Avoiding people with chest infections/cold etc!!!!

Hello everyone! Not been on here for a while! Hope you are all well and behaving!!!!

Anyway - crazy question, as always with me....... My mother-in-law is in hospital with a severe chest infection and possible pnemonia (excuse spelling!) anyway, my hubby is currently in California, and she doesn't have many other people visiting. I spoke to the ward sister and she tells me that the ward she is on is full of people with respitorary problems too!! She advised me not to go in!

If I catch a cold (not had once since 1st PM in July 08) would severe coughing so any damage to leads etc??!!

Ok, over to you guys....... should I avoid going to see her because I may pick something up? Not sure what to do!!!!! Not the perfect place to go if you are in good health - a ward full of elderly coughing, spluttering, with all sorts of bugs!!

Would love to hear from you!!

p.s. How are the Pacer Chicks ??????

Love & Hugs, Loopy Lou xx

7 Comments

I wouldnt do it

by lb151 - 2008-11-11 05:11:12

I guess its a really personal decision. I always put my own health first and foremost. I have other problems besides just an ICD. I think your mom in law would be very understanding if you choose to make phone calls a couple times a day to chat and check on her. This is the beginning of the cold and flu season and it will affect your heart in more ways than one if you become ill.

Just my 2 cents worth
take care

Hey there girlfriend!

by pacergirl - 2008-11-11 06:11:07

Hi, so happy to see you out and about! he he... I personally say to heck with germs, wash my hands A LOT and OFTEN with plain old soap and hot water. I work around sick people nearly everyday. I volunteer at a local charity shop as well... one never knows who or what might come in the door there. I try to avoid the coughing people, but they need care as well. I take good care of myself, eat well, sleep well, take my meds and try to maintain a good attitude. The important thing about avoiding germs is to wash our hands, cover coughs and pray! ha ha... I would go see the sick Mother-In-Law. I might wear a mask, to protect myself until I got to her room, but I sure would go. She needs to know someone cares. oh, before I forget,.... the vitamins, take them!

So good to see you, love, Pacergirl
p.s. Pacer Chicks can fight off just about anything with a little support from one another. :-)

Your decision

by Suze - 2008-11-11 06:11:16

I'm not sure what I would do in your place, but I can tell you when I had Pneumonia 10 days after my PM was implanted I coughed my head off and I didn't move a lead. I was hospitalized for a week (because of the pneumonia) - and I mean it when I say I coughed so constantly and so deeply I thought I was going to split open. I figure if I didn't pull off a lead then I probably never will.
I'm sure you will make the right decision. You have to take care of yourself.

Hope this helps,
Suze

Chest cold/mother-in-law

by jenna - 2008-11-11 10:11:22

You don't have to baby yourself when you have a pacemaker. I would visit your mother-in-law without any worries as far as the pacemaker. Wear a mask and bring some sani-wipes and wash your hands after leaving.. But visit her she probably thinks she has been forgotten. I have never worried about leads they are in securedly.. (is there such a word?) Jenna

Hey there Loopy

by Angelie - 2008-11-12 10:11:51

I did not know that you were just implanted in July 08. Wow! When I came here in August 08 after my first implant, I just assumed that you were an old timer. Hee, hee. HA! (pillow right at cha.....a tiny one)
Anyways,
You can always wear the wonderfully classy face mask. I'm sure you would just look dashing in one. It might compliment your eyes if the shade is right. LOL.
Seriously, you could wear a mask. Always remember, though, this applies to everyday life. Handwashing is the #1 defense against the spread of germs. Can you tell that I work in health-care? Hee, Hee.
As far as coughing disturbing the newly implanted leads, hunny, my leads would be already on the floor and explanted if it were me. I've had pneumonia, remember, just recovering from it. I've hacked up three million fur balls. So far my leads are just fine, and I haven't had any problems with the pacer.

How's your health right now?

by bambi - 2008-11-12 12:11:21

All of the posts above make good points and give good advice. If you are healthy right now, no lingering cold, or feeling run down, then I think you would be doing your m-i-l a world of good with a visit. As everyone has said, wash your hands often and don't rub your eyes, or nose unless you wash your hands first. That's great that your mother- in- law has such a nice daughter in law!
Bambi

Germs Germs Germs

by mytrose43 - 2008-11-13 01:11:54

i know how you feel,i hate going to the hospital for any reason always seem to catch something,but i think you should visit mom in law may need a little love from family. I would however wear a mask and bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands very good after you leave.After all germs are everywhere just leaving your house there ar germs so take the time to visit she would probably apprciate it alot

valerie

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!