My BMI is 40 are they less likely to ventilate me?

[FuckADuckie]

If I did get it because I'm on the list of secondary issues?

I just read this somewhere and am terrified now :(

[PrettyMuchDone]

Me too. Guess I am expendable.

[FuckADuckie]

I have 4 kids. I'm unlikely to loose 4 stone in the next week

[Justchecking2020]

It is a worry for me too. :(

Nothing we can do except stay home and try and avoid this virus until the cases have peaked and then reduced below hospitals working capacity again.

[flapjackfairy]

I know scary isn't it.
I have 2 kids with complex needs . One in particular is v vulnerable and they would be in the same position !
Every flu and chest issue is a major event and we live with this reality every day . At least people are realising why we are so paranoid about ill people being near our kids and hopefully once this is all over people will be more considerate and refrain from sending sick children to school to infect the vulnerable !

[Myusername2015]

I don’t think you can think like that. You will only worry yourself into a state. I guess it is harder to intubate the obese compared to the non so in a end of the world scenario I suppose there is an argument they would be going for the non obese. However we are not at the point at the moment so worrying will do nothing. I’m also overweight and am trying to see this as a chance to finally eat nutritious food (although like you I won’t lose 4 stone in a week at least I hope if I went into hospital in the future my body would be better able to fight infection)

[Skeeter2020]

Harsh reality - yes. Hospitals are in the process of creating a triage system which will prioritise interventions for people with the best possible outcomes

[NotEverythingIsBlackandwhite]

Try not to worry OP. I think if you caught it and they find you have 4 children, the need for them to keep their parent if at all possible, would be a counter argument to your weight. The decision would be taken based on all relevant information.

Hopefully more ventilators will be provided soon too.

Keep safe and don't take any risks you don't need to.

[8by8]

I’m sorry but if nhs services get overwhelmed, they will prioritise treatment for the people who are most likely to survive.

I have underlying health issues so if I get this I’m more vulnerable. If it comes down to it I know that means I’m less likely to get treatment.

All we can do is follow all the guidance and hope for the best.

[NotEverythingIsBlackandwhite]

@ScarlettBlaize

You must realise that with a BMI of 40 you're at much higher risk of leaving your four kids without a parent regardless of coronavirus?
Not helpful at this time. The OP is already terrified.

[RoLaren]

I'm 4lbs away from being below BMI 40. I'm dieting now!

[SuckingDieselFella]

Please don't think this way. I'd have thought that having four kids makes you a priority.

[Menopauseandteensdontmix100]

Totally agree no need for nasty comments

[ScarlettBlaize]

It is

[PussGirl]

The simple fact is it is more difficult to successfully ventilate those with a high BMI than those who are slimmer.

Difficult choices are going to have to be made by hospital doctors regarding the likelihood of having any particular patient recover before deciding on how to treat them. Underlying health concerns will have to be taken into account.

I'm sorry you are so worried, however the risk to you as an individual of becoming seriously unwell with this is still low overall.

[LadyTiredWinterBottom2]

Put it out of your mind and concentrate on keeping yourself well.

[SeriouslyRetro]

sucking your choices shouldn’t make you a priority should they? But your health circumstances have an impact on your survival.

It’s a very slippery slope to go down when we prioritise by number of children etc.

[GenxfeellikeaBoomer]

Geez @scarlettBlaize, why do you think she started the thread.

I'm so worried as well OP. I am pushing fifty, I have viral exacerbated asthma, I'm a single parent with two teens and their father was an abusive bastard who tried to strangle me. I'm scared of dying 1) because I WANT TO LIVE but also because of who I'd been leaving them exposed to (their father).

It will be weeks before I can work from home too. They're trying to arrange it. In the meantime, I go in to work using public transport.

So scared.

[Saz12]

I’ve asthma. In theory, maybe they would be less likely to intubation me. BUT it doesn’t mean I’ll be in the group who needs medical help, nor does it mean I’ll definitely catch CV, nor does it mean I’d be presenting at an overstretched hospital when all other patients who need intubation are under 50 with no medical conditions.
I can’t cure my asthma, but I can try and avoid CV.

[makingmiracles]

It’s a valid worry, my bmi is 45 so I relate, I’ve lost almost 2st since January and have to lose another 2 to get under a bmi of 40, I’m sticking with my Keto diet but also prioritising other half and kids in terms of food, I’m trying to religiously not cheat or fall off the wagon, I’m hoping by the end of may, beginning of June I could maybe have it under 40.

All you can do is try and eat as healthy as you can, try and keep moving etc, even if you can’t get it under 40, anyway towards that is a good thing and reduces your risk bit by bit

[pocketem]

Please don't think this way. I'd have thought that having four kids makes you a priority.

Anaesthetists can't get drawn into judging whose life is more valuable, who has kids depending on them etc. They have to work coldly on the basis of who is most likely to survive. If there are two people needing a ventilator, one has underlying conditions/very old/extreme obesity and another doesn't, then they will give it to the second person as they are far more likely to be benefit and survive