Karen, our lodger is sick. She has what I hope is a heavy cold but it could be flu.
I am getting quite paranoid about picking up her germs....being immune suppressed.
I was going to say feeling irrationally angry....but actually my feelings are quite rational considering.
Mark and I manage our germ pool really well, we're now being bombarded by extras Not only that, we'll have germy teenagers here (Karen's daughters) from NYE for a week!
On a positive note, I came down the stairs normally this evening. First time in weeks!
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IdasMum
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I have PMR and GCA so share your concerns. If it were me, I would do my best to keep some physical distance, whilst she’s poorly. If Karen knows about your condition I am sure she will understand. Don’t share towels, personal items or kitchen items. My professional background is in public health but it’s not like Karen can be barrier nursed, not to mention your germy teenagers.
Our young grandchildren don’t visit when they have bugs. However, when I return home from any outdoor trip, I always wash my hands, my eyes, the inside of my nose and gargle with a mouthwash, I know it might sound like overkill but todate it’s protected me. My husband just washes his hands when he’s been out to try to minimise any bugs.
I have some Organic Defence handspray and some Organic Defence Oil blend to diffuse. I have some Echinacea Tincture which we're both taking. Fingers crossed.
I am handwashing and trying to be aware of what she has touched in the kitchen.
Yes understand completely. It's so difficult isn't it especially when someone is living in your house. Carry on doing what you're doing and just avoid spending time with them in the same room- I'm sure they'll understand- you're just trying to protect yourself as best you can. I used to worry about having s light scarf on that I can raise when folk near me start coughing or actually leaving a gathering when a lot of folk don't seem well. I'm past caring now and just do what I think best. I know some folk will just not get it but nothing I can do about that.
My husband (I think he`s a germ carrier to me!) says.....just refuse to have anything and you won`t get it.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....he hasn`t had a cold since he was 15...he`s 72, I always say I will leave him to research, but think the bugs he brings home to me, will see me off first!!........
While we were in Malta OH caught an absolute humdinger of a cold and coughed and spluttered even more than he normally does (I didn't know it was possible). It was too late for it to have been Italian, nor was it from the plane for the same reason so it was foreign bugs - but I didn't catch it. However, I have never found I get more because of being on pred.
Handwashing, handwashing, handwashing. Packs of tissues everywhere to be used as required. And there is evidence to show that the risk is reduced if YOU wear a face mask.
Before I retired I was managing a Psychiatric Nursing Home. Over the winter period when I was standing in the drug cupboard dishing out meds (think large larder size cupboard) my residents would come and stand in the doorway, coughing and spluttering to tell me they'd got flu ......I manage to remain calm and make the right noises whilst inside my head I was shouting, "Go away, go away with your germs." (but with swear words!) I managed to stay cold/flu free somehow and have had a robust immune system.
I also get paranoid on planes; all that recycled air!
I don't think I can quite go down the facemask route and already it's too late for that. Her daughter was here over weekend with the lurgy so I am probably either immune or already brewing my own version.
I get your germ phobe concerns. The plane freaks me out! Just don’t let it interfere with your life, eat well, get plenty of rest and wash your hands often. Happy Holidays!
I am hoping i have had my dose of flu. Almost 5 weeks to recover...antibiotics for chest and if I say more than 50 words a day my voice still croaks.
I took pmrpro advice to sing happy birthday twice whilst handwashing. I'm my head at moment cos of squeaky voice. I always wash down supermarket trolled with anti bacterial wipe....and those scanner things at Tesco. With the pred and mycophenolate combined I am sure despite my vigilance it's only a matter of time. Just hoping no one in family bringing bug with them over Xmas.
IdasMum. I went to a carols service, last Sunday. THERE WAS A LADY THERE, WHO LOOKED LIKE DEATH WARMED UP.I TOLD HER SHE SHOULD BE IN BED, AS SHE COULD GET PNEUMONIA. SHE SAID THERE WAS NOBODY TO WALK THE DOGS! Tuesday morning, woke with streaming cold. With Adrenal insufficiency, Pred has to be doubled, immediately. today, is my 3rd day in bed. My fortnightly cleaner has told me she is ill and can't come.
DON'T WANT TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE, OR BAUBLE, BUT YOU MAY ALREADY 'BE IN THE COLD LOOP'. lET'S HOPE YOU DO HAVE IMMUNITY.
Thanks. I feel for both of you. Karen is both homeless and sick, and probably feeling guilty at staying with you too. Hope you all get along just fine, and enjoy the festive season together.Don't add to your stress.
I've caught the lurgy. Had 4 visits to doctors surgery in last 10 days where germs lay in wait, mainly to try and control my sugar levels - I'm type 2 diabetes. Pred. really affecting everything. I controlled diabetes previously by diet alone, along comes pmr and I'm on meformin etc. Came home feeling rough Wed. Fell into bed last night and slept for hours. My usual go to remedy is lavender oil as it's anti bacterial and antiseptic. Smother neck and chest - the aroma calms and helps you to sleep too. Definately feel lot better this afternoon. Will relax today and clear up house at weekend. Happy christmas and healthier new year to everyone. Have a medicinal brandy on me !!
Oh poor you. I have been using good old Vicks Vapo-rub. Slept well last night, and cough eased, but feel weak in legs. 2 foggy days here.Judging from all the posts, I should really be more careful when out and about. I never think of the germs on doors, surgery, etc. At the bank, I prop myself up, in the queue, on 1 of the desk/counter tops...germs!!!
I am always torn at chemists when I have to sign prescription with one of the pens that EVERYONE used. As I have exemption certificate I try to avoid it and avoid drs surgery if I can. By definition full of sick people.
seem to be able to use lavender oil neat on skin - any others I add to base oils. Use tea tree, eucalyptus too. My mum used a 'wintergreen ' mix on us as kids. One of my great great grandmothers used to dabble with herbs and potions perhaps that's where I get it from (haven't heard she was dunked as a witch in deepest Somerset) - although I do have a black cat. Haha.
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Add some tea tree too. Have got to say that frankincense and myrrh my favourite with all the woods. Smells are evocative and those always remind me of good times outdoor for some reason. Very earthy. And it not am Xmas joke. Frankincense used traditionally to help breathing...albeit masking other smells.
Do not know if this will ease your paranoia but when I am on prednisone I have not come down with any illness other than shingles. ( over a six year span). I have tried to minimize exposure but it has seemed to protect me somehow. One doctor long ago said that it could have that effect.
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Not only that, we'll have germy teenagers here (Karen's daughters) from NYE for a week!
I’m sure I’ve now got GCA
Coming off PPIs when taking 4mg prednisolone
Update on GCA returns at 0.25mg
Any suggestions welcomed
A few days away and the joys of a mobility scooter.
