Worried

[Ladybanditfreedom]

I have had my transplant for six years. Where I worked closed because of the COVID 19 but has since called me and is reopening. I start work tomorrow and I am worried. I will be wearing a mask and gloves but customer are not required to wear them. My husband doesn’t understand my worry and I have no one to talk too. I was wondering if anyone else is going back to work and what their doing to stay safe .

[Sunflowerlady1]

Hey, is there no way you can say you are an 'at risk' group and you can't go back to work while there is still a risk? I am assuming you are in the USA? Are there are cocooning measures in place? I am in Europe. This is really a difficult time for our community and i have thought about how lockdown, in some ways is the safest phase for us. As we move in to phases of normality with the virus still around and no vaccination. We are still at risk. It's a scary time. I think if you must go back to work, take all of the precautions you mentioned. When i was still working i made an effort to only bring lunch i could eat with a fork and not my hands aka sandwiches. but actually if you can wait and eat at home even better. Keep wipes in your car or bag for wiping down your phone, keys etc or potential carries. and really try not to touch your face. Let me know how the first day back went!

[jennifer24]

I completely understand i haven't when to work in a month and my job is essential i work for a pharmaceutical company . In my opinion u should not go back until is completely save for u at high risk especially if customers r not require to wear mask . I believe that if u talk.to ur Dr and get a letter explaining ur situation like I did and give to ur supervisor u will be OK because at the end of the day is ur life and ur kidney . Also ur husband should atleast try to understand it is a big deal our immune system is weak do to the anti rejection meds we take we r at very high risk to getting this virus and others. Anyways hope this would help please take care ur health is first. ...... Good luck 👍

[Transplant2018]

If you must go to work, can you stay 6 ft away from others? I double mask and remember not to touch the front of the mask - just the ear loops. Be crazy about washing your hands. Let us know what happens.

[Ynnep]

You have every right to be concerned. Call your Transplant Team and express your concerns. They will understand and advise you appropriately. Let us know how you are.

[DorisL_NKF]

Many attendees during yesterday's Facebook Live/ webinar asked the same question, and Dr. Kramer acknowledges it's problematic, and suggests getting a letter from your transplant clinic. Perhaps have a talk with your employer about finding other responsibilities for you that decreases your exposure if that is possible.

You can find a recording of the webinar at facebook.com/35677414105/vi.... I highly suggest watching it as it addresses many of the concerns all kidney patients have.

The webinar also raised questions about those living with transplant patients. They need to be just as careful. A friend's workplace is rolling out their policy about returning to work, and it includes accommodations not only for immunosuppressant-compromised patients to stay working from home, but also for anyone living with a vulnerable family member. I know not everyone has the same situation but a notice from your doctor may help.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[Ladybanditfreedom]

Thank to everyone who replied it is great to have someone to talk too

[AndrewT]

Dear Ladybanditfreedom,

Sorry but, your Employer, is going to HAVE to understand that you simply CAN NOT return! It's as simple, as that.... You just Dare Not do so. You Can, of course, offer to 'Work From Home' and I urge you to INSIST on this.

I'm sure that IF you show 'Willingness To Work', But just NOT away from your home, surely 'they' Have To accept this- I can't believe that They won't! I actually had a Kidney Transplant myself, in 2013, so I am Very Aware of the 'Restrictions' that you are under.

Please DO 'Take Care' of yourself.

AndrewT

[Ladybanditfreedom]

Thank you but job is in retail and I can not work from home. I do not qualify for employment because the state I live in you have to be working in the state for the last 18 months and I left for six months in 2018-2019 from October to April. I wish I could financially afford to stay home but I can not. I can only hope that I do not catch it and if I do I will be able to fight it off. I have had great responses to my question and some good ideas to stay safe while working.