COVID 19 and treatment

[Stocdeb]

Just thought I’d post about my experience trying to obtain the new covid treatment for those classed as being at risk of severe illness if covid positive.I started with symptoms on Monday 13 th December, positive lft and PCR on 15th December. I was assessed by paramedics on 16 th December due to chest pain and spent a day in hospital. I mentioned that the new treatment for covid were now available for people like me ie the antibody/antiviral treatment but no one at the hospital was aware of this.

The next day I contacted my GP and consultant rheumatologist. The rheumatologist rang me back and said the treatment had to be requested by GP.

GP denied all knowledge of the treatment saying, via receptionist, it was nothing to do with him.

To say I felt let down was an understatement, 41 years in the NHS but no one wanted to know when I needed them.

To rub salt in the wound the next day I received an email from nhs to say I was eligible for new treatment should I test positive for covid !

I forwarded the email to my GP ! Knowing it was now too late to receive the treatment which must start within 5 days.

Today is day 13 since symptoms started and I think the worst is over, no thanks to my GP.

I have now received a PCR test to keep at home and use “ in the event I should have symptoms “ to receive priority and get treatment !

You couldn’t make it up 🤣

[Nextoneplease]

Oh Stocdeb, I’m sorry the NHS didn’t respond when you needed it 😞 The government/NHS do seem to have an unfortunate way of raising expectations only, on occasion, to dash them…..Hopefully (🤞) GPs will be more alert and up to date by now….🤔

Glad you’re getting over the worst and hope you soon feel fully recovered.

All the best, Nextoneplease xx

[Hidden in reply to Nextoneplease]

Love your optimism regarding NHS and GPs……

[fmkkm]

Hi Stocdeb,Wow, so frustrating it’s almost comical. I love the doctor quote, “It has nothing to do with him”.

Glad you are doing better 🎁!

[HeronNS]

What a discouraging experience. Glad you are on the mend. Be extra kind to yourself for a few weeks.

[Bcol]

Morning Stocdeb, so sorry to hear of your experience, it does seem to be the pattern when these things are first announced and glad to see you seem to be on the mend and hopefully your recovery will continue apace. Guess our hope can be that that they have had a bit more time for the "paperwork" to get sorted and into place before the rest of us need it.

[Hidden]

Sounds like a scene from a ‘Carry On’ film 🤣Carry on not treating Covid

[herdysheep]

Left hand? Right hand? Be sure to thank GP for caring attitude and outstanding awareness. Not

[Longtimer]

Shocking and disgusting...when you are well enough please make it known to your GP how you were treated!..... Remind him how long you worked in the NHS!Hope you keep improving....

[HalleysComet]

Poor you! Such dreadful treatment from the system that is supposed to be caring and supportive! I would consider writing to your MP, plus the local or national newspapers with your story. Others need to know how badly you have been served.

I am glad to hear you are on the mend. Do take care.

[Viv54]

I really do not know whats going on with the medical profession atm since Covid . Some seem to be making up the rules as the go along !

[Viv54]

I am really not sure what is going on with GPs/ Rhumy/ medical profession am ! Some seem to be hiding behind Covid, and making up the rules to suit them !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viv54]

A local hospital doctor agreed with me recently when I said I got the impression Covid was being used as a very handy excuse. And that isn't just the NHS.

To be fair - it isn't all doctors in the UK either.

[Rugger]

I am so sorry that you've been treated in this way. I worked in the NHS for nearly 40 years and it makes me ashamed on your behalf. I have had the letter about the antiviral meds and saying to expect a PCR test kit but it hasn't arrived yet. Forewarned is forearmed!

Good to hear you may now be on the mend. 💐

[CathyM64]

I have had the same issue. Tested positive on Christmas Day and got a message saying someone from the NHS would contact me within 24hours but if I wasn't contracted to call 111 or GP for urgent referral. No one called so contacted 111 they said they tried to refer me but it was closed?! Then spoke to out of hours GP who contacted hospital and sent me to a&e. After 6 hours eventually got an advanced practitioner who again had never heard of the treatment and although he consultant did no about it he didn't know how to prescribe it. It turns out the NHS have sent these letters out but not notified the community or frontline staff. Apparently the referral goes to the infection control and microbiology consultant who then make it decision on whether you get the treatment or not. If you get it it is delivered to you. Hope this helps as I write this from my bed feeling terrible and awaiting phone call from infection control consultant. Ps hope everyone had a good Christmas

[CarolF1312]

I thought it would be useful to let you know I had a very positive experience of the new process for vulnerable patients.I received a positive test result on Tuesday 21st after developing mild symptoms on 18th.

I didn't hear from NHS on 22nd so called my GP as instructed in the email. GP said she would contact relevant local Covid coordinators for Merseyside area.

23rd received a call from Covid nurse advising I was eligible. Unfortunately, they didn't have access to my medical records but were very clear in explaining options. I advised, I was very well had no symptoms and therefore did not think either of the treatments were needed.

Later that day I had a call from a consultant at Liverpool Heart & Chest hospital. She advised I was eligible for antiviral meds but they must be started immediately as I was already in Day5. She offered to prescribe and could be picked up from hospital pharmacy. After discussion I declined , as I felt perfectly well apart from increased PMR stiffness.

I've since had a further call from Covid Nurse checking I was okay and asking if I'd like an oxy-meter.

I'm sure you'll agree amazing response on a very new process.

I've since had two negative lateral flow tests so all good.

[MrsNails in reply to CarolF1312]

Good to know it’s working 👏🏼 There’s bound to be teething troubles which are only magnified by it being Christmas……

Did you use the PCR Test you were sent or had that not arrived in time?

[CarolF1312 in reply to MrsNails]

It arrived a day too late. I went to a drive through test centre for my PCR.

[MrsNails in reply to CarolF1312]

Hope you’re starting to feel better 🙏🏼

[CarolF1312 in reply to MrsNails]

I am thanks. I didnt really have any Covid symptoms but my PMR has flared up in last few days. I guess that may be expected. I increased from 5mg to 7.5mg today. Hoping that's enough to get it under control 🙏

[CathyM64]

Glad it worked for you perhaps they should tell other health trusts (or maybe it's just mine) how it's done. I'm still waiting and feeling quite unwell so guess I'm going to be unlucky with this treatment hopefully I won't get severely ill

[CarolF1312 in reply to CathyM64]

I sincerely hope you make a full and rapid recovery.

[autumnlass]

Hello Stocdeb - what a shameful experience you’ve had at this time & I sincerely hope that you are feeling better now. Am really shocked by GP’s attitude ‘nothing to do with him’. Wonder how he’d feel if someone had said that to him when he was ill like you? Hmm. Hope the New Year will see you better. xx🍀🌺

[CathyM64]

Sorry Stocdeb my latest reply was meant for carolf1312. Must be covid confusion. Your experience was similar to mine so I can fully empathise with you. Glad you're feeling better