Afraid to go back to work.

[4girls4me]

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?

[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]

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 in reply to Patk1]

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 in reply to 4girls4me]

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]

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]

Have you thought if using a perspex face shield?

[Dottie11]

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

[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]

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 in reply to Digger0]

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]

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 in reply to Numptybrain]

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]

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]

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]

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.