I have just received a shielding letter, any doctors about for a question

[doodleygirl]

I dont have a spleen as I had to have it removed about 21 years ago. I knew that I was more vulnerable than the average person but I didnt think I was in the shielding category as it does not come up when you google the shielding list on the gov website. Its a bit of a shock to be honest.

I am 56, healthy and fit. I lift weights, cardio and boxing. Since lockdown I have continued to keep fit as my gym is doing online classes and I have weights at home. I have been sensible since lockdown, I only go out occasionally to walk the dog round the block in the evening. MY DH has been doing the proper walk and he also does the shop.

So the 60 million dollar question is how vulnerable am I?

I dont feel vulnerable which is obviously a stupid reaction to the letter as I obviously am.

My brother has also received a letter this week as he has no spleen either. You obviously have to be shielded because your immune system won't be up to scratch.. But he had his out when he was 24 and he is now 70 ! He takes daily anti b,s. Up until now he has been out walking each day with his wife , and feels perfectly well. All the best. I too am shielded and just beginning to feel i want to go out, but I won't.

Why not contact your GP and talk it through with them? They must have considered you as an individual if it’s not an automatic condition, so they should be able to explain more.

This is what I have copied from nhs site, it mentions the spleen.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing- and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and- protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
This group has been identified to the public as those who are:
• aged 70 or older (regardless of medical conditions)
• under 70 with an underlying health condition listed below (i.e. anyone
instructed to get a flu jab as an adult each year on medical grounds):
• chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• chronic heart disease, such as heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis
• chronic neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone
disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), a learning disability or cerebral palsy
• diabetes
• problems with your spleen – for example, sickle cell disease or if you have had your spleen removed
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
• being seriously overweight (a BMI of 40 or above)
• those who are pregnant

But that's the first list they released. The shielding list is different.

I'm on the one above, but feel I have the same advice as the general public. I certainly don't feel like I have any more clout for keeping isolated when employers will want us to go back to work.

Actually, I have a.few friends who have received shielding letters in the past week who are only on that list above. They are a bit . Maybe they are extending the group in time.for the lockdown being lifted?

As a woman who is slim and who's only chronic health condition is a lack of spleen I would hazard you are not particularly vulnerable.

Elderly, obese, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetic and mostly male patients make up the vast majority of those critically ill with COVID so far.

I’m wondering (and worrying) now if I’ll get a letter, and my sons too. I had my spleen removed 18 years ago, my 19 year old had his removed 2 years ago and my 23 year old still has his but it isn’t fully functioning.

We’re all fit and healthy despite all of that, but the only thing that’s keeping me positive through all of this is my daily dog walk and I know that my mental health would suffer terribly if I couldn’t do that (I walk off the beaten track and only see people at a distance anyway).

Madison if you get a shielding letter, you can still go for your walk. The advice is just that - advice. You can follow it or not as you choose.