No PCR a for home testing : Hi, My husband has... - Vasculitis UK

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No PCR a for home testing

Puttystuff profile image
19 Replies

Hi,

My husband has Wegeners treated with Ritiximub and steroids, all though the pandemic received all the letters about shielding but has not received the priority at home PCR.

Anyone who has received it did this come from your GP, consultant or a separate team?

Wondering who we need to contact to get one especially as rates are now so high.

Thank you!

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Puttystuff
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19 Replies
Grizzly-bear profile image
Grizzly-bear

Just commenting to say I’m exactly the same as your husband and not received a PCR for at home use. If I get covid I was planning on calling my renal consultant who I believe would get me access to whatever I needed.

Puttystuff profile image
Puttystuff in reply toGrizzly-bear

Did you get the letter/email saying you could access the anti viral medication?

Grizzly-bear profile image
Grizzly-bear in reply toPuttystuff

No I didn’t receive anything. But I know both rituximab and Prednisolone should make me eligible.

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

They seem now to be advising using the LFT tests and have been sending out packs to people considered as vulnerable.

May7 profile image
May7

They have changed the plan to use PCRs to sending us Lateral Flows instead. See my earlier post on this entitled A change of plan for testing the vulnerable. However, if you didn't receive the PCR kit, then you may not automatically receive the special Government LFTs. Everything I've received has been directly from the NHS through GOV UK I think. The email came from COVID Treatments. They say you should only use these Government supplied LFTs in order to get the treatments, and not any others. I'm sorry I'm not sure how you go about sorting this out.

Puttystuff profile image
Puttystuff in reply toMay7

Thank you. I’ll email the GP and the consultant and see what they say.

Wagener profile image
Wagener in reply toMay7

You can still get free ones using the covid app and answering a few questions . Got mine no problem (lateral flow )

Nadine99 profile image
Nadine99

You now don't need the PCR test. You have to do an LFT and report it to the NHS app if it's positive.

RFNK profile image
RFNK

There are different schemes in Scotland so it may depend on where you live?

Puttystuff profile image
Puttystuff in reply toRFNK

We’re in England so should have received the LFTs

Vqueen profile image
Vqueen

Mine just came through the post recorded delivery. Not sure were it came from though.I've also received a box of LFT'S.

I to have GPA had rituximab now on azathioprine but not working so due to start rituximab soon. Also been on pred since diagnosis

Dangee profile image
Dangee in reply toVqueen

Same Vqueen, I got an email about 10 days ago saying if I test positive to report it as other treatments are immediately available & got a box of tests delivered today. Good service I think. Someone’s looking out for us!

Puttystuff profile image
Puttystuff in reply toDangee

Have emailed the consultant and Gp. Hopefully one of them will sort it out!

Mooka profile image
Mooka

My email came from NHS England. This link showing eligibility was posted on the dodgy lung site.

england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/...

Hopefully it will help if you need to show it to someone. Good luck.

Puttystuff profile image
Puttystuff in reply toMooka

Thank you x

Poshcards profile image
Poshcards

I am same, but I have been fighting since January for my 4th jab and access to PCR and anti virals, GP doesnt want to know! x

lismacb profile image
lismacb

Also on Rituximab and consultant advised ringing 119 the Track & Trace number to order the priority PCR tests. They sent me through 3 the very next day.

Wagener profile image
Wagener

Hi puttystuff I ordered mine via the covid app. To keep at home when needed

Ping62 profile image
Ping62

I have GPA and was sent a box of LFTs a couple of weeks ago. I picked up Covid last week and tested positive, recorded the test on the website. I pretty soon got contacted by the specialists at the hospital, who advised me to stop taking Methotrexate for a couple of weeks and double my dose of prednisolone. My GP got in touch and arranged for a pulse oxymeter to make sure my breathing was ok, and anti virals were sent out to me. I have to say the response from the NHS has been excellent. Luckily for me, my symptoms were nothing worse than a very slight cold, but I'm still testing positive at the moment.

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