posted
I recently tested positive for having high IGG mycoplasma pneumonia levels.
Thankfully I don't have any chest or lung symptoms. So it was a surprise to find out I'm carrying it but I've read it's very common for lyme patients to have this.
Could I possibly infect other people with pneumonia since I'm carrying it?
I just wonder because after I found out that I have high levels of IGG antibodies one of my co-workers came down with pneumonia.
She has a poor immune system and is always sick. I haven't actually worked with her that long but that is what I'm told. I know she has thyroid issues and that she worries about catching colds.
Does testing high for IGG antibodies mean that I am a mycoplasma pneumonia carrier and I should be careful around other people with weakened immune systems?
Posts: 154 | From Boston | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- As you say you do not have active lung symptoms (not sneezing all over everywhere) -- No, you will not infect others with pneumonia. I am certain you did not infect your coworker.
It's not like that. there are many strains. As she is "always sick" she likely has her own soup of stuff, likely also chronic stealth infections of various kinds.
Do not tell ANYONE at work about your diagnosis, it's not at all what most think. Mycoplasma site, Nicolson. find it.
I would refer to this as mycoplasma, not pneumonia if you talk to anyone but best to keep all that private and say that you have various matters if you have to say anything at all.
If you are in an intimate relationship, even "just" kissing, there may be some concerns. I just can't get into that, though. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Institute for Molecular Medicine - Garth Nicolson, PhD
He is the premier researcher in the area of chronic stealth mycoplasma infections
In the FAQ link, there is a question about a husband - wife -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Re: Gossip at work. Even just "sharing" -- apparently others are talking about a coworker who is ill.
Be very careful not to engage in any talk about ANYONE's health or personal life, other than hobbies and light talk.
If others say something about someone's health, please be there with a good neutral statement and then shift the topic.
To go beyond that can be damaging to others and to yourself by setting the stage for it being okay to discuss others' health issues. it is not.
From a career point, others really do not have the necessary background for the full context. And if they know someone is weak, that perception can torpedo a future.
If the other worker's health comes up again, please say something like you admire her ability or skill in a certain area or project -- or other words that impart good strong imagery. You would want the same for you if others were to talk about you. Do not talk about her health.
And if you talk about your health, you can bet others will, too, and they may not get it all correct. Project a sense of control and strength even if you are wearing concrete boots, carry that off with a certain style -- not faking it - but a certain centeredness.
Conduct yourself in a fashion (however that needs to be) that tells them you do what you have to do and can face adversity head on. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Ok, thanks for relieving my fears. I kept wondering if I gave it to her. Maybe by sneezing on some paperwork that I handed off to her or something. I definitely wasn't going to mention that I have it.
Thanks for the disclosure advice. I've sort of done a 180 with my workplace health disclosure. I'm cutting back on sharing now but I was just diagnosed in May after starting my new job and was completely obsessed with lyme for at least two months. So everyone knows I have it.
I faced a decent amount of discrimination I guess you'd say at my last job for continued (5 yrs) of vague illness so I was relieved to finally have a justifiable cause. And I felt if I had been more outspoken about my circumstances maybe someone would have come along sooner and said "hey sounds exactly like Lyme disease" instead of being ashamed of my illness and hiding it as best I could.
I do understand where your advice is coming from though. I have no career to speak of and am working a low stress admin job but now that I'm over my initial obsession with constantly learning and thinking and worrying about Lyme I will keep it under wraps.
The other co-worker who is always sick is considered to be a very diligent worker and is respected. Thankfully I work in a much better environment than I used to, people seem to respect each other more here, but I still get where you're advice is coming from and appreciate the reminder.
Posts: 154 | From Boston | Registered: May 2014
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Glad to hear you are in a more respectful environment.
If you think the woman is struggling and it's apparent or common knowledge, it would be appropriate to
share the name of a book or local support group where others with various health issues have found doctors who "think outside of the box". Even if it's not the diagnosis for her, to find all the possible health professionals who might go that extra mile.
I would just put it on a piece of paper for her -- in an envelope with her name on it, actually, for privacy.
I hate to see someone not have the information they need or know of resources, of course, but it can be very tricky to do correctly -- and then also not become the "health mentor" for the other person. Just a quick note where she can find others. If it might seem appropriate. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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