Thanks For The Welcome!

[Ed_Ward]

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I was diagnosed with CLL early this year. Recently noticed I seem to catch every bug that goes by. We have 2 small grandchildren and another due 2/18. They are bacterial and viral magnets. What's a granddaddy to do???

[Leshere]

Hello Ed,

Life is for living! In order to 'live; we s will need to take some risks but it pays to think how these are am managed. SO, as I have posted elsewhere you have a personal decision to make about how much risk you take and how much life you live.

To make the decision you need to know what that risk might be and take sensible precautions. See healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo... for some general advice.

FWIW my advice would be

1. Think about how up close you get: many advise against nappy changing for example. I would avoid situations where the beloved one might cough/sneeze directly into my face.

2. Think hands and face. It seems that quite a lot of infection is transmitted from your own smutty hands to your face and mouth. So wash hands frequently, there is a technique for this and it takes at least one verse of the UK National Anthem. CLean surfaces a lot, think where those little grandchild hands might have been and clean up after their visit. Avoid using cloths and rags, paper towels are better.

3. If you have a cancer/CLL nurse get advice: this is not an uncommon problem. You will need to establish when you need to get treatment. Generally if compromised you should get fast intervention. Establish this with your GP (if in the UK) and how you get what you need fast.

I am not heavily compromised at the moment but now take my temperature daily to give a baseline. If it goes up much you can be sure I will fuss. Managing this risk does matter infections can make us very ill. Get it wrong and we can end up in ICU and I think a fair proportion of CLL mortality is down to infections.

An Arab saying 'Trust in Allah but do not forget to tie up your camel at night'

Les

[UK-Sparky]

Love and hug carefully Ed. I too am a grandad. My little buddy is learning to wash hands, cover mouth when coughing and when down with a bug we love at a distance. My grandson is a source of pure happiness medicine to me so I am happy to accept extra infection risk for the smiles, hugs and laughter therapy!

Marc

[wiganfan]

Hello Ed,

I recommend using Vicks First Defence nasal spray as I have found it has helped me ward off colds and flu by using it as a protection when I know I am going to be in contact with my grandchildren and in groups of people.

Regular hand washing is also a must.

Enjoy them and all the best for Christmas.

Ian

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Ed - If you haven't had your Ig levels tested ask your doctor about it, especially IgG. Good to have the levels for the B vitamins and Vitamin D checked, also.

[sun_flower]

HI Ed,l also have grandchildren and regularly they stay over,have you checked that your vaccinations are up to date? it's really important along with the hand washing etc, enjoy your grandchildren they are a joy to behold, have a wonderful time. love Maggie

[sandybeaches]

Hi Ed, certainly a dilemma for a grandparent. I have four under 10 yrs now, and when they come to my house, they all know to come and wash their hands, which I supervise. I give them each their own towel to use. And I wash my hands more frequently when they are around as well. I also use a bleach solution to wash surfaces and door knobs etc when they go home. However, if anyone is sick they just don't come to visit. Might sound harsh, but if I get sick, I don't have a partner to look after me. And I also want to avoid having to take an antibiotic as there are not too many that I can take or tolerate now. Also, my immunoglobulins are much below normal levels. Going to beg for the IgG infusion at my appointment in late January.

Everyone has to make the decision as to how much risk they want to take being around little germ factories. One precaution that is very important, is that when your new grandchild has vaccines that are live like the MMR or chickenpox vaccine it is recommended that you do not visit for several weeks as the baby is shedding virus. Make sure you are keeping your hands clean by frequent washing, or using the antibacterial hand cleaners. And stay away from sick friends, family, and co-workders. Several good articles on this site will help you - see Coping Strategies on the side bar.

I hope your grandchildren and you will be well this holiday season and do let us know when the new baby arrives.

All the best,

Sandy Beaches

[cemax]

Welcome Ed---- Sorry to hear about the diagnosis! You will find a wonderful group of people on this forum, who are going thru the same things you are experiencing.

I too have 7 grandchildren. This Christmas is different for me, since diagnosed last September. My daughter, son in law and grandkids get to stay in a beautiful suite just up the road from us( our treat). My wife and I decided this was better than spending the night at our home. I love them all, but it seems at least one or two of them bring colds etc with the.

ENJOY the kids, but keep the "little sneezing ones" at length.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Years before my CLL days I was in a new school with first graders and was catching everything that came through the school - inner city school with a mostly immigrant population from multiple countries, so hard to build up any immunity to what was in the neighborhood. My voice teacher once told me that she knew that I loved my students, but couldn't I have them hug my knees (I'm 6'2') so they weren't breathing in my face. It should be that simple.

If it is a real problem you might consider advice given by transplant patients I know - If children are living with you they change clothes and shower immediately when they get home. If you are visiting, a lab coat like garment for you and anyone visiting with you can be removed and outer part folded to the inside as soon as you leave - hand washing, gel, or wipes as you walk out the door, and change and shower when you get home. I like having wipes in the car for the face. I use them on the car doors, steering wheel, belt buckle, window controls, radio, etc., before disposing of them - a tip from a nurse about being out in public and where germs can end up that we don't consider.