How have you coped getting on with life?

[Guest guest]

The past month has been the toughest time of my life, literally. I

can't remember another time when I was so stressed, worried, and

exhausted. You see, I'd been so frantic about cleaning, spraying,

vacuuming, and doing laundry, that they have become my life. I'm

sure all of you can relate. Fortunately, it was good timing that I

had been allowed to telecommute for work the last few weeks (for

unrelated reasons), which relieved me of the stress of me possibly

infecting others at work. My social life has come to a nil as I just

decline invitations to anywhere that are not in public settings

(excuse: " oh I'm busy " or " I'm not feeling too well " ). I have not

stepped into anyone's home since. I now get very paranoid whenever

I see someone near me scratching. You all know what I mean... It's

stressful!

Ppl closest to me know what I'm going thru and have advised me that

life cannot come to a grinding halt in times of adversity. We must

adjust and keep moving.

Having said that, I'd like to know how others are coping or have

coped with this. How are you maintaining your social life? Your

work life? Going thru this yourself is absolute hell but aren't you

worried about infecting your family, friends, and co-workers? I

take the necessary steps when going out but no matter how much I

bathe or launder (and store in plastic bags) I still may unknowingly

carry bugs over to other ppls homes or cars right? I don't think I

can deal with the stress and guilt of knowing that I have infected

another person/home. It is extremely depressing and lonesome. I

just thank God that I have a loving, supporting family.

Here's what I wonder about all the time. Surely I can't be the only

one carrying these things! How about the several other hundred ppl

at work in my building? Am I the only one inflicted with this?

Howe about all these chairs we share in conference rooms? How about

when I ride airplanes? As much as I fly, I've never " caught "

anything (other than a common cold). How about when I go to

church? Several thousand attend and use the chairs. Someone else

must be carrying something, right?!?! How about everytime I go out

to restaurants. Movie theaters. Or when I'm shopping for clothes -

am I to assume that everyone who's tried something on before me was

clean? (I've not clothes shopped since)

My sister is a school teacher and many of her kids are

underprivileged. She reminds me that surely these kids have brought

many unknowns into class in her 10+ years of teaching - the point

being, you can't keep worrying about others like that and if someone

else gets infected, that's unfortunate but that's life - to which I

quickly counter that what I'm going thru right now is the last thing

I want anyone to go thru, especially my own sister!

How are you coping with this and maintaining " life " ?

kihun

PS - this forum is just WONDERFUL. I absolutely thank each and

everyone here!