Re: Re: Infection risk in school settings~Deborah

April 28, 2005

Hi there!

I was a school bus driver and am on Methotrexate, and Enbrel and as of

June I was told to not work.

If I get an infection my doctor stops all my meds and I then get a

horrible flare up. I have RA.

I am very careful. When I go for my weekly blood work I ask for a mask

and put it on because

of colds. I wash my hands more carefully and have all my friends

educated about this. I tell them that

if they get a cold it is better to not visit me.

My husband is careful at his work also because if he gets it " well he

sleeps with me " ...lol so I would

probably get it from him. Like we don't have enough to worry about

.....now this.

I am 43 years old and lately feel like a very very very very old lady.

I am young at heart but not body.

I am going to a group once a week for support and it is fantastic. That

is over in a couple of weeks, it

ran for 10 weeks. Unfortunately I don't have any family here in Ottawa,

I came from Newfoundland. I wish

I had a friend to go for coffee with or just chat to on the phone every

now and then. It sure helps talking to

someone that knows what your going through. Sorry I am rambling but

that is what happens when I take my

painkillers.... " narcotics " . I hope everybody has a painfree week.

gentle hugs,

Corinne

JANE wrote:

> Deborah,

> This was my experience- I used to teach a Bible study and

> music/humanities ed thing for kids in a homeless shelter.(Just

> volunteer stuff, I'm SO not a pro!) I was on plaquenil and MTX, and

> started remicade during that time. I kept sinus infections, had

> pneumonia, etc. I just happened to tell my rehumy about my volunteer

> work. After they got through having a cow, they strongly suggested

> that I quit ASAP, since all the meds tend to zap your immune system.

> Sure enough, within a few months the infections were not as frequent,

> or as severe. I got brave & tried volunteering at a mission for a few

> months again here this past year, but it was the same story- I caught

> every kind of " kid cooties " that came by. And I really do miss it.

> But aside from being sick as a dog, the financial aspects of missed

> work, high dollar meds, really were getting to me..my sis in law has

> been a teacher for 30 years, and she uses that hand disinfectant gel

> a lot and keeps Lysol spray at school. God bless you, sweetie,

> teaching is not a job, it's a calling. I can thank 3 different

> teachers for my love of art, music, and literature. Good luck and

> blessings to you & yours.

> Jane

>

> >

> > My question has to do with germs and in particular bacterial/fungal

> infections. I've had RA for about 3 years I'd guess, and I am an art

> teacher in an elementary school. I see close to 300 K-5 students a

> week. I have been on MTX (.6mg) and Humira (every 10 days) for close

> to two years now. This year (Sept-now) I have had 2 diagnosed sinus

> infections and have been generally sick a little more than in years

> past. (I was actually sick more the first two years I taught [which

> also happens to be when I developed RA], but seemed to have built up

> an immunity to most of what was going around. My husband and I are

> discussing whether I should continue to teach or find another job. I

> don't know if my fears re infections are founded or unfounded...

> anyone know?

> > Thanks so much,

> > Deborah

> >

April 28, 2005