Cleanliness.

[MilkofMagnesia]

I have emphysema but still manage to live at home. However, I have an ex-boyfriend who lives in the same block as me. Unfortunately, his home is an absolute midden with food containers containing mouldy food in them; he also does not clean his home at all. (He didn't used to be like this). He comes into my home to drop milk off and such. I have had four flare ups this year. Is it possible that he is contaminating my home at all? I can't think of anything else that is causing it as I don't go out anymore, I'm on 24/7 oxygen. His flat needs fumigating, there are mice running all around and his net curtains in the kitchen have never been washed and are now black!!! Obviously, I do not go there but he comes here. This last exacerbation has grown Citrobacteria Kerosi, which I have never had before.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Not sure about that but I suppose it's possible xxx

[2greys]

Just reading between the lines here so I will be using "maybe" a lot.

From your description, maybe he washes his hands infrequently, maybe he handles the packaging of what he brings, to you, maybe putting it all in one bag for convenience. Maybe you have a poor immune system and susceptible to catch anything going. Put the maybe's together and there maybe a possible answer.

Have you tried to wipe over the packaging with some anti-bacterial wipes and then thoroughly wash your hands afterwards, also wipe anything else he touches like door handles. Doing that would help eliminate one possible cause of contact with nasty bugs.

I would seriously consider seeing your doctor anyway. as I mentioned above, your immune system could be compromised and it just needs a simple blood test to tell. You have Emphysema, it is important to avoid infections, if your immune system IS compromised then it should be treated, ASAP.

[y_not in reply to 2greys]

I am intrigued by some bacteria so, having never heard of this one I did a quick Wiki-search. The result was: Control: The most effective way to reduce transmission of organisms is regular handwashing.

Think your suggestion seems stop on!

[MilkofMagnesia in reply to y_not]

Thank you for getting back to me. and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply. Do you mean 'spot on'?

[y_not in reply to MilkofMagnesia]

I did, trouble is hands & brain no longer seem to be joined together! Sorry

[Carnival567]

If his flat has an infestation of mice it might be worth contacting environmental health, especially as it is a communal block and others may be affected by this. Is he depressed do you think?

[Hidden]

Your ex partner clearly has some issues from what you say about how he was previously...if there's nice in a building environmental health should be informed....wash your hands after every visit and bac wipes from everything he has touched before giving to you ...or get a carer to get your shopping xxx

[peege]

I would say yes, it's called cross contamination.

It's such a shame you're in this predicament. You're friend has probably built up his own immunity to the bugs in his lifestyle whereas you're immunity is severely compromised already.

Others have advised anti-bacterial wipes, great idea, you can order large packs on line. There are also anti- bacterial sprays (killing 99% of all known germs the adds tell us). Anti-bacterial liquid soaps, hand gels too.

Is there a possibility you could do online shopping? Do you get any other help? Health Visitors? Would you ring Age Concern? They have volunteers who might shop for you.

There is an organisation called Good Gym. They are absolutely fantastic and now the groups are nationwide. Basically the members run to needy people, do amazing jobs for them large and small. They're good people who keep fit while doing good. I really hope there's one in your area.

I'm wondering if you could talk to your friend, explain that you have to be scrupulous about hygiene to prevent infections, that you care about him and worry about his lifestyle (mice carry/spread awful bugs). Perhaps he will care enough to try but really, you don't need this kind of help. I'm so sorry.

Bravo for writing your honest post. Hope this helps a little. P