I did it again :( Help??

[Sea_Star]

Last year, I volunteered with Marine reptiles (Sea Turtles) and my doc basically said they'd prefer me not to be in those environments. This last Sunday, was my first deployment as an animal responder, assisting in sheltering dogs that came from a puppy mill. When I got there, they assigned me to the nursery/maternity unit, which they said had just been cleared of Giardia..greaaaat! I wrote my immunosuppression in my app, but didn't bring it up because a)I figured they knew and b) I didn't want to cause any issues.
So in the unit, I was in PPE (gloves, boot covers, and a body suit which we reused throughout the day). I helped disinfect the kennels, carry doggies, pick up pee pads, etc, all while wearing gloves all the time. The only time we weren't in PPE, was when we stepped out for break. I washed my hands all the time after we stepped out, except my first break, I used hand sanitizer after removing the gloves, and ate a banana lol (mistake i know). So here i am, with a stomach ache freaking OUT that i've contracted Giardia or other zoonotic diseases lol...

I keep thinking I can do things like a normal person, despite being on 6MP and Humira biweekly. I'm scared Should I call up my doctor and warn them about my exposure? No dogs licked me, although I held them with gloves and the disposable body suit. They've been at this temp shelter for about 2.5 weeks, under vet care as well...

 

[ronroush7]

Call the doctor and tell him what you have been exposed to and how you are feeling. Best to you.

 

[Bp_968]

I take Humira and am on prednisone and typically glove and mask up to change my cats litter box. When I'm done I wash up and change clothes. It seems a minor inconvenience to avoid any issues. That said, I live in the Ohio valley area where Histoplasmosis is apparently an issue and my Doctor doesn't seem all that concerned about me kayaking in the local rivers (White Water kayaking where your likely to get dunked). It worries me.

Your volunteer work sounds amazing, especially the turtle stuff! I don't know how much space you have at home but one thing I've done and really enjoyed is providing foster care for young cats and kittens for local rescue groups. It's really fun and rewarding and not that much work and can be done at home, which is good if you flare up (like I am). You can do it for dogs as well, just be aware that puppies are going to be far more work (obviously) and inflict far more damage to your home.

Bp

 

[Grumbletum]

Yes I am interested to know more about the sea turtle rescue too.