of it but the cyclosporine seems to be helping and I’m not suffering so badly with side effects.

Who do I contact to discuss receiving a letter. My employer requires this. Spoke to GP and they aren’t issuing them.

Thank you xx

[dawkin_S]

Hi Hazel, the official line is that your GP or clinician (your RA nurse/specialist, I guess) are responsible for putting you on the 'shielded list'. I know from last time around that some people took ages to get their letter, so could be a hold-up I guess, although as you got one last time it seems odd you haven't yet. I guess you could check with your GP that you are still on the shielded list? The BSR has a 'risk stratification guide' (scroll to the bottom of this page) that might be helpful to show your work, perhaps? Sorry I can't be of more help - I expect some of the other guys here who were shielding will know more than me! rheumatology.org.uk/news-po...

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Last time I asked for a cover email from my nurse while I waited the official letter. This was enough for my work

[Hazel2020]

Thank you both. I have asked consultant to provide a letter detailing my status and work have said they will accept this. X

[dawkin_S in reply to Hazel2020]

That's good news - I'm glad they're being reasonable at your work. One less thing to worry about, eh!

[Neonkittie17]

Hi Hazel, I’ve slipped through the net both times and not received a government letter and should have. Have just drafted an email to send to both GP and rheumy tomorrow. I am a definite 3 on the ECV/shielding chart according to the British Society of Rheumatology and shall be ensuring I am added this time. It will be needed for a vaccine I am sure next year. I suspect an admin error in rheumatology (as it usually is. 🤨)

Cyclosporin is a higher classification of R.A. med, I do know that on the BSR chart as are oral steroids over 10mgs daily, so I feel you will get your letter of proof if you ask the rheumatologist. I have hyperthyroidism but it is stable and my med for that it isn’t a factor in the shielding meds. I don’t believe hypo is either. High BP is a factor:comorbidity so be sure to mention all of those to the rheumy. Good luck. x

[Leics]

I got my clinically extremely vulnerable letter today so there’s a chance it’s still in the post. I did have to chase immunology last time to be added to the list as I wasn’t technically high risk due to the R.A. meds I was on at the time. I’m pretty sure ciclosporin would put you in the extremely clinically vulnerable group though so yeah ask your consultant to update your records and inform your GP whilst they’re at it.