Immunosuppressed - theatre & meal at wknd yes or no?

[Littlemiss74]

I am meant to be going with my mum & sister on Saturday to see a show and then out for a meal.
I am immunosuppressed due to medication I take for RA.

As there is no specific advice in place for this group I am unsure whether to still go or not. I am getting more anxious by the day but also kind of think life has to go on as much as possible.

My mum & sister would prob be annoyed if I don't go but they don't have the same issues. My
mum is old school and would think I'm just being dramatic but seeing as I have a young family I'd like to be cautious with regards my situation.

What do people think - go or not go? Mind you who knows where the country will be by then anyway it's still 4 days away!

I'd go - your blood tests would show if your immune system was considerably lower than usual; the whole point of methotrexate/humira/steroids/etc is to get your immune system down to that of a healthy person, after all. Just stick with the washing hands/hand gel as usual and maybe ensure that you have a shower as soon as you get back, rather than leaving it til the morning, just in case some idiot has sneezed over the back of your head.

And, going by my trip to the hospital this morning, you'd likely have fewer people round you at the theatre than usual. Never seen a large hospital bereft of elderly people before

I would also expect they'll quietly eject the usual Twat With A Hacking Cough that seems to turn up to every show, movie and music recital I've ever been to or performed at. For a change.

Thank you. I see what you're saying, I do feel more anxious though with every day that goes by.

I wouldn’t go if I was you and I wouldn’t care what your mother thinks. It really is not worth the risk if you have underlying conditions. Tell your Mum/sister you are not feeling well now to give them a heads up.

Mum is on steroids for another condition and has been advised by her consultant to avoid being in large gatherings. Get advice from your consultant

I'm in the same situation with regards to RA meds. I am also married to a hospital consultant who is my biggest risk factor for exposure.
We've talked about it quite a bit recently and basically think that we need to be sensible but not be paralysed by fear.

At this point I would in your situation still go but be fastidious about hand washing - before eating, when leaving the theatre, when getting home and avoid the theatre bar

I wouldn't go, I also methotrexate and will be taking caution with things like this. My GP has asked me to be cautious despite there being no official advice re. immunosuppressants yet.

No way, I have an autoimmune condition, I am staying home. We were supposed to go to Spain next week, we have cancelled.

The fact that you ask the question means you are already anxious and since the purpose of the visit is to enjoy yourself then you would most probably not. So don't go.

I dont have an autoimmune condition. Even still there is no way I would go and be around that many people

Oh wow I'm glad so many have said they wouldn't go as I was wondering if I was being over dramatic.

My mum has a way of making us feel bad if we don't do things her way. My sister always bends over backwards to please her. If you don't do things the way she wants she gets very frosty.

Also she is 75 so kind of in a more vulnerable category herself but she is of the stiff upper lip generation who wouldn't let this stop her doing what she wants to do.

I just know that if I don't go she will be pissed off at me and will have a good moan about me to my sister.

None of my family understand what RA is like and how debilitating and painful it can be. Because they can't see it and I look fine I think they either forget I have it or don't think it's much of an issue.
It's actually really upset me over the years how they never ask how I am and if try to tell them I'm having a flare up they just don't get it.

OP don't go. You and your mum are at risk, notwithstanding your health issues if she gets ill then you will be the one rushing round and worry about her.

It's just not worth it IMO.

I have a really strong immune system and I am never sick. I have a show booked next week in London and I have cancelled. I am going to work and sending my children to school but not actively seeking out big gatherings for a few months.

I'd probably not go myself, but only you. An decide.

If you don't want to go how about coming up with a different excuse so they. Ant guilt trip you, stomach bug??

Thank you all, you have made me feel like I am not silly for being so anxious. I actually feel nervous at having to tell them though, isn't that sad🙁

I wouldn’t go and I’m not immunosuppressed. If you’re waiting for an official response from government you could be waiting a very long day. The rest of Europe can’t understand why we’re not taking it more seriously. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security based on our inaction.

I have this concern too.. not for myself, but we are booked to see Les Mis next week, and my DS1 is on meds that make him immuno suppressed. BUT he also has ASD is obsessed with musicals and would be absolutely gutted if we didn't go.
He's 22 so in a lower risk group by age so we will be going, washing hands a lot (he does anyway as unfortunately he has OCD along with his autism) and hoping it will be ok.
But I completely understand you not going!

My DD1 is a frontline doctor, in a major hospital who has just been Covid 19 trained as first line dealing with cases coming in... tbh that scares me more as shes prone to chest infections and asthmatic :(

I say don’t go.

My siblings and I have just had a talk today with our elderly but very active parents to say we think they need to stay away from crowds now. Not never leave the house, but stay off public transport, use online food shopping etc. I feel it’s got to the stage now where they have to actively avoid risk and I’d class you in that category too.

Sorry for my terribly typos, trying to mumsnet whilst multitasking

I have asthma and I would still go.

@WatchoutfortheROUS I have actually been feeling bad for a week now. I tried to reduce my meds in the hope of being slightly less immunosuppressed - result is flare up! It's been hard enough getting up and going to work let alone going out to theatre and a meal.
I just know they won't understand though.

Can you tell a white lie and tell them your dr advised against it?

I've checked the NRAS website and the guidance they state includes

Avoid gatherings of large groups of people if possible

I'll tell them that

No I wouldn’t risk it.

I wouldn't go

I have autoimmune conditions and I wouldn’t go. Too risky. Why risk it when you don’t have to?