Slight Problem with the H1N1 Vaccine

So I recieved an email today that the H1N1 vaccine is now available to those in high risk categories. I fall into the group so I thought it was perfect. It is being offered from 10-2 in an area on campus not easily accessible, so I would have to figure out a time to go down there and get it without missinf class or work. But I figure I can do that. I went to print out the screening sheet and there was a question on there about ever having Guillain-Barre syndrome. Uh-oh. I read further and it said that people who have had this condition may not be able to receive the vaccine. Uh-oh. I have had something that seemed a lot like Guillain-Barre syndrome although they do not know what was really going on. So am I ineligible for this vaccine? I have to call my doctor early tomorrow to figure it out.

I was/am on the fence about getting the vaccine. And I certainly do not want to go through anything like Guillain-Barre again. I could not walk and I was almost stuck on a ventilator in the ICU. However, that could happen if I get the flu too. So I'm even less sure about what to do now.

Inconsiderate?

I have posted before about my feelings on swine flu (and if I could figure out how to quote myself I would link it, help?). While I am not overly concerned, I know it could be dangerous for me and I do not want it. I went into work today, said hello to the office assistant in before me then went to say hello to my boss. She just kind of nodded at me and then when I turned to go back into the assistant cubicle said that probably had the swine flu and was trying to avoid contact. WHAT?????

I immediately came clean and said that I am immunocompromised and the flu could be very bad for me. Everywhere you go on campus you see signs saying STAY AT HOME if you have flu symptoms. Why didn't she heed this advice? She also said she plans on going to the events this week but staying away from people. I had to have close contact with her a few times today. She skipped a meeting, though, and I went in her place (which I did enjoy). I texted my dad as soon as I found out and he told me to get out of there, but I need the money. And how was I supposed to pull that off?

I am thinking about sending an email to the other two assistants to tell them to please, please, please Lysol the office before they leave and do everything they can to keep it clean. I could not believe that she would come in while she was so sick and stay there after I told her in no uncertain terms that she could make me very sick.

I am calling my rheumatologist tomorrow to ask what I should do in the event that I do come down with the flu.

I am pretty mad. And I hope that she doesn't go to the events and potentially infect other people who might have a serious problem if they get the flu.

I will be watching for any symptoms the next couple of days. My plan now if I get sick is to try to get home, whether I am able to drive myself, or have to have my aunt or father come pick me up. My father wants me to go to the hospital if I get flu symptoms, but I plan on just going home and riding it out unless it gets severe. There is no use clogging up the ER if I can stand it at home since there is nothing they can do for me anyway unless I become very sick. But, I will get my doctor's advice tomorrow.

Almost Back to Normal

I don't really know what happened to me the past few days, but I think it is passing. The mouth sores are gone. I only have a bump where one was and it is not painful anymore. My joints are still aching a bit, but the migraines are gone. I still have a spot on both of my legs that I am not sure of. Maybe a discoid lesion? I see my rheumatologist Thursday.

I saw my doctor yesterday. All my blood tests looked good except a low white count. I have something called Gilbert's syndrome that raises my bilirubin but causes no other health problems, so that test was also abnormal. I also got the last Gardasil shot. Man, those things hurt. They were out of the flu shot and my dad said the places he called back home are all out to. So I guess I am not getting that. I'm still unsure about the swine flu shot.

This upcoming week is not so bad. I have a neuroendocrinology test on Tuesday, and oral Spanish test on Wednesday, but that is it. I am rewriting my history religion paper for a better grade and I will give a draft to my TA on Wednesday to look over.

I'm so happy its the weekend. Also, don't see Couples Retreat. The movie is AWFUL.

The Obligatory H1N1 Post

Honestly, I'm not too fussed about it. There has been nothing to convice me that it is any worse than the normal flu. And while I by no means want the flu, I'm not too concerned about it being of the "swine" variety.



I don't want the flu shot or the swine flu shot, although I know I should get them and I probably will. I've had one bad experience with a flu shot where I all of a sudden developed a fever of over 103 and felt like I was in my last days. I've had flu shots where that has not happened, but still I'm not too happy that it happened even once.



But I guess I should be careful, because I am considered immunocompromised. But I'm not going to go crazy over it. All I can say is to take precautions: wash your hands, don't go near sick people, etc. But don't stop living life just because it is out there.