Vulnerable- regardless of age. Autoimmune diseases.

MawB a close friend has this too. She’s been informed that she is one of the 1.5million especially vulnerable.

Thank you for this post Maw and raising much needed awareness.I have two of these conditions,my daughters both have 1.I too am grateful for the lockdown although both son in laws are key workers.

It was interesting to read Graso's comments about the Italian data regarding immuno - compromised patients. I have Sjogren's Syndrome and for the last 2 - 3 years have been prescribed hydroxychloroquine to control this condition. I understand this drug might help the Coronavirus symptoms. I also have Follicular Lymphoma which is being treated with chemo. (Session 8 of 8 due next Wed.) If all else fails and I do succumb to Covid19 in spite of self isolating, perhaps I won't be quite so ill.

Graso, thank you for the quote about the Italian data.

I can assure you Hashimoto's Disease is taken seriously by no one.

Well said MawBroon

Some diseases are not diagnosed for very many years leading to severe nutritional deficiencies making people far more susceptible to other diseases.

I'm supposed to start biologics on Monday, but am unable to contact anyone for advice.
The message on the rheumatology nurse specialists answer machine says they have been overwhelmed by calls for advice. ☹

I and several other GNetters have HS and take biologic drugs that enable us to lead the best life we can......but they are immunosuppressive so we are anxious. I bet none of us are flouting the advice and I am utterly grateful to everyone who is giving so much to shield us as far as possible. ?

Nursed lots of people in those categories and many people have no idea about how many people suffer from auto immune diseases - especially how young many people are when diagnosed.
DD2 not in great health so totally with you that my family will now be at home for foreseeable. Glad I have no one in London.

Thanks for the post Maw and raising awareness of this. Unless you suffer from an autoimmune condition, you can have no conception of what is like or the implication it has for sufferers.

Sjogrens, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Brittle Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Hypertension and cardiac problems, a bit of a short straw for me! I've resigned myself to the final outcome.

You bet, I'm scared, especially when all these people who should be isolating, are still wandering the streets. That includes my 70 year old neighbour, who was out and about at least three times today. She thinks the rules don't apply to her. ?

Why on earth did the government procrastinate on this?
Talk about locking the stable door after the horse has bolted!

I agree too. We should all do what we can.

Such a worry - if only we could rely on people to do the right thing. More enforcement is essential.

Can I just add CFS/ME to the list.
I agree. People need to think of others.

I have PBC.

Hopefully there’s a bit of comfort for those with auto immune conditions in the following which I’ve copied and pasted from the PBC Foundation forum. It’s a response from the PBC Foundation Development Officer to a question posted by a member:

‘The good news is Italian data is saying that immuno-compromised patients tend not to get the virus so bad.

It is almost that a weakened immune response stops the spread within the lungs.

Personally, I would be using that info to reassure myself but would still be following Gov guidelines and still self-isolating’

Good post Maw

My sister is in her seventies and has Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm so worried about her

I don't think anyone on here is objecting, nor most folk out there. I know the autoimmune score, I have a rare immune disorder which means my cells clone instead of making proper antibodies plus asthma. The Irish side of the family is riddled with autoimmune disorders. We have to stay safe at home and hope. I feel very grateful for my home with decent garden and packed freezer.

I agree I welcome the lockdown.

???Framilode x

One of my son's is asthmatic and his partner is a celiac. They both work in London but are now working from home. My son has been unwell with classic Coronavirus symptoms. Fortunately he is getting better. I personally do not think that the measures go far enough. They are open to interpretation.

I am coeliac, have Hashimotos and psoriatic arthritis as well as COPD, and to top it all my blood group is A positive.

Always look on the bright side of life.

I have PSA Maw , and am a bit frightened. X

I agree too. We've friends and family with conditions named above and are horrified by the continued casual attitude of people we know in London and elsewhere.

And me Maw. Let’s just hope and pray that people have finally cottoned on to the implications for others.

Oh Maw. I do know a little of what you ar feeling as my daughter is ceoliac and has Chrones. I am in awe of what your daughter is having to cope with though.
Mine works in a school so I was relieved when the school closed as she was reluctant to stay away as she felt she should be doing her bit when the school was under pressure. I xpect your daughter like mine got the NHS text this morning and was shocked that she has been told to stay home for 3 months.
Wishing you and your family the best for the coming months.

And me Maw
Ankylosing Spondylitis (my dad), lupus (my mum) and Crohns (DH) have all played a part in my family in the last 45 years.
Stay safe. Take care. ?❤️