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Azathioprine and public exposure

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/21/2010 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
My job often includes meeting with people from all over the world. Some of the musicians and models definitely aren't in the best of shape. Sometimes I can't tell if it is coke or a cold, heroin or jet lag. My gi wants to put me back on azathioprine. How much should I worry about exposure to sick people? I have been on a leave of absence since June 6. I tried twice to go back to work but I was just too weak to handle it.
Posted 7/21/2010 11:17 AM (GMT 0)

I am a very busy practicing dentist and see 30-40 people a day and believe me when I say I wished some people canceled their appt. when they were sick.  I am on Aza and haven't had a problem with catching anything, etc...

I know everybody is different but I wouldn't worry about it.  I would do what anybody would meeting sick people all day.  Wash hand frequently, etc...

MyUC

Posted 7/21/2010 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
I don't get sick anymore then normal and I have been on 6mp for almost 4 years. In fact, I get sick LESS then before. But I still take the proper precautions - I wash my hands and never touch my eyes or nose without a kleenex.
Posted 7/21/2010 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was on it for a year and a half and I worked in child care. You shouldn't have a problem with exposure like that. I felt totally normal and was rarely sick.
Posted 7/21/2010 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Red34.  I feel better now that I have my UC controlled with Aza.  Before Aza I was often anemic due to chronic blood loss.  I felt tired and all that inflammation was not helping me.  Just my 2 cents again.  I just had my bloodwork done 4 days ago and all is well.

MyUC

Posted 7/21/2010 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I feel much better after reading everyone's posts. I have antibacterial solutions stashed all over the company because I use it before and after each client. I don't have easy access to a bathroom or sink. Is anyone else worried about the increased cancer risk? My doctor said azathioprine changed your chances of developing certain types of cancer from 1 in 8000 to 1 in 2000.
Posted 7/21/2010 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
I use antibacterial alcohol hand washes as well.  I do wash with soap and water but more with the hand sanitizers.  Also my GI doc cancer risks are like 1 in 10,000.  He likened it to having a fatal car accident but we still drive, don't we?  I have stated this many times before, my GI doc who works at one of the biggest teaching hospital clinics in the world has never known anyone who has gotten cancer, etc... from Imuran.  The dosages would have much higher than what typical UC people use.  I am not pushing this med, I just have no problems with it personally.

MyUC

Posted 7/21/2010 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
The doses of immunosuppressants given to UC patients is much lower than what is given to cancer and transplant patients. I don't believe you need to worry. I was on 6MP for 1.5 years. I was never sick except for my UC. I work in a building that gets over 10,000 visitors per day and most of them are high-risk for illness.

Sue
Posted 7/21/2010 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Suebear, that is good news. I appreciate the input. I can't wait to go back to a "normal" life.
Posted 7/21/2010 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
MyUC, I have a slightly higher risk because my grandfather had colon cancer. He also had uc. So far all the polyps have been benign, but it is a concern. On the other hand, I am so tired of being sick and weak all the time. Even a year of living normally would be heaven.
Posted 7/22/2010 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
I got the spiel from my nurse when I went on Aza about avoiding sick people and crowds, wearing masks when flying on a plane, etc. I have had no problem with the exposure without any out of the ordinary precautions.

I have 3 young children and have had them sleeping next to me, if not on me, during bouts with colds, swine flu, etc. with no ill effects for me. I do use the anti-bacterial hand cleansers (Purel, etc.) more than I used to, but otherwise no problems.
Posted 7/23/2010 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
I started Aza about 3 weeks ago, I am now in a hospital bed waiting to be discharged. I seem to have picked up C Diff, probably from work as I work in a hospital. I'm not entirely sure the events are related. I also found out I am iron deficient anemic, that probably doesn't help either.
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