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Flu bug, Diarreaha + Humira (advice needed)

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Posted 6/3/2009 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
So, I've been at my job for over 10 mo. and in that 10 mo. I've had some sort of flu bug. This is the 4th time I've gotten this but. I've never had flu bugs like this before. It's more "d" than I've delt with in the past almost like I've stepped into a flare. Could it be that I've been on my humira for 2 years that it's bringing my immune system down more so than normal? I have an appointment to see my primary doctor today because my GI is out til tomorrow. But I'm wondering if this is a good observation to mention to my doctors to see if I need to go back on Disability until I get a new profession. I'm kinda thinking Child care and me are no good for each other anymore.
Posted 6/3/2009 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
I'll be honest with you; I haven't been sick in a while (knock on wood) but it seems everytime I am around young kids I get sick with something. Last time I was at my great nieces b-day party with mostly young kids, I tried to prevent it by washing hands constantly and taking a shower when I got home. I do this also when the germs start spreading at work or I have been in the docs office, etc. I'm not sure how well it works because I think those germs are bound and determined sometimes, but heck, working around sweet little ones all day could pose a problem for you especially being on Humira.

Posted 6/3/2009 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
adding to my post, I called my work due to my diarreha issues, and I called before 6am. I am considered a "no show." Kinda frustrating. I'm still not going to go to work. My boss did make sure I was going to make it to work today by calling me @ 3pm yesterday. I told her then I was planning on it. The "D" hit me harder in the middle of the night, so what was I to do but call before opening? Frustrating!

Thanks for the advice Carol, that kind of gives me a nudge in the right direction. I know you are with Kaiser, and Dr. Lawson is out til tomorrow, do you know of any GI that would take me today? I have an appt with my primary @ 2:10, but trying to get an appt sooner. Do you think I may be able to get temp disability due to my getting this bug so frequent?
Posted 6/3/2009 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, just call the GI dept. and tell them you need an appt. asap with another doc since Dr. Lawson is still out. Did you know that they have a whole new GI dept. on Eureka in Roseville? Lawson is still on Morse, and I can't leave him because he is so fantastic, but I saw there were a couple of new docs up there. Also, I know my late husband was constantly on temp disability from the UC and other problems due to it, so yes, you can get it...he got it from the primary doc. Just ask and the doc will give you paperwork. Take care, if you need anything let me know.

Posted 6/3/2009 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sweetie; did Lawson put you on Humira? I'm so interested because it sounds like it's really working for you. I hate to stop the Remi because it's working for me...but wow, I just read some of your other posts about the Humira. Hmmmm.......

Posted 6/3/2009 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
I was put on Humira by Dr. Neal because I am allergic to remicade. Lawson is keeping me on humira because I'm doing so well with it. Dr. Neal is retired though, but you can ask Lawson about it.

I do love to brag about Humria because I was sooooooo sick in the hospital when first diagnosed. The humira sure did pull me out fast and put me in remission. I'm guessing it's your choice, it's worth asking about. But if I remember right when I was on Remicade and my doc and I were making a plan "b" I was able to do Humira because I didn't respond to Remicade. I think that's the only factor. But again it's worth talking to Dr. Lawson about.
Posted 6/3/2009 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
Carol:

I saw my primary care doctor, and I didn't get the disability. :( My mom has told me though to try the GI. They weren't responding, so I'm just going to wait til tomorrow and email Dr. Lawson first thing in the morning. Hopefully something can happen that way.

My primary care doc did give me a not execusing me from work 1-2 days a month if needed due to illness, and she wrote me a note for being out today too.
Posted 6/3/2009 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Geez, really? I'm sorry; I think they should have considered your illnesses. Do email Dr. Lawson; he's very responsive.
Posted 6/3/2009 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Would he give it to me? It seems like a reasonable reason to get temporary disability. I'm emailing him first thing in the morning.
Posted 6/4/2009 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
So, I emailed Dr. Lawson but the note on the email said that he's out through today 6/4/09, hopefully I can get a hold of someone. I think I'm starting a flare of some sort. :( I've tried calling GI dept yesterday and I've gotten a busy signal.
Posted 6/4/2009 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe try calling the advice nurse this morning; they are usually open by now and see if they can send a message to someone in his office. Hey, how did you like those lightening storms last night? They were pretty awesome -- a novelty for Californians! Take care and let me know if you get through.

Posted 6/4/2009 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
I tried advice, they can't do anything. :( I am going to try to go to the GI dept on my lunch break though. It's worth a shot. I work just up the street from Kaiser so. I'm crossing my fingers. Plus, I take kids to school and have a break in between dropping off and picking up so I will call then too. Something has got to work. I slept through the lightning storm, my friends posted stuff on facebook though.
Posted 6/4/2009 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
No luck what so ever. Dr. Lawson was in today, but he can't give me anything because I'm not really in a flare, no blood, he can just change my meds up. That's it. :( :(

I'm considering just quitting my job and go to a temp agency, but I don't know how reliable that is.
Posted 6/5/2009 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Now I know for sure it's a flare w/ no blood. :( :( I feel stuck. What to do? I don't know. Maybe I should look into FMLA at Kaiser.
Posted 6/5/2009 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
Sweetie; what other kinds of jobs can you do? Maybe FMLA would be a good way to go. But remember, with Kaiser you kind of have to be pushy in order to get what you want. If you feel bad...email again. I've been having knee issues since I was in a car accident a year ago, and they weren't very responsive to me...so I kept being nice, but pursuing the issue. Now they are being much more responsive. I always try to keep in mind that they have so many other patients to see, so I'm just one more added to the pile! Guess that doesn't sound very good...but I think it's the truth sometimes! Let me know if I can help, Sweetie.

Posted 6/5/2009 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I'm just getting more frustrated. Dr. Lawson said that there are ethical reasons that he can't give me disability. If I can go the FMLA way then I would love to find another job. I've been in Child care for about 10 years. I would love a retail job but it's kinda hard to get one, don't really have the experience in there. It's worth a shot. I did re-email Dr. Lawson though. Thanks for all your help. I hate this frustration. I'm also frustrated at work too, must not help either.
Posted 6/5/2009 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
What about Trader Joes or Whole Foods? I know they have really good health insurance. Also might want to look at Kaiser's job site; there might be some good positions there and they might be more sympathetic to someone with a chronic illness. Just a thought.

Posted 6/6/2009 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Finally!!!!!!!!! My GI called me tonight, and he says it's not my UC, it's just irritability. :) I've got medicine on hold at the pharmacy and blood work to do. Finally! Something! Whew!
Posted 6/6/2009 7:31 PM (GMT 0)
Yahoooooo! Good news, Sweetie; hope you are feeling better soon.
Posted 6/6/2009 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Carol! :)
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