pets and crohns

Wash your hands right after handling the guinea pig or at the very least use a squirt of Purell. I would also try not handle them if you have any open cuts.

I have lived around dogs ALL my life (literally) and never had a single problem with them and linking up to my crohns, in fact they make me feel better, especially when I am in a painful flare and sick on the couch and they sit with me knowing I am in pain and need company, they never effect me pysically and always help me mentally.
My Father in law has immune issues and with thier dog, they just make sure to give it a weekly bath and all or such action and things go fine.
and I have 2 chinchillas right now that sit behind me when I am on the computer constantly, they are a dusty fur losing animals who poo too much and I have never had a problem with them, the dust, fur, poo and handling them ever at all. For me, pets have never had anything at all to do with my crohns.
I had guinea pigs when I was younger (hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, you name it) NEVER had a problem with them and getting sick or any bacteria or problems either back then.
So to me, pets are a safe thing to have around. Just keep them clean, take proper care and nothing bad should happen.

I have had Cd for the last 30 odd years. We had pets all during my girls childhood. At one point I was cleaning 15 hamster changes, guinea pigs and rabbits cages, a leapard guecko cage, fish tanks you name it. Granted it was a big job....but we were known for always accepting little creatures that no one else wanted....one eyed hamsters....one eyed fish.....you get the picture.I was always very careful about cleaning cages every two days because I refused to have our house smell like a zoo, which my neighbours assured me it didn't. ....health wise, I wore rubby gloves and a mask while doing cages.....but otherwise just washed my hands really well after handling any of the pets. I don't regret one minute of it....in fact the reason I agreed to all these pets is because it was soooo therapeutic for my children . Now I volunteer in a animal rescue foundation and handle ferrels and all sorts of abused and neglected animals. ....same thing....lots and lots of hand washing, and changing my clothes when I arrive home....but it does me such a world of good to know that I am helping some other of God's creatures that may be suffering. I think (for me) the benefits outweigh the risk.

I'd give up taking Humira before I'd ever give up my beloved Umbrella Cocakatoo. (He's sitting on my shoulder watching me type, so I had no choice but to say that).

I doubt anyone would give up their kids just because changing poopy diapers is dirty right? And if you don't wash your hand after touching kid poop you can get e-coli! Just follow the same precautions and you will be fine.

jla said...
I have a dog and 2 guinea pigs. I am concerned about having the pets because I am taking Humira now and worried about pets (mainly the guinea pigs) giving me a bacteria such as salmonella or something else because my immune system is being suppressed. Any suggestions?

 

 

colitis since age 6, 4 months ago diagnosed with crohns-colitis

Humira medical study, Azulfidine, probiotics, and tapering off prednisone

Post Edited (jla) : 1/29/2008 12:24:00 PM (GMT-7)

Birunji, the cat litter thing and pregnant women, deals with airbound stuff and birth defects. It is just wise to be safe. Most of what I read about washing is the best advice.