Thoughts if ok ?

[Etymolog]

so I’ve been living with liver disease for approximately two years, I’ve been doing ok. My liver Doctor has said to be careful about infections because even though I’m doing all the right things an infection could top my liver into decompensation. I work in a hospital so it’s quite difficult to avoid this but obviously want to protect my own well being. My son is also at primary school so I do my upmost to make sure he changes and washes his hands regularly. This has scared me that apparently it can happen so quickly . Also my husband vapes is that a concern ? Thanks for reading .

[Etymolog]

just to add I’m serious about quitting my job

[Tommy62]

You can't live in fear I done that and made myself sick with anxiety and worry I just get on with it now don't be giving up a good job because of fear but goodluck anyway

[Cascade35]

You can’t live in fear of the what if’s, you need to live your life. Being sensible about things but not total avoidance. Enjoy your life, your job, your child

[EdtheDead]

I've been living with Liver Cirrhosis for 11 years. It wasn't a shock to me because off my previous drinking habits.Fatigue can be an issue but I have 6 monthly checks and apart from my last one showing a slight Bilirubin level increase all is good.

I've had many infections, including Covid twice, and had no long term complications.

My Liver is still in a Compensated state.

Worry and Anxiety can because real issue and I suspect that is what you're going through.

Don't put your life on hold. Live it to the full.

[DogLover76]

hi- not a doc but honestly, I’ve never heard that an infection could take over your liver. If it’s just fatty liver even. I wouldn’t worry too much, worry robs us of our joy it doesn’t change a single thing. You’ve got this. I personally wouldn’t quit my job. Maybe research if what he said was accurate.

[Readlots]

Hi, I can understand you being concerned. I take on board what others are saying about living your life and not worrying, but there are things you can do to mitigate risks of infection. These are things I’ve been doing since before Covid:

1. Avoiding people with known infections - difficult in your situation but if you know a friend has a cold or a chest infection, I would avoid them for a few days. Or move desks if they are near you in the office.

2. Avoiding crowded indoor spaces during flu season e.g cinemas, theatres, restaraunts and go when it’s less busy.

3. Washing my hands regularly

4. Wearing gloves for gardening and making sure I treat cuts with antiseptic and keeping them covered to avoid infection.

Since Covid I’ve been:

5. Masking - with a good one not a baggy blue and you probably wouldn’t look out of place wearing one in a hospital.

6. I have a portable air filter with me if I’m in a busy indoor venue eg pharmacy or blood test. Addenbrookes hospital published research into how effective air filters are - might be worth discussing this with your hospital HR.

7. I use Norizite nasal spray and mouth spray as an alternative to masking or as an additional layer with a mask depending on the risk.

8. I follow scientists who were part of IndiSage who still monitor levels of Covid, Flu and Rhinovirus. That way I know when levels are low and I can be more relaxed and when they are high so that I can be more careful.

9. I keep my home well ventilated.

I’d suggest talking to both your manager and HR to explain what your consultant has told you. Liver disease gives you protection against disability discrimination and your employer is obliged to make reasonable adjustments for you. So you could ask for air filters as a reasonable adjustment, for windows to be open or for your own office ( unlikely but you never know!) or to be allowed to work from home when a bug is going round, whatever you and they agree is “reasonable” depending on your role. I had an adjustment to the number of days I could have off sick without getting a warning because it can take you longer to recover than normal. You could ask for an occupational health assessment to help advise. It’s a good idea to get any reasonable adjustments in writing.

I’d also suggest talking to your sons school to make them aware of your situation and ask them if they can let you know if there’s a bug going round so that you can be extra careful. Just increasing ventilation in the car and at home and using an air filter might help.

I still enjoy my life, I’m just careful and don’t take risks. Other people are less risk averse, ride motorbikes, go skiing and mountain climbing and don’t worry about infections. That’s fine, it’s what makes life fun for them. You do what works for you, and that may change over time.