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Shield or not

Kiera49 profile image
13 Replies

Government have only sent me a general txt about coronavirus and not a shielding one. I have mets to bones and lungs and I am on targeted therapy. Oxygen nurse and hospital say I should be shielding but haven't had shielding letter so not sure if I should be shielding or not

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Kiera49 profile image
Kiera49
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13 Replies

I haven’t heard anything either. Confusing really but we have to use or common sense as our immune systems are low from treatment.

Kiera49 profile image
Kiera49 in reply to

Rang hospital and they said yes need to shield and to follow rules on shielding

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth

My oncologist just said to be careful but didn’t say to isolate as I mentioned going up to visit my horses

I’ll avoid the humans though!!

Barb xx

Andersl profile image
Andersl in reply to Barbteeth

I agree. You'll be safer with horses around you!

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth in reply to Andersl

Thank god ir I would go bonkers!

Barb xx

Andersl profile image
Andersl

It sounds like an error. I think the gov/NHS are doing a fantastic job of pulling together ways of gathering information and sending out messages.

No system is infallible even in normal times.

Everyone on treatment which could lower their immune system is advised to follow the shielding rules.

A quick call to the hospital to tell them you're not getting the texts will help them understand where the cause lies and hopefully fix the problem.

In these unprecedented times where decisions are being made quickly and changes brought into effect without time for testing, I'm sure the relevent people will be pleased to hear what improvements can be made but would no doubt feel disheartened if they were critisised when they're doing their best.

Good luck x

Teddielottie profile image
Teddielottie

I have read that people who are regarded as extremely vulnerable will be getting letters anytime this week .(1.5 million people in England are in this group ) .

“If you have not received a letter by Sunday 29 March 2020 or been contacted by your GP, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician . “

If you want to know what is in this letter , so can make any necessary changes now , refer to my earlier post/ link ( re. gov.uk ) ‘shielding the extremely vulnerable from Covid-19’. I received mine early by text message , as I had registered with my GP for access to online services ‘ Patient Access ‘ . I haven’t had a letter yet but there are still 3 days !

I will post a pic of the list of people in this group for your information . Take care ! x

GollyG profile image
GollyG

I've had the letter and texts. I know the intentions are the best but I'm finding it depressing as I can't follow the instructions to stay away from children or sleep in a separate bed from my husband, not would I want to! I don't have a car so not sure how I'll get to scan appointment in a few weeks - certainly not using the usual method of tram, train and bus!

Red71 profile image
Red71

As long as your husband and kids are shielding too, you should be okay, but they have to be extremely careful also because anything that they are exposed to, you are exposed to also, here in the US kids are not playing with other children at all, even at the park. It makes it hard for mom and dad who have to keep them entertained. If they are older they are doing homework assigned by schools and using social media. They don’t like it but it is for the good of everybody. If your husband is still working outside the house, the least he should do is take off his clothes outside the house, throw them in the washing machine, and shower before he talks to or greets anybody in the household.

As far as your appointments go, I would call the clinic and tell them that you have to use public transportation and what would they suggest.

Good luck staying as isolated as you can be. Elaine

Kiera49 profile image
Kiera49

Thanks my partner is at home, only goes out for shopping my kids are at home 1 doing homework they wash hands often they only go out to take dog out and stay away from other people, in uk kids dont play together also

Yes, whether you get a letter or not, you should be shielding to protect yourself bc of your condition as I also have mets to lungs and bones. We do not receive letters (where do they do that), but almost every 15 minutes we have "breaking news" about the virus on the TV to the point my friends and I cannot continue to listen anymore.

All are being told to self-quarantine regardless of their health to stop the spread the best they can. I live in NY.

Kiera49 profile image
Kiera49

Staying in the house, not going out, it says your not to have other people in house that don't live with you, it says you can have window open or go out in garden

Kiera49 profile image
Kiera49

Your welcome

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