Asthma and life post-COVID-19

@juliemoorby I don't know I am so confused about it as lots of us have not had this letter, yet I to was told by my gp to shield. They asked for my letter at work but in the end they furloughed me anyway which was lucky because every where I rang to ask about this letter(gp, 111, gov) I got told they were not the ones that did the letters.  It seems if you have asthma they are not bothered 🤷‍♀️ sorry I couldn't help more x

@juliemoorby‍ im in the same boat,  however my employer is trying to force me back into work by telling me that I will be classed as unauthorised absence! My anxiety is though the roof with it all 😢

I was in the same boat. I was in contact with someone who showed signs of covid and I was isolated for 7 days I then starting showing signs myself and was isolated for another 7 days. I was told by Dr at 111 to isolate for 12 weeks because of asthma but couldn't get a shielding letter because I had not been in hospital in the last year or had 3 courses of steroids in the last year. My asthma is now so bad that I have been put on a stronger steroid inhaler and have been forced to go on sick leave. Fortunately I get paid full wages for 16 weeks but the stress of this has been awful. My husband is diabetic and self employed and hasn't been able to work because of social distancing so has had no income since march. Asthmatics have been left behind in this pandemic which I think is shocking since the virus is affecting lungs and ours are already not working to full capacity. Sorry for ling post

 I am 65, I have Asthma and Bronchiectasis. {Bronchiectasis is when the airways in the lungs are damaged and are stuck open all the time. I have it in both lower lobes of my lungs.}   I have one preventer inhaler I take twice daily, and one reliever inhaler when required, for my ashma. I also take prednisolone tablets if needed. There is no 'cure' for either condition, I just have to manage them by keeping my airways as clear as I can.  I haven't had a letter except the generic one sent out by the government. I telephoned my GP two weeks ago asking about the personal isolation letter and was told I don't qualify for one as I am not considered to be in the 'very high risk' category. I'm just in the 'high risk' category. That definitely looks floored me I can tell you.  My GP admitted that the 'guidelines' were very confusing even for GP's. If the guidelines should change, she would contact me. The whole thing is a complete disgrace. If GP's are confused, what chance do we have at understanding the guidelines? We all know our own bodies, what helps and what doesn't. It makes me so angry. Help and health care is a lottery. Dedicated medical professionals are on the font lines and many don't even have the proper safety equipment needed to carry out their duties.  My friend's daughter is an intensive care charge nurse in Glasgow Royal Infirmary. 17 hour shifts are the norm for her and many others across the UK.

I have already been isolating for five weeks as I am not taking any chances. My husband also has health conditions and he has been doing the qrocery shopping and anything else we need. He only goes out when he absolutely has to. Fortunately we have a garden, so at least we can be outside, especially when the weather is good. The only one who is ok with all of this, is our dog Ernie. He's a 12 year old Labradoodle. He's quite happy to be with us.  I'm trying to take a leaf out of his book and go with the flow. As you all know too well, it's often easier said than done. We can only do the best we can to look after ourselves and any family living in the same house, as evidently no one else will. Politicians made this mess and it's well past the time they should be doing their jobs instead of arguing amongst each other and trying to score points. When this is over, it's well past the time for a reckoning. The truth must out, we can't let them put the blame on anyone else.  Look after yourselves and take care. 

So sorry for the long rant. It's been a long time in coming. 

I still have no letter although gp says I should be shielding as have severe asthma he seems to think because you can add yourself to list then that’s all you need to do but work are now needing proof  called and asked them yesterday to be told it’s not important at min well maybe not to them but to me it is I’m at a loss now and don’t know what to do to get proof of shielding from employer can anyone advise me please

@Trcy72  I have the same problem I have been on sick since January with pneumonia then pleurisy I have been on numerous doses of antibiotics and on steroids I now have another chest infection so more antibiotics and my employer wants me back in work I'm a teaching assistant. The doctor has told me I'm high risk but no letter when the doctor doesn't sign sick notes anyone what do I do. I have even thought of quitting my job if that's the only way to keep safe. 🌈💖

@Denisecj1972 same here with infections pneumonia gp keep putting everything down to covid 19 like my severe asthma don’t exist anymore I had to go to a covid 19 clinic yesterday just to get my chest examined as own go wldnt see me dr there agreed asthma is severely exasperated I am trying to avoid hospital admission at all cost peak flow is 210-220 if it goes to 180 or below they will put me in hospital regardless they said I asked if I cold have a shielding letter they said priority it’s to get you better well am sorry priority works both ends I need proof so I can be furloughed instead of sick big different in pay either 94 pound a week or 80%of my wages work have been good as work in care sector they just need proof so they can furloughed me and go not interested in doing it so frustrating make my anxiety worse worrying about all of this and trying to get better been I’ll now 6 weeks and now steroid dependant whatever that is am not sure so steroids increased side affects driving me mad but been told need the steroids so have to put up with side effects my legs are all bruised I can’t sleep for long my muscles ache so fed up and down I don’t know what to do anymore I’m trying to do as they all ask and it’s getting me know where I do wish you well and hope you stay safe and recover soon it’s not fair we are made to be in limbo can’t believe no one out here to advise or help us fellow asthmatics get the help advise and support needed they have left this area very grey and don’t think they realise how upsetting this is getting for people I feel no one gives a monkeys anymore maybe am wrong just feel very deflated and at a loss on top of still being ill wishing you all the luck and hope you get something sorted maybe I should ring go againx

@Martachris  It’s disgusting how we are being left in limbo I have have lost count of amount of steroid I have had at present I’m on my six straight course I’m on montelukast carbocations symbicort  inhaler changed to Flutiform Now steroid dependant whatever that means  hospitalised twice  now and still no letter I’m calling go again today am sick of hearing we need to concentrate on getting you better first we worry about that later we’ll no I’m worrying now I need to pay rent feed myself pay bills husband already been furloughed and we already losing over 100 pound a week due to that no one seems to care do they like u said have to look after each other no one else is going to but once this is over PALS  will be hearing from me regarding way I have been treated by go over past 6 weeks hope you and your husband stay safe 

Update I have just come off phone to gp surgery who are now doing a shielding letter for me but I have to pay £5 for it asked why as these are free if I need one and fall under criteria to have one to be told gps have decided that that is what cost will be to print your letter so I collect my letter tomorrow after 2pm will update if letter is any different from nhs one my da received for himself. 

You should have asked if they could e-mail it to you and then e-mail it to work. Maybe save you the £5?!! to print it