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To Work or Not to Work

Posted , 4 users are following.

regina48341
regina48341

Arg! I just got a shingles dx today. sad I thought it was spider or ant bites since Saturday. It's not so bad. A patch with blisters that grow everyday and a patch with out. Started on acyclovir "just in case it may help". I know it is a bit late for that though. It's a bit painful but not bad at all. The spot is located on the inner mid to lower left thigh. Easy to keep covered and not touch. 

I work at a birth center though so it's all pregnant women and newborns. Ack! I did not go into work after my dx and called out for tomorrow as well. What to do come Monday though? It's spread by contact so it seems safe but I would never want to harm my pts. I am getting mixed messages from my Dr and the midwives I work for as well as admin. What would you do? 

Merry? You put there? Any guidance? smile

I appreciate all the posts here. Hope everyone heals quickly. This is not fun and I know many of you have far worse cases. 

2 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sheila24138
    sheila24138 regina48341

    Posted

    Seeing it is on your leg, it can be covered by wearing pants. Then you won’t have to worry about anyone touching it. You are fortunate that you are not in much pain and have the energy to go to work as most of us suffered from exhaustion in the beginning few weeks of shingles.  
    • regina48341
      regina48341 sheila24138

      Posted

      Thank you, Sheila. I do feel fortunate. I was exhausted and had a terrible headache/body aches/scratchy throats etc. Am still tired. Could sleep at any moment really. I am a single momma though so pushing through is just what had to be done. I'm used to that. I am thankful to not be at the point of it not being an option. The pain isn't so bad. I'm sure that is the most helpful. 

      I had a new patch wake me up at 3 am. sad. Right above my knee. Looking up dermatomes, or doesn't seem to fit. They are all on a diagonal downward line though. 

      I am planning on waiting out the weekend. Told them I'd likely be out Monday at this point as well. I plan to go to the doctor again on Monday and just see how to proceed. 

      I can stay away from the babies easily. I'd just have the midwives do my portion with them. Most of my interaction with the moms is education/talking so I'm sure it can be worked out safely. I just really want to make sure that even that is ok. Hopefully no more patches show up! Ack!

  • pat1109
    pat1109 regina48341

    Posted

    I'm surprised your administration is letting you work with patients that could be immunosuppressed, especially pregnant women & newborns.  I've been told that people can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles, especially newborns since that have not had the chickenpox vaccine. 

    Best of luck!

    • sheila24138
      sheila24138 pat1109

      Posted

      They can get chicken pox but only by touching the open wound as it is not an airborne disease.  Therefore if it is completely covered it is not contagious... once the blisters scab over they are no longer contagious 😷 

    • regina48341
      regina48341 pat1109

      Posted

      Thank you Pat. You are correct. The difference though, is that contact is needed. The location of my patches is in a place that is covered (and I doubly cover with gauze and tape) there is no chance of my touching it if I wear pants.  So there is a disagreement. If it wasn't just me and my school age son, I wouldn't worry so much but we are a paycheck to paycheck household. 

      In the end I have now taken Monday off as well to visit a doctor again for more guidance. 

      I love having this site to reach out to folks in similar situations though. Wanted to see what everyone though. smile

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