I've been exposed to tuberculosis

[Tiamat]

I'm a bit of a freek about the hand washing thing plus I use the hand gel. Don't drink except on very rare occassions so that won't be an issue. Thanks am begining not to freek out so bad, besides doesn't do much good until I get the test results back. Still it's a bit disconcerting. Am not really sure how to feel about them wanting me to continue care for him. Steve has said no, absolutly not. He doesn't want me to put myself in any more jepordy.

[Apocalypse]

Isn't TB one of those illnesses that doesn't start affecting you until there is heavy stress on the body?

[Tiamat]

Are you trying to re-freek me out?

[Dr Strangelove]

How big was the circle of redness and was it indurated (slightly raised like a plateau and hardened)? If it was indurated and larger than 10mm it's a positive test. Go see your doctor and get a chest Xray. If you have a positive test but a negative chest Xray your doctor may still elect prophylactic treatment to eradicate the dormant infection. Don't worry, most people handle the drugs pretty well. TB is not very contagious, if it's caught early it's unlikely that you would have passed it on to your family. That's especially true if your X ray is negative.

If it's a work place exposure your emplyer might be liable to cover your treatment expenses.

Oh BTW, in the future please wear gloves when you're at the computer and don't cough on the monitor.

[Tiamat]

It's about the size of a nickle, yes, raised slightly with a bit of a lump. However, this is the same arm that I received a TB test in back in December of 2005 will that make a difference. Just had the test done today and it's already read and raised. Yes, dailing the mask is going to be my new fashion statement. I wonder if anyone will mistake me for Michael Jackson

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Tiamat
Are you trying to re-freek me out?

Relax. Even if you are exposed and are a nonsymptamatic carrier then you can still take the cure for one year (provide you don't drink alcohol for that year) and be entirely cured. Meaning you never suffered any ill from TB and you will be completely free from any future outbreak (assuming you are not reexposed).

[Tiamat]

I don't think that's likely. My husband wants to put the kybosh on my medical carrer. He wants me to go back to being an administrative assistant which I"m good at but I hate. I've been trying for the last 15 years to get into the medical profession hands on. The kids are finally gone and now I can do this except that now since this has come up he doesn't want me to continue in something that could possibly jepordize my health.

Which on some level I can understand since we've only been married for 3 1/2 years. I understand he's just looking out for me and us, but this is something I'm passionate about. You sorta have to be. Scooping poo and looking in peoples eye sockets has to be something you want to do.

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Tiamat
It's about the size of a nickle, yes, raised slightly with a bit of a lump. However, this is the same arm that I received a TB test in back in December of 2005 will that make a difference. Just had the test done today and it's already read and raised. Yes, dailing the mask is going to be my new fashion statement. I wonder if anyone will mistake me for Michael Jackson

If it matters I've received several of these from various Army deployments and I've seen lots of people with positive tests who are not symtomatic. That said a raised red bump the size of a nickle is positive after a 24-48 hour period. How tall is your bump? That is very important. Even if they say you are exposed it does not mean you have TB and instead they will ask you to take chest x-ray though I tell you that given the short exposure period it is unlikely they will find anything.

If it does turn out positive then just follow the doctor's advice and get your employer to pay for treatment. I myself had a girlfriend, an Assyrian from Iraq, who had semi-active TB (meaning she knew she had it but didn't consistantly take her meds) without telling me. I repeatedly asked her if she had TB and she told me no because (she said) she didn't want to lose me. I did not test positive for TB and have been tested three time since then (a period of two years) so I am sure I do not have TB. Either I was lucky, she took enough of her meds to not be contagious, or I'm one of the lucky 8% who are immune. Don't know which but it does show you can make out with people with TB and not catch it.

[Tiamat]

Had the test done 12 hours ago and within the red circle is another circle appearing and it's discolored, a light brown the color of a light freckle. The bump isn't to high but it is hard like Dr. Strangelove said.

I think I"m within my rights to tell my supervisor that I don't feel comfortable continuing to care for this patient yes?

[Jon Miller]

my mom was exposed at one point also...

good to see a doctor and make sure you don't come down with anything

I don't really think you should say you wont' care for this patient, what if no one would?

just make sure you take adequate precautions

JM

[Tiamat]

Was the point I was trying to make to Steve but he's not having it.

yeah well your crap to! **points to blue thingy in corner**

[Dinner]

Originally posted by Tiamat
I think I"m within my rights to tell my supervisor that I don't feel comfortable continuing to care for this patient yes?

I'd say no. The reason is that assuming the worst (that is you have been exposed) then nothing worse can come of it but allowing another nurse to take over might expose a second person. That said you are in no danger what so ever. More then likely you have not tested psitive for TB and even if you have you are unlikely to ever be effected by TB. If you feel like being extra cautious then you can take the cure for one year and never have to worry about any negative side effects.

There really is no reason to discontinue care for a patient who needs it. Especially not until you have an official reading 36 ours from now. Trust in science and don't be a knee jerk. That will serve you well.

[Alexander's Horse]

Originally posted by Rufus T. Firefly
TB is incredibly prevalent in the Philippines, and we all get exposed to it all the time (through our maids, drivers, co-workers, etc.). It's only a big deal if you don't get it treated -- so go get tested, then do the follow up. But dion't panic; there's no need for that.

Its common throughout Asia. A positive skin test means little.

Its treatable and I would be surprised if you developed symptoms that fast.

[*End Is Forever*]

Don't they vaccinate against TB in the States?

[Provost Harrison]

Yeah, TUberski exposure is a very nasty thing indeed... ACK