I am so upset I can't even think straight....

[adgal]

I really need to get this out of my system, although it is only somewhat pregnancy related.  Here is the background....the organization I work for is not a shelter.  We provide all sorts of different services to the homeless and those living in poverty.  We have a full scale medical clinic, a prenatal clinic, offer parenting classes, a housing program, outreach for those on the streets, etc. etc.  As a result we deal daily with a very vulnerable population as many of our folks have compromised immune systems due to poor nutrition, drug and alcohol abuse, poor living conditions, etc.  Well I knew it was just a matter of time until H1N1 hit us, but assumed that as a medical facility (in part) we would take appropriate steps to control it.  Found out yesterday that a co-worker has been hospitalized due to this virus.  She works at a different location (we have a school as well, but not in my building) and I have never had any direct contact with her.  Not really worried at this point.  Today I found out that she actually came down with it at a camp we run annually for underprivelidged children. She was taken from the camp directly to hospital.  The upsetting part is that 5 of my co-workers (who I am in daily contact with) were also at this camp and 2 were even in the van with her....1 drove her to the hospital, the other rode along as she was really sick.  Now, in my opinion, these 5 should have been told to stay home from work until they are past the time frame it typically takes to develop symptoms!  No one even told us....we knew there had been a case at the other location, but didn't know that 5 from our location had been with her when she got sick.  I cannot believe they would let them come in until they were certain they were not sick!    We also know that pregnant women who get this are at very high risk....it's very dangerous for us.  I am going in in the morning to pick up some files and such, then I am working from home until I know all is well.  I am just so ticked off!!  

Why does there seem to be constant drama with me lately....am I over reacting?  First the bleeding, then the 1:13 for trisonomy 21 ,now this...I feel like I am living under a black cloud or something.  

[magnolia55]

I don't find H1NI is being taken seriously. We had sick kids writing exams in the gym with 200 other students. If there is a surge in cases once school starts again, I hope health officials smarten up so that everyone is protected. We don't need another SARS.

[prevatt77]

You should be were I'm at....You talk about over reacting, trying working for the world's best hospital and then you can talk about over reacting.  It's crazy here and they seem to think come fall this flu is going to hit very hard, believe me... we are very well prepared here; you need to be.  I would be very worried as well if I was still pregnant.  I'll be getting Gavin's shot as soon as it comes available.  I work in a hospital so I will be right on the top list like pregnant woman to get the shot.

Love Ya
Debbie

[usuk]

At the end of the day, you have been careful and healthy and proactive in caring for this baby. I would say maternal instinct is kicking in. And that is lovely.

[wanting4#1]

I'd have been upset, though, Amanda that they didn't even send a memo to say 'hey, it's here..so BE extra careful'!  I'm not one to freak out about the flu or most of what I deem to be the 'media hype'...bird flu, etc.  But this one has even me a little disconcerted!

I'm going next week for my OB appt and it's the first thing on my list of questions. If they have the shot, I'm getting it (which scares me too!)

The beautiful thing about this site is that it's just thoughts and feelings and so it's never not okay to voice them :)

I just announced on FB and now, I'm cramping and I HATE IT! I'm always worried that I'm going to jinx myself and as soon as I start to TRULY just relax and enjoy it, it'll be gone, so I feel like I have to keep a certain realistic edge to my thinking.  DH says I have a 'glass half-empty' perspective..maybe I do, but I'd rather be prepared that blindsided.

And for the record, I'd have gone ballistic yesterday (before any ability to calm down or re-assess the situation would have kicked in)! So, you're still doing better than me :P

[adgal]

Sometimes things are a bit clearer in the morning....I think I overreacted just a tad..lol.  I think it's all the media attention on this and then that news article about how it can be more dangerous for pregnant women.  I kinda had a "what next" moment I think.  Kelly, you weren't harsh, your right.  I have been really careful about washing hands and we have those disinfectant hand wash dispensers all over the building as well.  It's so hard to know how serious this will get.  Funny, when it first broke in the spring I really thought everyone was overreacting, but I guess all the hype has gotten to me now as well.  Perhaps the combination of hormones and that still underlying feeling I could lose this baby.....anyhew, much calmer about it now.  Thanks for being the voice of reason ladies!

[kellym]

Mel, ha ha ha, Soooo true right?  Well, I didn't mean to come off crabby about it but my sisters bf's mother works at an OB down the hall from my OB and I think they were trying to get me all riled up that he "supposedly" had the H1N1 and I didn't know.  I simply told him I've basically seen him for 3 years straight on a regular basis, trust him and he's very professional. It's not his responsibility to tell me you know? I knew he had been "out w/the flu" for a while and would guess he wouldn't return unless he was well... I guess it was aggitating that they were trying to get me worked up so I say it's really our own responsibility to watch out for ourselves.  I didn't mean to come off harsh if I did.  I guess it would be scary to know that it was in such close proximity.

[tbeards]

It is weird that there is so much talk about this flu vs. the normal annual flu that kills many, many more people than this H1N1 flu has. I am not sure really what kind of words or advice I can give because they don't say what to really do during regular flu season except for getting the flu shot; however, the people that have the symptoms should be required to stay away from the workplace. The best thing you can do as it is not an airborne disease is to make sure you wash your hands and keep as sanitized as possible and even better that you can work from another location during your vulnerable time : )

[melimeli]

kelly.. if your ob had it than washing your hands doesn´t prevent it as dr.s wash their hands more than anyone else on earth haha

[adgal]

I am a bit calmer now and should probably explain why this had me so upset.  Because of the population we deal with and the fact that we are also a medical facility, we tend to be hyper alert to situations like this. We are part of the cities pandemic planning and 1 of our Dr.'s is a part of the provincial planning as well.  When this virus first broke out we had 2 of our staff in Mexico on vacation.  1 was in Mexico city.  When they arrived home, they were not allowed back at work until they were through the incubation period.  The clients we cater to tend to catch everything first and we are surrounded by it.  We get updates all the time reminding us to use hand sanitizer, wash our hands, etc. etc.  Yesterday when they let everyone know about the sick staff member, we were told to stay home if sick and that we had to be tested prior to being allowed back to work.  In other words, we are considered more vulnarable then most places are.  Because we have a medical facility we are rated at level 1, 2 or 3 pandemic alert.  We are currently at level 2.  Should we move to level 3, we close down everything but essential services (medical and outreach).  So being that they are being so incredibly dilligent, and wouldn't even allow those travelling to Mexico back until they were cleared, I am shocked that 5 people who we know for certain were directly exposed would be allowed back until it is known for certain they are ok.  I feel like they should be extra careful, at least until the vaccine is available.

Monica...the Dr. that is on the city and provincial pandemic planning committee told me today that thimerisol is not part of this vaccine.  I was told to make sure I get it and that it was being offered to pregnant women in the inital offering.  Not sure if that's just some of the vaccine or not, but got the impression none of it had it.  

[Mochica]

I do not think you're overreaching. It's unfortunate that this virus is here, and that people are STILL ill prepared for it and that some people don't seem to have the ability to put two and two together to be of benefit to others. This is beyond frustrating! It is infuriating when you have to watch every angle to protect your family. And imagine ... you work for an organization that is probably more aware of health concerns and communicable diseases than others. I suppose you were fortunate enough to have people around you that are aware that they either have it or have been around it. And your organization, or your boss, did seem concerned for you and singled you out to make sure you knew. The execution of their plans definitely sound flawed but at least you do know to protect yourself. You are very smart to play it safe. Wash your hands, stay at home for a bit, consider the vaccine ... all that. Continue doing the GREAT job you have been. Certainly it's not the easiest job ... as you've pointed out.

Certainly don't panic. I sure hope you don't b/c you deserve to really enjoy this pregnancy! I hate that things are poking and prodding at you to divert your attention from that. I really enjoy your posts and guidance.

I believe you are right to be cautious with this whole N1H1 business. Pregnant women are high risk. I have heard some information from a person that I believe to be really reliable. It was this ... the vaccination will have Thimerisol as a preservative, but that there would be a Thimerisol-free version, and that the vaccine should be out in September or October. It's considered smarter to get the Thimerisol-free version as there are some minor concerns with Mercury. I was also told that it's a good call to get the flu shot. It was said yesterday that there will not be enough time to "adequately" research the effects of the vaccine on pregnant women. Healthcare professionals are still highly recommending it here though.

I don't think you've got a black cloud. I might not fully understand but your u/s pictures are so totally amazing ... they seem to show evidence of sunny skies. But I think I might be able to understand the need to protect. Please hang in there! Everything will be great -- amazing even!

[kellym]

I am mixed about this. I think if everyone takes the responsibility to wash their hands and do their best to keep themselves safe things should be okay. I say this because I heard my OB had it.  My thoughts were, my supermarket clerk could have it, the cart my son was sucking on at the store could have it. I think it's around and we just need to do our best to watch ourselves and our bodies for symptoms the best we can.  I don't want to be on anyones side or that it was unthoughtful of the co-workers to have been to work but on the other hand it still is a flu virus that is going to go around.
You poor thing :0(

[rdh1981]

Oh Amanda, I can't believe they did not inform you before you came into work. That is just terrible.  You have every right to be upset.  

You know this happened to me all the time because I am teacher. People would bring their kids in sick knowing that I was pregnant. Where is the common sense and decency in the world today? Hopefully since you did not have any direct contact everything will be fine. Is there anyway you can get tested for this??

You are not living under a black cloud, I know it seems rough right now, but believe me everything is going to be fine!  

I am glad you are working from home, is there anyway you can get the files brought to you so you do not have to go in at all????

Keep me posted!

Luv ya!!!!!!!!