Work Enviroment & Crohn's

[Shane]

I'm a qualified drain & sewer pipeline surveyor, a job I enjoy and have worked hard at for the last 13 years to get somewhere in, and I don't really want to start at the bottom in something else. I have been unable to work since shortly before diagnosis due to the awful effects of this disease but, if the Infliximab continues to help and I finally start going into remission I will hopefully be able to go back. My concern is as follows.........

In my work I frequently come into close contact with the cctv equipment used to obtain the images to help me survey the pipeline. This equipment is obviously heavily contaminated with sewage. I asked my consultant if there may be a problem because of my condition and the meds I am taking but, he seemed reluctant to commit himself. I think my company occupational health people won't be overly keen on it but I think I can probably get around them. Also, I don't really want to be office based as I have tried that and just had to get back out 'on the road'. It also includes loads of travelling, another sticking point!

What do you all think on the subject? Am I putting myself at risk by returning to this type of work, with the possible infection risk with anti-TNF therapy?

I'd welcome any input.

It would also be interesting to hear from anyone else who works in a hazardous environment. (can't believe I left the 'n' out in the title) :yrolleyes:

Shane

 

[Sojourn]

Shane, I'm not sure but I think the risk of infection is greater when on steroids like prednisone than infliximab or adalimumab. And there may be another drug you can take to limit the risk of infection. You might ask your doctor. My GI prescribed a drug to limit the risk of infection while I'm on prednisone but forgot the name. I'm not home now and didn't bring it with me.

I'm in what's called a "high-exposure" occupation as a bus driver but don't know if it is as much as sewer line work. I don't know actually how much contact you have. If you're always wearing gloves and protective gear that probably limits your contact. As a bus driver, I'm exposed to dozens of different people a day and when I tear their tickets I'm in close proximity and am handling the tickets that they've had their hands all over. I try to keep my hands away from my face and always carry a small bottle of germ sanitizer which I constantly use. I have a big bottle at home that I refill it with after every trip.

I don't know how much all this helps, but I've been on prednisone since I started this job a few months ago and have only had one cold and haven't gotten the flu. I'm starting Humira, adalimumab, on Sunday and don't expect my risk to be any worse.

 

[Shane]

Oh Dear. I've just done some research and went to the UK Health and Saftey Executive website, This is a copy and paste from it.

Working with sewage: The health hazards - A guide for employers

What are the health risks?

Exposure to sewage or its products may result in a number of illnesses. These include:

Gastroenteritis, characterised by cramping stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting

Weil's disease, a flu-like illness with persistent and severe headache, transmitted by rat urine. Damage to liver, kidneys and blood may occur and the condition can be fatal

Hepatitis, characterised by inflammation of the liver, and jaundice

Occupational asthma, resulting in attacks of breathlessness, chest tightness and wheezing, and produced by the inhalation of living or dead organisms
Infection of skin or eyes

Rarely, allergic alveolitis (inflammation of the lung) with fever, breathlessness, dry cough, and aching muscles and joints

The first point is making me wonder......

 

[Shane]

Bloody hell, that first point is REALLY making me wonder. Where do I go from here in obtaining some answers?

Could this have triggered the full-blown Crohn's Disease I now have?

For the record, I was warned of Leptospirosis (Weil's) many times, and to a lesser extent hepatitis, but NEVER Gastroenteritis.

 

[Sojourn]

wow

 

[Shane]

I know, my head is spining now. I really need to look into this as, my brother does exactly the same job as me. I was the one who roped him into it. If there is a genetic AND an environmental link to this then for his sake at least, I've got some work to do.

 

[Sojourn]

I would advise anyone with a family history of IBD, or other stomach problems, not to go into this line of work. That's a good idea to let your brother know.

 

[Shane]

Well, after plenty of research of specific studies relating to sewer workers it seems they are at a higher risk than most other lines of work of Gastroenteritis. And, other research shows people have developed Crohn's after Gastroenteritis. I get the impression though, that there isn't a higher chance than any other possible trigger for Crohn's.

I'm supprised that no-one else has an opinion on this thread. Any takers?

 

[Creepy Lurker]

Well, after plenty of research of specific studies relating to sewer workers it seems they are at a higher risk than most other lines of work of Gastroenteritis. And, other research shows people have developed Crohn's after Gastroenteritis. I get the impression though, that there isn't a higher chance than any other possible trigger for Crohn's.

I'm supprised that no-one else has an opinion on this thread. Any takers?

I think that Gastroenteritis is spread by exposure to contaminated/infected faecal matter (crap) so working in a sewer would logically increase your chances of catching it.

I've never had Gastroenteritis in my life though, so if it is a trigger, it isn't the only one.

 

[butt-eze]

I would say that you certainly need to weigh your options. To be healthy or to be happy with your job. Is pay important to you or just nice. There are many hands-on jobs that will fulfill you without putting your life at risk.

Also, I am wondering if you couldn't get permanent disability because of the chance that your job actually triggered your disease. I've actually heard of people getting disability status with crohn's.

As for whether I've been in a high-risk job. Somewhat...I work in the medical field and encounter patients with infectious illnesses. I was very concerned about this at one point but have tried to not allow that bother me. I used to literaly hide from patients who would come into the office with MRSA. I now work in a lower risk office because our patients are primarily inflicted with diabetes or thyroid disorders.

Please let me know what you decide. If it were my husband asking this question I would say get out now!!! It's not worth it!!!

 

[Kev]

Think there are couple of points to consider here. First, what are the chances that you were exposed to whatever triggered your disease thru your work situation. I would think that question is best left in the hands of a lawsuit happy lawyer who is willing to examine this for a percentage of any possible settlement. Lawyers do take cases on a contingency basis.., essentially no fees/costs to you.. it comes out of the settlement if/when that is reached. 30% is common... Just a thought, but if there is a connection, and it can be proven to a jury... it won't cure you, but it might pay for your medical bills down the road. Just a thought. I'd pursue it if I had an inkling that I was exposed to it thru work. Second thought (WOW, rare day for me) is that, knowing there is a risk of gastroenteritis... (whether it triggered your IBD or not aside for the moment). WHAT are the ramifications/implications of someone with IBD getting secondary gastroenteritis on top of their primary disease? Sounds like it could be very life threatening. Healthy people who develop gastroenteritis can be at risk, what it portends to someone with IBD, or whose immune system is compromised both from the disease or the meds they take to deal with the IBD, is a big concern. I would talk with doctors, perhaps the lawyer mentioned above, see what their take on any subsequent exposure could be. Continuing in that profession may place your life in real peril. Leaving it (either future or past tense) may be only choice one can make in that situation. Think this merits professional advice from both medical and legal professionals. Think this is well worth looking into, ok?

 

[Shane]

Thankyou everyone, It's so helpful to get other peoples opinion on things, especially this.

I really don't know what to do but, I am definately erring on the side of caution with this. May have to seek some professional advice. As for getting lawyers in on this, It's a nice idea but, imagine trying to prove a link with this. I think that it would be very difficult to put it beyond reasonable doubt enough to get it into my favour. Although, when I think of the earnings I've lost it makes me wonder if it's worth a try...

Shane

 

[Kev]

Well, Shane.. The laws governing legal liability, and possible litigation, vary from country to country. I don't know what options are available to you in the UK. It is not as common here in Canada as it is in our neighbour to the south. But there are law firms here that will accept either personal or class action cases on a fee contingency basis (the lawyers get nothing if the client doesn't win). Typcially they offer a free consult, AND if they take the case, all of their fees/costs only come from the settlement. You might find a similar situation exists in the UK. Here it is common to see law firms advertise 'class action' suits, and provide a toll free number one can call if a person feels they fit in the class action.. It is also common to see page wide ads in the 'Yellow Pages', it being the telephone directory catering to business numbers, etc., advertising they take contingency cases dealing with dismissal, workplace injuries, etc, etc

If similar exists in the UK, then contact those who advertise the most on TV or in the UK equiv to the 'Yellow Pages'; say the top 1/2 dozen or so, confirm they offer free consults, and then meet with them armed with the info you posted. I suggest those who advert the most as it typically indicates firms with biggest budgets (hence 'war chests' deep enuff to pursue this, and a business ethic that accepts 'contingency' cases).. Figure anything might happen. If majority decide this isn't worth pursuing, they are probably right. they should know... Or they may be unaware of the research you uncovered... they may think there is enuff there to pursue; even if on a 'class action' basis vs an individual case by case basis. Hmmm, I don't know if the British legal system allows for 'class action' lawsuits. essentially, it's where one firm represents a group of clients who all suffer from related issues, although they may have no direct connection to the other litigants. One of the ones currently being advertised relates to a birth control manufacturer whose implants caused adverse side effects in women from all across North America. Hope my explanation doesn't sound like I'm being condescending. Just that so much can be lost in the translation of our 'common' language. Anyway, you know what they say.. "Nothing ventured

 

[Guest]

we do have solicitors here in the uk who offer a 'no win, no fee' service, but you have to choose carefully. some of them have nasties in their small print such as taking a whopping percentage of your payout if you do win.

we also have the citizens advice bureau (CAB) who could also be a good first port of call, they may advise you whether its a viable case, once you've outlined the details and your suspicions to them.

 

[Shane]

Kev, thankyou for your input, you've never came accross to me as condescending in any way, just knowledgable and helpful.

Dingbat, great idea about CAB thankyou. If I decide to persue this, they will be my first port of call.

IF something comes of this, I'll be sure to let you all know.

Shane