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Distancing while on immune suppressor ?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/5/2020 9:24 AM (GMT -7)
Wondering what everyone's thoughts are or what they have done for the social distancing while being on an immune suppressor ? Are you going to family or friends gatherings? I've been on Immure for about 10 years in remission, so I honestly sometimes forget that I need to be a little more careful. Im diligent about wearing my mask in public and hand washing. But with summer and things opening up, friends and family are starting to plan some gatherings and small trips.

I have a girlfriends weekend coming up and I dont think its a good idea to share a room with someone, even if they are a good friend. Just trying to get some advice on how to handle situations such as these..

Thanks!
Posted 7/5/2020 10:37 AM (GMT -7)
In times such as these just be honest and explain that you are immune suppressed and your doctors recommends you be extra vigilant in social distancing. Your friends should understand and care enough about you to cooperate.
Posted 7/5/2020 6:04 PM (GMT -7)
I will continue to be vigilant even as things open up. Things are less risky for ableds but I’m still in lockdown.

I’ve attended one backyard bbq & followed recommended guidelines. I brought my own cutlery, plates, water, ginsmile as per suggestions. I didn’t go into the house. Prior to going I informed the host that my intention wasn’t to be insulting but to literally protect myself from dying. They understood but probably thought I was overreacting. I also spun it a bit saying I was the best guest seeing as I took away my own dirty dishes. Lol. Best advice I’ve read is never trust that anyone else is a better cleaner than you. I’m sure this is true as I’m even more obsessive now.

IMO, I wouldn’t share a room with anyone. Make sure there’s open windows even if AC is on too.

Hope this helps & have fun!
Posted 7/6/2020 9:57 AM (GMT -7)
I'm being pretty strict with my distancing. I've been in the grocery store twice since March, my kids can't see their friends except in outdoor situations like hiking or kayaking (in individual kayaks), and neither my husband nor I are working right now since we are classical musicians and orchestras are shut down. My parents (who live near me) went on a road trip across the state to see my sister and we are only seeing them outside with masks right now, it has been a week, we have 1 more to go. I won't eat at their house unless I bring the food. They find it annoying but mostly understand, my dad had pneumonia in February and he is 75 so he has to be careful, too.
Posted 7/8/2020 9:52 PM (GMT -7)
I've been pretty strict as well. I haven't been to the grocery store or any other store in months. I step out for walks a few times a week and only meet up with family as I know they are barely going out too. I think it's going to be a long time before I hang out with any friends or go to social gatherings.
Posted 7/9/2020 4:37 AM (GMT -7)
I hang out with only a select few people right now. I wear my mask, wash my hands, etc. I've been out for outside dining.
Posted 7/9/2020 6:58 PM (GMT -7)
It really depends on where you are, bare you in a covid hotspot or are things good there? How safe do you feel about the plans and what are reasonable precautions you can take?

I've also been on immunosuppressive meds for a long time, so handwashing and other recommendations are ingrained.

My area hasn't been hit hard, cases falling and rural. I wear a mask when out in public. Been to grocery stores, hardware stores, got takeout, and did one outdoor dining thing recently. Probably get out of the house 3 or so times a week. I'm cautious but not becoming a hermit over this.
Posted 7/10/2020 11:12 AM (GMT -7)
My doctor told me that studies show that Remicade users are not at a higher risk. Initially I was very strict but now I just take general precautions. He did say that prednisone and immunomodulators were riskier per the study.
Posted 7/10/2020 2:16 PM (GMT -7)
Countess....what are your general precautions compared to previously strict?
q
Posted 7/11/2020 7:06 AM (GMT -7)
I have had family over on the 4th. I went out to eat a few times (but that’s it). I go to the store sometimes? I live in PA where masks are mandatory and things are not quite opened up. Previously I wasn’t leaving the house! I wiped down groceries with Lysol and was extremely cautious. Now I take the same precautions as everyone else like wearing a mask and staying 6ft away from most people etc. I am not going to avoid my family anymore as I got too depressed so I’m living a little while in remission .
Posted 7/11/2020 9:07 AM (GMT -7)
👍😊
Posted 7/11/2020 12:07 PM (GMT -7)
I am still being careful. I am on humira. We don’t eat out. We do delivery or pick up. I pretty much order everything I want/need. But that is similar to how I was before. We have hung out with 2 families also being careful. I am a high school teacher so soon I will not be able to be this careful. Though mu school is decrease class size to allow for social distancing and mandating masks. My GI doctor did say that there is emerging evidence that people on anti-tnfs like Humira and Remicade May be at a decreased risk of hospitalization for covid. I did find some more recent info that states this though one is not for IBD patients.


https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/inflammatory_bowel_disease_center/covid-19-guidance.html

https://ard.bmj.com/content/79/7/859
Posted 7/11/2020 1:16 PM (GMT -7)
I've relaxed a bit since my GI told me neither ibd nor being on xeljanz or biologics appear to increase the risk of complications from covid. I probably haven't changed my behaviour much but I have less anxiety.
I've been back to yoga since sport schools reopened in my country on 1st july. I don't feel entirely safe but I like how the classes feel physically.
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