Hi, the government say that the NHS will contact 1,4 million people next week to self isolate, does anybody know if this includes RA patients? many thanks
I don't now but as i am on a biologic I am immune suppressed - therefore I assume that means me! I cannot imagine for a moment that will be contacted within a few week Personally I I'll socially isolate but go outdoors.
Hi, i have RA. and on biological injections. i spoke to my Rheumatology depart last week to ask advice. I am over 70 and should be social isolating anyway. The nurse did tell me that i am more vunerable being on the meds and to isolate as much as possible. This i have done, apart from a little walk with the dog and have some fresh air to prevent cabin fever. Hope this helps.
Hi Carole90704
Government Guidelines in UK tell us to self isolate if you are elderly and anyone with underlying health conditions for 3 months. RA is an autoimmune condition so yes you must self isolate for 3 months because the elderly and medically impaired are vulnerable to the Corona Virus...
It should do. In Table 1 of this
https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/clinical-guide-rheumatology-patients-v1-19-march-2020.pdf
the various rheumatological conditions are listed with the risk grading, Increased, High, Very High.
In Table 2 they list the increased risks for various medications.
RA in and of itself is a high or increased risk, then it depends on your medication. Any biologic puts you in the High/Very High class.
My rheumatologist office was pretty emphatic about self-isolating as I am on methotrexate. I am 73 years old and in good health but things change when one contracts the virus. Maybe I would come out of it okay, but I would not want to take the chance. I take walks in my village and so do many others. But we maintain a wide distance between each other. Yard work also helps to get exercise and change mood.
Hi I am writing from NYC the Epic center of the Virus in United States. I have PSoratic Arthritis and Asthma. The word here is to stay in as much as possible to avoid contact with anyone who might have the Corona Virus. However, we are urged to keep exercising , going out for short walks, grocery store, and pharmacy . If we look at China as our model, we can expect this to go on for about 2 months if everyone is careful. Always wash hands when ever going out or returning. Clean surfaces , floors. That is the news here. I hope you remain healthy. Take good care!!!
Thank you so much everyone for your replies
Eileenh is that chart for the uk?
sorry just read again and it is
Hi I am 61 years old and I am on the bio genetic injections for Rheumatoid arthritis, I maybe don't fall into the category for self isolation, I still go to the supermarket I do try to be careful avoiding contact with anyone, and I keep using hand sanitiser in the car when I need it
sorry forgot to say I live in Northern Ireland
It is from NHS England yes.
Patients on biologic drugs automatically are classed in the very high risk category. Please do have a look at the link I posted above. It is aimed at doctors but the two tables are quite clear about risks associated with each disease and each drug.
12 weeks!! omg need any info on this yall! stay well fellow sufferers im in Methotrexate and prednisone... how about yall?????
o forgot to say im in Louisiana.. neR Lafayette.. Cajun Country!!
Hi I on humari hrdrixicloriquinee and prednisone. Biogical drugs definitely means isolation. I'm in UK not sure how long I need to be isolated. Or in lockdown
Hi, I am 55 Rheumatoid artheritis and on Methotrexate, think according to the chart I am high risk for Rheumatoid and increased risk for Methotrexate, everyone agree? think I should be self isolating for 12 weeks, does everyone agree? by the way I love this forum, I get so much help. Just crossing my t's and dotting my eyes before I ring work tomorrow, Gps england sending letters out tomorrow to high risk patients, do you think us guys will get one?
I agree with self isolation. But I wonder if this is going to be for a longer period of time than has been suggested. My rheumatology office was pretty emphatic about people on mtx (like you and I) being in isolation. But I find my spirits getting down.
BTW I live in America. So I am not sure we have the same guidelines.