the professional response, (a negative one)

I lost my first input..so if it gets posted sorry. as i was on meds this past summer i was babysitter for my brother's two children ages 1yr and 2yr. One day while babysitting Chilrens' Aid Society showed up and questioned the safeness of me caring for these children. I was devastated and felt like a leper. As this was a friday I did nothing; but as the weekend went on i got mad and phoned every agency to complain including the Aids society as we don't have a hep society or whatever in this city. They were outraged and told me to call legal representation especially since CAS wanted the babies tested for Hep C. I called childrens aid and basically told them to back off or I'd cause such a public stink ; I also asked them ,,What's next? taking my own kids away from me and from anyone else with a disease? The babies dr. wanted to test them but the health unit stepped in and said there was no need. I actually had to argue with this DR. in his office and told him to get better informed about Hep C. The babies mother stood beside me all the way. I continued babysitting and all investigations were dropped. the babies were not tested and all is fine.

[nanniegea]

What a horrible thing to have happen to you, no one deserves such treatment and I think you should talk to someone in the legal field. If only to see what your rights are and what you should do if it ever happens again. I can't believe "professionals" would act in such rude and ignorant manner, at the very least, you deserve an apology!!

[cuteus]

GGGRRRRRR!!!

or I would say something nasty...

good for you to make a stink about it and I am glad you have such supportive family members.

[scruffy]

Wow, that is a pisser! Hey, you done good-you've helped everyone of us by standing up as you did and I for one am proud of you.You got grit lady! Frank

[Christie2004]

Even professionals don't understand the modes of transmission of this disease!

There was a large poster put up in my department the other day (labor and delivery).  It was meant to be a reminder to use universal precautions with all patients, but it had a blurb about HepC on it, and among the "risk factors" for contracting HepC was HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS OF PERSONS WITH HEPATITIS C.

I contacted our infectious disease dept. to remind them to read the latest literature and stop posting outdated and incorrect info.  Then I took a black marker and blacked that statement out.  

[Laika]

So proud of you guys for standing up and fighting against ignorance and discrimination!  Thank you.