Hi Everyone,
I hope you are well. I just completed a telemedicine visit with my Neurologist. The appointment centered around the timing of my next Rituximab and my ability to work to work. I have been on medical leave for almost 5 months following a bad relapse, strabismus surgery and a 7 week long virus(tested negative for Covid). I am so torn over it is better to stay on time with my next Rituximab dose or delay it a month or two.
After a very thoughtful discussion with him, I have decided to proceed with on time infusions, in early June. I have very active disease and have had some breakthrough relapses on Rituximab. The Rituximab has definitely slowed down the acquisition of new brain lesions but some new T spine lesions have developed. I am concerned that I am not making the right decision but armed with the information on hand, it seems best option. My relative risk to Covid won't change because I am B-Cell depleted already but it will extend the time of my immune suppression. What have others decided to do? I'd love to hear from you.
As far as work goes, that is another story. I work as a respiratory therapist in a large hospital. I will be a front line provider to patients with Covid and those under investigation. The very nature of my job duties puts me at high risk for exposure. I was attempting to get a temporary position away from patient care but that doesn't seem likely, especially if the virus will be with us for 2 years. My neurologist prefers I work away from patients or not go into the hospital at all.
Although there is some anecdotal evidence that most immune suppressed, MS patients are managing to survive Covid, my neurologist said some are not. He said the mortality rates may be no different than the general public, in the end but that there is individual risks that must be taken into consideration. For instance, my age and my history of heart problems, hypertension, asthma, and a blood disorder will all work to increase my personal risk.
I am on the verge of having to consider leaving my job on long term disability, despite Covid but I am mentally, not quite there yet. The mind is willing but the body, not so much. I get through the days but it is getting harder and harder, physically. My cognitive issues are compounding the problem, too and this job leaves no margin for error. Despite this, I really need my health insurance and will push to get back to work in the next 3-4 weeks. Again, is this the right or wrong decision??
I'm sorry if I am rambling but I guess I just need to hear from others that really understand these difficult decisions. I don't have anyone to run this by that appreciate the complexities of either the Covid issue or the work issue. Thanks so much!
I hope you are well. I just completed a telemedicine visit with my Neurologist. The appointment centered around the timing of my next Rituximab and my ability to work to work. I have been on medical leave for almost 5 months following a bad relapse, strabismus surgery and a 7 week long virus(tested negative for Covid). I am so torn over it is better to stay on time with my next Rituximab dose or delay it a month or two.
After a very thoughtful discussion with him, I have decided to proceed with on time infusions, in early June. I have very active disease and have had some breakthrough relapses on Rituximab. The Rituximab has definitely slowed down the acquisition of new brain lesions but some new T spine lesions have developed. I am concerned that I am not making the right decision but armed with the information on hand, it seems best option. My relative risk to Covid won't change because I am B-Cell depleted already but it will extend the time of my immune suppression. What have others decided to do? I'd love to hear from you.
As far as work goes, that is another story. I work as a respiratory therapist in a large hospital. I will be a front line provider to patients with Covid and those under investigation. The very nature of my job duties puts me at high risk for exposure. I was attempting to get a temporary position away from patient care but that doesn't seem likely, especially if the virus will be with us for 2 years. My neurologist prefers I work away from patients or not go into the hospital at all.
Although there is some anecdotal evidence that most immune suppressed, MS patients are managing to survive Covid, my neurologist said some are not. He said the mortality rates may be no different than the general public, in the end but that there is individual risks that must be taken into consideration. For instance, my age and my history of heart problems, hypertension, asthma, and a blood disorder will all work to increase my personal risk.
I am on the verge of having to consider leaving my job on long term disability, despite Covid but I am mentally, not quite there yet. The mind is willing but the body, not so much. I get through the days but it is getting harder and harder, physically. My cognitive issues are compounding the problem, too and this job leaves no margin for error. Despite this, I really need my health insurance and will push to get back to work in the next 3-4 weeks. Again, is this the right or wrong decision??
I'm sorry if I am rambling but I guess I just need to hear from others that really understand these difficult decisions. I don't have anyone to run this by that appreciate the complexities of either the Covid issue or the work issue. Thanks so much!
Comment