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Afraid to go back to work.

4girls4me profile image
15 Replies

I have been on leave since January 3rd for Bronchiectasis/ asthma/ immune deficiency. I work in retail. Two years ago, I went from merchandising to cosmetics. I have to say. I felt better when i was moving around all of the time. Coughed a bit more. I had exacerbations. Never had infections.

For some reason, people like to shop as they are starting to feel better. I was sick 4 times with infections/ viruses/ Covid. I’m a bit terrified to go back to working on peoples inner space for fear of infection if that makes sense?. I am finishing up all of my vaccinations that were recommended as my immunity was gone for a lot of them. I may have MAC as well. I have to schedule another induced sputum. May or may not need treatment for that. My 3 months is up. I’m neurodivergent as well with a more creative side. The office cubicle and I are not friends. I’m not great at keyboarding [terrible at it} and dyslexic. Not a ton of options. Any advice?

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4girls4me profile image
4girls4me
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15 Replies
Mellywelly profile image
Mellywelly

Sorry your worrying about going back to work. With me its catching buses as they are always jam packed like sardines. I gave up work in the end and am doing a course to work from home. Have you thought about that at all? 😉

Patk1 profile image
Patk1

There are ways u can protect yrself.i use vicks rescue nose spray & colzyme throat spray,which help neutralise viral particles. Masks are useful,especially during peak bug season,and I always carry antibacterial gel x

4girls4me profile image
4girls4me in reply toPatk1

Never heard of the nose and throat spray. Good to know. I mask already. Never leave home w/o one. It might just be the Bronchiectasis, but I feel more tired wearing a mask all day. I already know I m not going back to touching peoples faces. I feel like that is just too close for comfort. I do need to go back though. I just don’t know what to tell my bosses. I already stepped down from 2 management positions and have used up any sick or vacay pay. Which bums me out. I used to work 45-50 hour weeks before I got sick. I was very reliablele. Now Im not sure what I’m capable of if that makes sense.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply to4girls4me

Yes .its understandable, but sometimes fear is worse than reality. Take a look at the sprays as may reduce reliance on mask,I'd still put one on if anyone coughing or sniffly in your vicinity.Perhaps talk to HR. Have a think about which departments u would prefer to work in. Prob many depts allow for social distancing.

Tree20862 profile image
Tree20862

I am an asthmatic. When we first started masking it was a bit hard, but I got used to it. I wear 13 hours, 3 days per week. I just adapted, with time. It is going on 4 years. My work made it optional recently but my pulmonologist and I feel that it is better that I keep mine on. I have still gotten sick a couple of times with it so I'm staying on. I work in a hospital with sick kids. I even double mask when I go into an isolation room.

Hopefully you can find a different environment for you. Where you feel comfortable. 🤞🍀🤞🍀

peege profile image
peege

Have you thought if using a perspex face shield?

Dottie11 profile image
Dottie11

Maybe contact your Immunologist for advice. Its tough choices every day with these things. Good luck. xx

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello there. I so understand your feelings. It would scare me too if I was in your position. So, I am a lung transplant patient. For us catching anything at all could cause serious complications that lead to rejection. As a result I am over the top with prevention. I wear a mask when there are a lot of people ESPECIALLY on public transport and crowded areas. I wash my hands often with soap, gargle Listerine and brush my teeth three times a day (the Listerine is the one with alcohol not the non alcohol type) I use a neti pot to flush out my nasal passages. I buy the solution for it although you can make it also. I carry alcohol based gel for my hands and use it after I touch money, door knobs etc. And I swab down my phone and tablet twice a day. I know it all sounds a bit paranoid but thus far I've managed to stay well. I am also used to it now. I truly wish you well and hope things get better for you. Best wishes xx ☘️

Digger0 profile image
Digger0

Your place of work should make adaptations if possible for you under the Disabilities Act. Have you spoken to them about this? good luck

leo60 profile image
leo60 in reply toDigger0

That is what I was going to say! Go in and have a long chat with them. I worked for Tesco, and even they (!) made allowances. Eventually, it was obvious I couldn't hold a job any more, due to absence levels. The DWP can help a lot with benefits and retraining. Above all don't worry, it will make you sicker. All the best xx

Numptybrain profile image
Numptybrain

I too am awaiting induced sputum. Did it help? As for work it’s very difficult because germs are everywhere but unfortunately we can’t live in a bubble. Every time I go to hospital appointments I end up ill., catch yet another infection, it seems crazy when its one after the other and that’s exactly how I’ve been, I’m actually still fighting a klebsiem pneumonia from December? 3 rd lot of antibiotics.

Take care

Wendy x

4girls4me profile image
4girls4me in reply toNumptybrain

Drink a lot of water the night before. They are not fun. The first induced sputum I was a bit dehydrated. The second one, I YouTubed helpful techniques. I’m not a deep lung, mucus on demand kind of gal. It worked the second time also felt a lot worse. Perhaps that is why I may have put it off a bit.

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

NasalGuard Cold and Flu block, and Vick's First Defence - invaluable aids for stopping the infections from invading. Also use a sterile saline nasal wash to clean the sinuses, and gargle with a mouthwash like Listerine or Daily Corsodyl if the throat is feeling a bit iffy. Works a treat for me.

4girls4me profile image
4girls4me

Thank you all for responding. I really do appreciate it. There are so may good suggestions. It does make me feel better that I’m not crazy for feeling this way. I do need to make that appointment with HR. I’ve been procrastinating. I have been spending a little too much time in my own head. I have never heard of Bronchiectasis until January. My doctors seem to take it lightly. It feels exhausting. The family is also not super understanding.

Again Thanks so much!

Lutontown profile image
Lutontown

I don't know, but I believe masks don't help in stopping bugs getting in, only stop them going out of you and others catching what you've got. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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