Corona advice/help

Delacey71

Hi. I have been diagnosed with Inflammatory arthritis and receive an Intramuscular steroid injection every 3 to 4 months to treat this. Unfortunately the Rheumatologist is unable to prescribe any other treatments as yet as I have ongoing liver inflammation. Despite various investigations the Gastroenterology team are unable to identify the cause of the liver inflammation. I also have Fibro, Osteoarthritis, sleep apnoea, underactive thyroid had a BMI of 38.9. I last had a steroid injection on the 9th of March. The Rheumatology nurse advised me to shield when I asked for guidance two weeks ago . However she appeared confused with the advice she was giving. I thought I may receive a letter from the NHS advising that I shield, however I have not received a letter. I have contacted my GP surgery who were unable to advise. Has anyone any advice to assist with this please? Thank you

chrisb

Hi Delacey and welcome to the online Community.

I'm sorry to hear abut your ongoing Inflammatory Arthritis and lack of communication as regards yiur potential need to shield.

Our page, Coronavirus (COVID-19) - what is it and where to go for information has links to help with risk-assessment and registering this with the Government for additional support . You should have been contacted by your GP or hospital clinician but it sounds like your GP surgery was unable to advise.

One of our Moderators who is in the High Risk group has posted about her experience in this thread. It appears that some people have already had their letter, whilst others are having to work through their GP / health professionals to have this happen. Letters are still going out.

I hope you find the above links useful and that other forum members' experiences help.

You can also call our free Helpline on 0800 5200 520, or email helpline@versusarthritis.org (Mon - Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm) if you can't find an answer to your query on the forums.

Best wishes

ChrisB (Moderator)

Delacey71

Hello Chris.
Thank you for your quick response. I appreciate your advice it is helpful. I have looked at the advice on the Versus Rheumatoid Arthritis page but I am still confused as my weight and liver problems concern me also. The inflammatory arthritis, plus my weight and unspecified liver issues make me concerned that I am at higher risk than the risk assessment table indicates. Hopefully I will get to the bottom of this.

Thank you so much

Struddie

Hi Delacey

My hospital have produced these helpful flow charts for Rheumatiod and Psoriatic Arthritis. I know you didn't mention either of these diagnosis, but I think the same information applies

I'm not sure if these attached links will work, but if not, go to

leedsth.nhs/a-z-of-services/dermatology/covid-19 (and the same for rheumatology)

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/assets/f6d9e3ac11/Flowchart-Guide-to-Social-Distancing-for-Rheumatology-patients-on-Immunosuppressants-and-Steroids.pdf

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/assets/127811de12/PDF-PATIENT-self-risk-stratification-dermatology-26-MAR-2020-AT-1318-v2.pdf

Hope this helps?

Stay safe x

Salis

Hi Struddie. That link is so helpful, thank you !

Delacey71

Hello Struddle.
Thank you so much. That’s so thoughtful and helpful of you..
Look after yourself also and stay safe and thanks again. X