Peanut was sick for a few days. When that happens it’s that struggle of Mommy vs. Chronically Ill Mother. Do I wear a mask around her? Was she contagious before we even knew she was sick? Should I take care of her or have hubby take time off from work?
You see, when you’re on immunosuppressants and you have children these are the issues you have to consider. And if you get sick from your child and end up “really sick” your child may feel guilty. So what do you do? I still don’t know. If I ever figure it out I’ll let you know!
I began volunteering at Peanut’s school last year. I worked in one of the classrooms but when I saw the sniffling, coughing, hacking, snotty, never wash your hands children I re-evaluated quickly. In the end I volunteered in a closed room where very few children entered. Sometimes I’d go to the classroom but it was only if the teacher could tell me there weren’t any sickly little ones around. I also did the PTA thing and other special events in the year when I could. It’s much more fun being with the students than sitting in an office filing. But someone has to do it.
I don’t want a plastic bubble to live in but I’ve got to be realistic. I even hid this volunteer work from my doctors. I knew what they’d say so it was easier to just let it slide.
So far so good. Peanut is better and going back to school tomorrow. I don’t feel like I’m coming down with anything. Just keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.
Hi again, I had to retire from teaching when I developed CFS. When I recover I would dearly love to return to the profession but I worry about all the germs..boy, those kids were always sick and I invariably got everything they brought into the classroom with them – tummy bugs, flu/cold viruses – ughh! Just before I came down with CFS I had a succession of viruses – when one ended another began. I really think it contributed to my illness. I often think, would I be as ill as I am if I didn’t contract all those viruses.
Hope Peanut is better soon and you don’t catch it!
Take care – Andie
http://www.dancingwiththesandman.blogspot.com
I worked as a long-term sub before I got too sick to work and my over-active immune system didn’t like it much. A simple cold could have my body mounting a serious defense! I worked in middle school and was amazed how many of them have worse hygeine habits than grade-schoolers! Try telling an 8th grader to go wash their hands, he, he.