Germ paranoia

[andrew]

Hi all...
Since being afflicted with this charming disease, I've become quite paraniod about bacteria, germs, whatever you want to call them, especially with being on chemo.

I wash my hands alot more than I did, when I use ATM's I use my car keys to press the keys and I don't drink from public water fountains (especially in the gym) - I'd rather die of thirst than do that. I keep away from sick people as much as I can plus a whole bunch of other things. Am I getting carried away? What changes have you noticed in your attitude towards this? Am I on my own here?

[Terri]

Hi,
I find myself aware of germs everywhere, but the things I watch out for the most are unnatural ingredients in food and chemicals.
The year before me being diagnosed I can remember using more than usual bug spray with deet (for mosquitos). I have to wonder?????
Now I try to avoid all chemicals when possible . We don't really know what all is out there.
Sincerely, Terri

[capabayan]

Definitely washing my hands more... I carry some of that Lysol hand cleanser in the car with me. Also, staying away from sick people (and our church's nursing home ministry). Never really used public drinking fountains before, so that didn't change.
Other than that, I haven't really found myself being "extra cautious" - I've always been aware of germs vs. cleanliness, so things haven't changed too much...

[witho]

I am aware on public transport when people around me are coughing and spluttering, and try to avoid being close to babies and young children (who are very good at carrying germs around). Luckily, I'm not the maternal type!

I avoid the types of food that pregnant women have to avoid (raw eggs, blue cheeses, shellfish, pâté etc) but don't really like those foods much anyway, so it's no big thing.

I am less cautious than I used to be - the odd shaving of parmesan (unpasteurised!) and runny egg yolk hasn't killed me yet!

I've always washed my hands even before I was ill, but not obsessively.

I think you just have to find a balance between being cautious and limiting your life too much.

[RCOSSIO]

You are not paranoid...just being cautious. I know I wash my hand and have all sorts of hand sanitizer at work, car and home.

Sometimes I do forget so I have to remind myself.

You know when you start something new the idea of what was "norm" is no longer the case and remember it takes 27 days to break old habits.

by the way it could be worse...Like not being able to enjoy my wine collection or enjoy my 21 yr old Glenlivet or nice cold Foster on tap.

What can I tell you "old habits hard to break" I guess 2-3 years without is not so bad!!!!!

[andrew]

Well all your replies are certainly making me feel a bit better

... nice cold Foster on tap.

Mmmm...yes, I haven't had that for many a year. I hear that they make it a different flavour over there than they do here in Oz.