countdown to tx...

[medicmommy]

Hello!
2 weeks until first shot...Many questions about working vs. nonworking...As I am a Paramedic, my workplace wants me to state whether I'm "out or in" for working...They do not provide light duty for the 24 weeks (too lengthy a time) I'm going to do tx...I got the hep C from a needle stick at work, so I am covered by workman's comp...and they won't let me miss a few days a week and then work a few ...I don't like the idea of being on disability for the next six months either...But I have to give them an answer before the start date...Anybody been in this situation? (I work 12 and 24 hr shifts)...Thanks for any thoughts...

[medicmommy]

Thank you so much for your feedback! I saw my liver doc today and even he is scratching his head why I'm resisting the idea of being out on full term disability..LOL...I'm naive I guess...I'm so used to taking care of everyone else and never getting anything more than a sniffle, I find it difficult to imagine (even though I have read all the stuff that can happen) to ever being down more than a day or so...And I keep thinking, I don't have time to be sick! Lol...I guess that's the Mom part coming out...I really appreciate your advice and am feeling less guilty about taking the disability when/if needed...Thank you so much...

[CIRQDUSOLIEL]

It's just my opinion concerning treatment, but on some level I think that it might be safe to say that we all agree treatment and it's sides are different for all......some experience harsh up front, some half way thru, some even at the end, and then none experience any.  I as a flight attendant having to work some days up to 12 hours ( and then some ) flying back and forth across this country experienced mainly becoming fatigued.  I didn't have to take the procrit or additional drugs thankfully, but I did like most have to pace myself throughout the day and throughout the flights.  I was able to work the entire time during treatment but did take advantage of totally resting on my overnights in cities and definitely on my days off.  Yes your blood counts will drop making you tired, but do try and pace yourself to the best that you can.  I found that keeping my intake of water actually did help!!!!!  That I think most will concur is one of the most important things to do going into this treatment, and to be 100% compliant and persistant.  We know that you can and will.  If you end up having to work to the extreme in long hours turning into days of being on call sit and brainstorm now what would be a good time/day for shot day as well.  We wish you the best and believe for your best...........

Yours in Christ,
Rick

[geterdone]

I got the hep C from a needle stick at work, so I am covered by workman's comp...and they won't let me miss a few days a week and then work a few ...I don't like the idea of being on disability for the next six months either...
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Take the workman’s comp and the short term disability. Even “if” you are lucky to escape some of the sx’s at the beginning (maybe the first 4 weeks) your hemoglobin and other body functions are going to take a very strong hit at some point. Then to put the stress and physical stamina needed on top of a 12/24 hour shift you’re not going to make it so save yourself from the unnecessary anxiety you’re going to place on yourself. I’ve worked 12 hour rotation shifts for 16 years and not on TX and the bouncing of shifts alone was hard enough. Is there any way to keep working until the sx (if any) start to get bad?

jasper

[lor325]

Told you I was a nurse was able to handle some doubles. It was tough at times. Did not help my sleep schedule. I would work 16 get home and that damn Riba awake **** would hit me. I had trouble keeping ahead of the fatigue. I injected before bed and never worked the day after that helped. Maybe you could work something out with your employer. It is tough but doable those of in the med field seem to have a drive to be able to work crazy long hours. Just know when it is getting ahead of you.

[IAmTheWalrus]

I agree with Mike. Twenty-four hour shifts are probably going to be too much. If you can do 12 hour shifts, you'll be an inspiration to me. As long as WC is covering your time off, maybe you should look into it. Maybe your employer would work out something to reduce your needed hours?

Brent

[FloridaMouse]

I've done this both ways.  I worked during my first round of 48 weeks at my desk job of 9 years.  I'm now 10 weeks in to my second round of 72 weeks.  I actually wound up not going back to work because of Rheumatoid Arthritist but.... I have to agree with Mike Simon... I don't see you being able to handle 12 and 24 hour shifts.  I was barely able to get through an 8 to 12 hour work day at a desk job.  I'm VERY greatful that I am not working this time around.

Mouse

[mikesimon]

I think that unless you are very atypical 12 and 24 hour shifts at your job are going to be too much for you. I hope that's not the case but I would be surprised if it weren't. Good luck, Mike

[pKinCA]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you... I don't know what to expect either...  Friday was my first day of tx, so I deliberately did not make any plans for this week.  Now, I am totally bored :-)  I've had a few slight sx, but nothing to keep me home for sure.  A little leg achiness, slightly winded walking upstairs... but I have done my treadmill each day and I don't notice any physical difference... I decided yesterday to play golf tomorrow and I want to walk (I carry my clubs on my back...) but my boyfriend is pleading with me to just ride in a cart... we'll see... maybe walk 9, ride 9... Now, to your dilemma... When I read your post I thought how scary it must be because your job has so much responsibility... Your decision is not easy... Why do you not want to go out on disability?  Just curious... I myself might lean in that direction due to the demanding nature of your work... I've heard the gamut of sx... from people having to terminate after a few weeks to some guy running a marathon!  Good luck!!  PS  Tylenol worked like a charm to take away the leg aches... and I took one both Sat. and Sun. night before bedtime and I slept like a baby... :-)

[Lady Lauri]

  The tough thing here is you really won't know until your a few weeks into tx. I had planned to work, least P/T at my physical jobs, and was out totally in week 4! Even the customers sent me home! Each of us is so different. Can you just say your in for now, see how it goes and than if needed, stop/switch to disability?
The other issue I see in your job is that 'mental clarity' is very important and as you have read, I'm sure, that goes a lot on tx! Some days I forget if I took the Riba totally, and just found out at Dr.'s app. that I have 3 shots left, not 4!!

Good luck in this.

LL