PV and Teaching Amidst Covid

[clevemic]

Hi All. I am age 54, have PV and also rheumatoid arthritis that may or may not be related to my MPN. I was being treated with Pegasys, and my blood levels were very well controlled. In the last few months though, inflammation led to a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, which then led to may oncologist taking me off of Pegasys. My levels are still in the safe range, but will not remain that way, as I am now not on any medication other than apirin. My question to the group is.....

Knowing that my stability will decline now that I am not on meds, and also knowing that Covid cases are increasing in my state of Wisconsin, should I return to my second grade teaching position in a few short weeks? I have much anxiety/fear about this. I do not know if my school district and also my oncologist would support me going on disability, and I do not even want to approach them about this possibility if I am being unrealistic in my fears. Please advise me. Thank you so much!

[Chaz1]

You need to speak to your oncologist & HR at the school. School should complete a risk assessment & put steps in place to support you to work if your oncologist deems you can work. In th UK many of us are returning to work in August but it has to be safe. All workers regardless of health are having to be protected with steps such as social distancing, face masks, screens etc... Not easy in a school setting but our schools have slowly started having more students in. Is there a possibility you could work in a less student facing role for the short term, such as lesson planning, marking, prepping etc.. Stay safe x

[clevemic in reply to Chaz1]

Thank you, Chaz1.

[hunter5582]

Sorry to hear you had an issue with the Pegasys. Will you be switching to another medication?

FYI - I am being treated for a JAK2+ PV at age 64 with phlebotomy-only. It is working for controlling the erythrocytosis, but does not impact the thrombocytosis. This strategy is working fine for now for me. Has your doc discussed therapeutic phlebotomy?

The return to school is certainly a big deal question. I suspect no one really has a clear answer on that one. I do not think your fears are unrealistic, but the answer is not clear on whether your are or are not truly at increased risk. Second graders are not so good at social distancing, so some level of risk cannot be mitigated in a school environment. I think that ultimately you will have to make a decision based on your own level of risk tolerance. If your doc writes a letter supporting a medical need, you should wither be able to get a reasonable accommodation or go out on disability for a time. Perhaps you could be one of the teachers who does on-line teaching only for families who want to pursue that option for their children,

All the best yo you,

[clevemic in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you, Hunter5582. Yes, I am familiar with therapeutic phlebotomies. I had many of them prior to starting on Peg. Now that I am off Peg and my numbers are climbing, I will likely be starting up again with the phlebotomies soon. UGH!!!

[hunter5582 in reply to clevemic]

I really do not mind the phlebotomies. Better than some of the other choices. WAY better than taking hydroxyurea. Hope you get it all sorted out ASAP.

FYI - my sister is also an elementary school teacher (in Fairfax County VA). She is facing the same dilemna re what to do come the new school year. She teaches Special Education so has smaller classes, but it is still a risk for all. I think many school systems will end up offering full-time on-line as an option for students. It just makes sense for high-risk pops. Hope you have that opportunity where you are.

Hang in there