[Blessings2You]

I'm not really such a princess that I'm afraid a germ will bite me if I step outside my door. But once again, here it is Sunday, and I've already read online comments by two people (and it's only 6:30!) that they got no sleep last night due to illness, either theirs or a child's. And that they can't wait for the children's musical this morning! Aaargh.

And to repeat myself, I understand that people can't stay home from work, school, church for every sniffle or weasly tummy. Back in the old days (pre-MS) I simply said "Oh well, I just won't kiss anybody!" and off I went. Washed my hands a lot, didn't worry about it.

Well, I'm not worried SICK or anything, but Bob has COPD and doesn't need to get sick, and I just can't picture myself feeling any worse right now if I can possibly help it. Even worse, sorta, is picturing myself "calling in" whining "I don't wanna go, I might get siiiiiiiiick".

Ya know? It's something akin to explaining your symptoms to people who don't get it. Sort of, "No offense, people, but I don't need your feeling crummy on top of my OWN feeling crummy." I guess it isn't that I want THEM to stay home. Just don't want to deal with ME staying home.

OK, whine over.

[kicker]

I find saying things that people aren't quite knowledgeable about helps. A simple "Sorry, I have an auto-immune disorder and can't take the risk of exposing it to problems" Most people know Immune means stay away from germ exposure and use that to process the info. No one ever expects the cancer victim on chemo to change the baby's diaper (Or should)

[Dejibo]

its important to your mental health to be able to venture out of your own home, but it has become a land mine filled with dangerous things to do even the most simple tasks. Church used to be pretty safe, show up, pray, catch up with social events, and eat a pot luck or two and go home, yes? Now you have to deal with H1N1, Diarrhea bugs, Resp stuff that no one feels badly enough to stay home, but they still dont have sense enough to stick their hands in their pockets and say "I dont feel well, I wont shake your hand today." Nope, they stick that grimey paw right out there and say "peace be with you!"

The grocery store is filled with snot nosed kids and leaky diapers that are smeared all over that carriage that you need to hang onto in order to make it from point A to point B in the store. You now have to sanitize the cart handle before you can touch it. Let alone think about the chicken salmonella that is dripping off the seat.

Friends and family want to hug you, or kiss your cheek (husband is italian) and cold/flu/or creeping crud wont keep them from wanting to touch you. three days later when you have their same sx but take 2 weeks longer to get over it, they can only say "oh, im so sorry you dont feel well" no acknowledgement that it came from THEM!

I too am tired of this d@mn house! I want out of here! I want to be able to go to the store without being crushed by crowds! Go to church without hearing the gossip, or having to shake hands that have just been sneezed in. I want to shop without having to disinfect my carriage before I can lean on it. I want to park my car without folks staring at me if I use the handicap spot, or ride the cart in the store. *sigh* I think I need a nap, but that involves staying here. I think I need a resort holiday.

When will folks start to understand that its not just inconvienent for them to pass this junk on? its also something that takes us 5x longer to get over, and we suffer from massive amounts of side effects and add ons before its over. its not just a simple cold for compromised folks, its pnuemonia or a hospital stay!

I hope you find a way to get out of there. Maybe a hazmat suit? Big signs around our necks that say "stay away!" or the proclomation that WE have some horrific disease and if they approach us they will be in danger. I want to buy a leper tshirt. Think that would help?

[Blessings2You]

You know....that's a good idea. Maybe I won't even refer to it as MS anymore, unless somebody specifically asks. Maybe I'll just say "I have an auto-immune disorder". Hmmm. Yeah. People get that, whereas they think of MS as something that makes you walk funny or whatever, and don't connect it with the immune system. Not "because of my MS", but "because of my auto-immune disorder". Hmmmmmmmmm. Whoa, whole new perspective.

[Dejibo]

I just had a check up with my regular MD and told him I was so stupid. When I first heard I had MS I thought about not being able to walk, or not being able to hold my balance, but it never occured to me that I woudnt be able to see, or would have to be afraid of someone with a cold, or not be able to remember what I had for breakfast. This disease suprises even those of us who own it.

I love the "i have an auto immune issue, please dont approach me" approach! I think I will use it too.

[Blessings2You]

"Don't approach me"...you sound dangerous! Are you armed?

[Kitty]

They make seat covers for grocery carts....used for toddlers and babies so they don't have to touch the handle bars and seat. I think I'm going to get one for ME. So I don't have to touch the handle bar and my purse doesn't have to rest on the seat that just had a sick child in it. Yes, I do wipe down the handle before I use it but I think the seat cover will be better (for me).

I don't expect to avoid every germ out there.....and it's really not a good idea to sterilize yourself against everything. How else will your body be able to work up a defense to anything?

COPD is a serious condition and I would be concerned about exposing your DH to germs that could compromise his breathing. Maybe have a chat with the pastor and ask him to casually mention to folks that some members have ailments that could cause them great discomfort if they were to pick up a germ. Maybe this will cause others to think twice before offering their germy hand or even showing up if they are sick. If all else fails put masks and gloves in the entryway to the sanctuary for those who are sick! Nothing like an obvious hint to get the point across!

[SallyC]

Originally Posted by Blessings2You

You know....that's a good idea. Maybe I won't even refer to it as MS anymore, unless somebody specifically asks. Maybe I'll just say "I have an auto-immune disorder". Hmmm. Yeah. People get that, whereas they think of MS as something that makes you walk funny or whatever, and don't connect it with the immune system. Not "because of my MS", but "because of my auto-immune disorder". Hmmmmmmmmm. Whoa, whole new perspective.

Stupid peeps will then pass the word to everyone that you have Aids or worse.

[wkikta]

I was thinking that saying you have an Immune disorder would be even better. Then I read Sally's post, they would probably assume you have Aids, so that might not be very good. Auto-Immune works good, but I just tell people I have MS and go about my business.