posted
Hey, anyone know if Lyme disease is considered a 'communicable disease' that would make you ineligible to work in healthcare (which I currently do)? I remember my job application specified that I was to have no communicable diseases. If I get diagnosed with Lyme should I bring this up to my supervisor? Is there a chance that I would be putting my patients at risk by continuing to work with them? Thanks
Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
Although, many believe that Lyme can be communicable, as far as I know, the general medical community has not accepted that information as fact yet.
I do not believe that Lyme is officially considered a communicable disease. Although I do think that you could be putting your job at risk for many reasons by bringing up Lyme with a supervisor. Specifically if you discuss it being in a chronic state.
I personally would not bring it up with my supervisor unless I was required by law to notify them of ANY medical conditions. I do not know of a situation where that would occur.
I think that if you take proper precautions which you likely already do, you would not be putting your patients at risk.
Babesia, on the other hand, I believe is considered communicable. Those that have babesia are prohibited from giving blood. This disease may be required for you to divulge if you are diagnosed or suspected of having it.
posted
I start a new job in healthcare next week and I have lyme and babesia. I don't know if I should tell anyone or keep it a secret? How do I disguise when I'm having bad days though and pretend like everything is okay? I feel like people will be able to tell I'm not fully well?
Soooo nervous about starting this new job with all of this lyme and co going on...
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Ditto to both replies above but another clear caution to you that even mentioning lyme to one other person at work could cost you not just your job but your health insurance - and put your LLMD in jeopardy if their name is made public.
I would not even whisper the word "lyme" on the premises - or to anyone with whom your work - or to anyone, really.
I would not volunteer this to your insurance company either.
I would not volunteer this information to any pharmacist either. Be prepared in case they ask to skirt the question.
Tell those close to you not to discuss any of this with anyone where any ears could overhear. You'd be surprised what people hear (that they should not) over lunch or in line at the market.
My past journalism training has me more attuned to that but, for the lyme patient, you do carry top secrets that others can use against you.
Later on, your voice may be joined to those so that things may change but, for now, it's important to be very secretive about this for several reasons.
If you need accommodation at work, make sure that is about a SYMPTOM (dizziness, weakness, etc.), NOT naming a diagnosis. For many symptoms, an inner ear condition can double as the "label" if one is needed.
It's important to get up to speed very fast on the politics of lyme.
Do you want some links that explain why I say all this, or are you aware of the "lyme wars" or controversy between the medical establishment and those who are doing the actual work to help patients? -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
So you think it'd be better to let people know of my symtoms if it gets to a point where I'm dong badly... maybe the inner ear condition... I am so bad at lying!
I am VERY aware of the lyme controversy etc.. I just don't know how to pull it off at work w/o them knowing something is up because not all days are good. Plus I may be changing treatment in a month or two etc... and am nervous abt the herxes while working. I don't want them to think I'm some crazy hypochondriac or lazy or something....
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Dizzy or nauseated (from the dizziness) covers a lot. So does fatigue.
I think, given the political climate, that you cannot afford to share what is no one's business at this point.
Most will not believe in lyme. You may find some who do, but the boss, their bosses, and their bosses may not. These are people you may never even see.
You might practice a million different ways to, as reflex, say something like:
the dizziness is tripping me up to day . . .
this inner ear thing makes reading hard right now. I'll look at this later.
Practice changing the subject. Always be ready to volley the ball out of the subject of your health.
Still, if you need accommodation, if you declare a disability, you have certain protections - as long as the work still gets done in the proper time frame and just as good, even if you have to take a nap every afternoon or dimantle overhead fluorescent lights and get a table lamp, etc. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
Perhaps just say that you are having symptoms related to a medical condition and leave it at that?
I work closely with someone in the medical field frequently and this person can definitely tell that I'm not feeling well on certain days, and has even tried to question me to see what's going on. I have some visible symptoms, so it's hard for me to deny that anything is wrong altogether.
In my case, I think the questioning stems from genuine concern, but I still don't divulge anything. I just reply that I have some health concerns that are being resolved through treatment with an MD.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- For those who have inner ear stuff going on, this can really help redirect questions from others - and it can help if you need to declare a disability to get some accommodation to alter your work environment or schedule.
There are many different causes of Vestibular conditions and many different treatments. What works for one condition - or one person - does not always work for others.
Be prepared, though, for everyone to tell you how steroids may have helped cousin Martha with her Meniere's disease -- but also be ready to say that what everyone with vestibular symptoms can have a very different situation . . . and change the subject.
You need to practice your replies. Do some role playing with someone close to you.
Be prepared for how to reply when you really want to unburden yourself and share the frustrations regarding the politics. You cannot afford to let your guard down.
You also need to make it very clear to anyone near you the importance of not sharing what they know about this.
I know this adds to the stress and I'm sorry to sound like it's some spy novel. You just really need to protect your right to pursue treatment and keep a job right now.
You may be lucky and have an employer who will understand - maybe their boss and their bosses will, too. But, unless you know that for certain in advance, you have to be careful.
It's not the way it should be, of course, but getting treatment is your top goal right now. That access is worth protecting.
(note: just about every one of these is also a lyme symptom) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Larae, I don't know what kind of symptoms you are having currently.
Sadly, your coworkers won't truly care how you feel. Especially since you are the new employee.
Do your best. Work hard. Build trusting relationships. Eventually you may have a confidant or two that you can share with.
I wouldn't tell just anyone your symptoms. People are cruel. If you say that you are "sick" they may run to the bosses and complain that you are trying to get out of completing your tasks. They are sick in the head for doing these kinds of things but I've seen it happen.
So just do your best. If you knee hurts, it's OK to rub your knee and pop some advil. Everyone gets some aches and pains. Arthritis is a common condition among healthcare workers. So you can fit in there. They don't have to know that you are having extreme pain and other horrible symptoms from Lyme.
Also, if you foresee the need to take more time off than is allotted. Ask your doctor about FMLA. That way you can take a day here or there when you are severely tired and herxing and not get fired. Hopefully you won't need this because this would have to be arranged through HR and your boss will not be happy. But be aware that it is an option if needed.
Good luck with your new job I'm happy that you are able to work! Good for you!!!
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thank you! Yeah what makes me most nervous is that I am not supposed to take any PTO in my first 90 days and I am not eligible for FMLA until working there for a year... Same with any disability I think.
So I will do my best and hope for the best and try to be strong! I have felt pretty weak the past few months, but I've also been pretty lazy since I just graduated and am waiting to start the job. Maybe it will do me good to have a life again!
-------------------- Treating lyme, bart and babs Posts: 506 | From NE | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
Babesia, on the other hand, I believe is considered communicable. Those that have babesia are prohibited from giving blood. This disease may be required for you to divulge if you are diagnosed or suspected of having it.
- HUH???
Acquired thru blood is not the same as being "communicable," right??
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Good point, TuTu.
You cannot get babesia from being around someone in a causal manner.
But, if there is a blood drive at work, better have a good reason ready to explain why you won't be giving - in that way, anyway. -
Larae,
I'm so sorry about your situation. I know it can be frightening.
Now, just because you don't have any PTO at first does not mean that you may not be able to take some time off if you absolutely have to, just without pay.
I don't mean to stress you with talk about keeping this quiet but, sadly, lyme is very much misinterpreted.
I am sorry to see you use the term "lazy" to describe your activities of recent weeks. You've had a very challenging time of it - and tossed into a lot of research. That's not at all lazy. You've been taking care of yourself.
Still, I hope the new surrounding and focus on your career will be a breath of fresh air for you. Just be wise with your food and beverage choices. Always.
Good luck. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi All, I was talking with my LLMD the other day; I am an organ donor and was worried about having Lyme and being a donor.
He was saying that Lyme bacteria does live in the blood, and organs and it could possibly be transfer to the individual. Therefor with an Active infection I could not donate blood, or organs.
Once I'm "cured" (if ever)- who knows.
-------------------- Bite: 5/08, Bulls-eye rash; test:neg. Doxy Treated. Relapse 5/09: test: neg. Doxy Treated. Relapse 6/10: back2bake test-neg: Request Western Blot: POSITIVE Currently - 4th round of treatment. "Sharing my Experience, Strength and Hope." Posts: 35 | From Middle TN | Registered: Nov 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- At this point in time, there is no"official" cure for lyme. No way to be 100%, absolutely certain that it would be totally gone. You need those absolutes to donate to keep the recipient safe.
Just because there is no "cure" - though - it's good to keep in mind that many have made it to a solid remission -- but the cyst form of lyme can still be in the body.
Once someone has been diagnosed with lyme, IMO, they should never, ever donate blood or be an organ donor.
Lyme rarely travels alone, either. If babesia is a diagnosis, that is a life-long ban from donating blood or organs.
We also don't know what else might be under the radar that our bodies may keep at bay just fine but, for those with organ transplants, the anti-rejection drugs they have to take for life puts them a much greater risk of developing infections.
There are other ways to help others through volunteering, etc. So many other ways to help.
Our families, or power of attorney, needs to know to cancel any former decisions about donating.
THIS could save lives, by our NOT donating.
My mother contracted HIV via blood transfusion in the early '80's so this matter is very close to my heart. Had the blood screeners known then what they know now she might have been spared enormous torment and her life saved.
There is just so very much we don't know about lyme and tick-borne infections (and even the parasites that travel with them). I have little faith in the blood supply experts to get this right. I don't see that changing anytime soon.
In the future, there may be some kind of ultraviolet light or other techniques that can offer assurances. But, the "experts" in charge of our governmental regulating agencies do not even know there is a problem. Long way to go. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I will NEVER donate blood or organs. Yes, I've had babesia (so I definitely can't)... but even if I'd "only" had Lyme, I would NOT risk someone else's health by donating.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Summer3
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35286
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo:
quote:Originally posted by Summer3:
Babesia, on the other hand, I believe is considered communicable. Those that have babesia are prohibited from giving blood. This disease may be required for you to divulge if you are diagnosed or suspected of having it.
- HUH???
Acquired thru blood is not the same as being "communicable," right??
I wasn't sure, so I looked it up. I found that it was often listed in the communicable category. There must be some question about it still?
The definition for communicable states: "an infectious disease transmissible by direct contact with an affected individual or the individual's discharges or by indirect means."
So I don't think it has to be transmitted by casual contact to be considered communicable, but I'm not positive.
I agree that I would never donate blood or organs until an absolute cure is proven.
Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
That's as tough call. If you handle needles on a regular basis, then that is something to think about. You may want to consider a different type of position in the medical field.
So many people with lyme are sent to rheumatologists, neurologists etc. (just about everyone but a lyme doc). Conventional medical docs just aren't going to pick up on lyme. They've been trained to think lyme is the complete opposite from what ILADs does. So to them, you probably just have an inner ear issue or whatever problem pops up.
Lyme isn't really considered communicable. The idsa says that it is contracted through deer ticks, not people (even though there is now proof that it can be transferred in vitro).
I would steer clear of donating any blood, ever. You know you have lyme, and like Keebler said, the cyst form of lyme can still be in the body, even when a patient is well or considered cured. And if you do have babesia, then you can never donate blood or organs either.
You can dodge blood donation day and just say you feel run down, so you're going to pass. I don't know if you will have to get annual vaccines though (flu). There is some controversy on the lyme blogs on whether or not the flu shots are safe for people with lyme (something to consider).
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
Lauralyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15021
posted
One thing of a concern is of the vaccinations that your job might insist is mandatory.
Personally I would never get a vaccine again. Never
-------------------- Fall down seven times, get up eight ~Japanese proverb Posts: 1146 | From west coast | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I'm happy that you are able to work! Good for you!!!
![[confused]](graemlins/confused.gif)
![[hi]](graemlins/hi.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic