specialise?

[anonymous]

Hi all,

Something has been playing on my mind a lot lately and I hope you don't mind if I share. I am soon to graduate with a degree in physiotherapy. I don't have CF, but my long-term boyfriend does (Incidentally, I chose physio just before we met). I have particularly enjoyed the cardiorespiratory aspects of the course, have an extra interest in CF and feel my strengths lie within respiratory care. So.....

I would love to choose respiratory to specialise in. However, I am fearful that I may be a source of infection transfer from my boyfriend to the hospital (CF unit) and vice versa. If I took extra care with infection control policies, could this be controlled? (e.g only wear uniform in hospital, apron, gloves, vigorous arm and hand washing etc..) I think I could hugely benefit my boyfriend by developing my knowledge in this area and other patients by having a unique perspective and an understanding of everyday routine. What do you think?

I intend to ask my professional body for advice on this issue too. I want to do the right thing. If it's too risky, it's not worth it. What would everyone think if their physio lived with a CFer? (not that I'd necessarily disclose that to patients anyway) Pleased that she has insight? Or fearful of bug transfers? I welcome your thoughts, thanks.

 

[anonymous]

Hi all,

Something has been playing on my mind a lot lately and I hope you don't mind if I share. I am soon to graduate with a degree in physiotherapy. I don't have CF, but my long-term boyfriend does (Incidentally, I chose physio just before we met). I have particularly enjoyed the cardiorespiratory aspects of the course, have an extra interest in CF and feel my strengths lie within respiratory care. So.....

I would love to choose respiratory to specialise in. However, I am fearful that I may be a source of infection transfer from my boyfriend to the hospital (CF unit) and vice versa. If I took extra care with infection control policies, could this be controlled? (e.g only wear uniform in hospital, apron, gloves, vigorous arm and hand washing etc..) I think I could hugely benefit my boyfriend by developing my knowledge in this area and other patients by having a unique perspective and an understanding of everyday routine. What do you think?

I intend to ask my professional body for advice on this issue too. I want to do the right thing. If it's too risky, it's not worth it. What would everyone think if their physio lived with a CFer? (not that I'd necessarily disclose that to patients anyway) Pleased that she has insight? Or fearful of bug transfers? I welcome your thoughts, thanks.

 

[Allie]

hmmm...that's a really good question. I, personally, would have loved if my one of my husband's caretakers had been a wife to, because i would have been able to understand her position, and she'd have a better understanding of mine. I also think you'd be more likely to think of the Cfer as a person rather than as a job. It'd be different person to person,, I think. I'm sure there might be someone who would freak, but not me. Have you asked your boyfriend what he thinks?

 

[Allie]

hmmm...that's a really good question. I, personally, would have loved if my one of my husband's caretakers had been a wife to, because i would have been able to understand her position, and she'd have a better understanding of mine. I also think you'd be more likely to think of the Cfer as a person rather than as a job. It'd be different person to person,, I think. I'm sure there might be someone who would freak, but not me. Have you asked your boyfriend what he thinks?

 

[bgchastain]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem at all. I would welcome someone looking after me that really has an interest in it. As long as you take the same precautions that the CF centers require. I think you would be a blessing to any CFers that you would be working with because you could understand the situation and problems better. And you would be a HUGE blessing to your significant other since you would be able to keep up with all of the new advances. Just wear the protective gear over your clothes and wash your hands! Good luck!

 

[bgchastain]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem at all. I would welcome someone looking after me that really has an interest in it. As long as you take the same precautions that the CF centers require. I think you would be a blessing to any CFers that you would be working with because you could understand the situation and problems better. And you would be a HUGE blessing to your significant other since you would be able to keep up with all of the new advances. Just wear the protective gear over your clothes and wash your hands! Good luck!

 

[anonymous]

Thanks Allie, I always enjoy reading your posts. Yes, I have asked my boyfriend. It wasn't something he had considered until I mentioned it. He says he trusts me to seek advice and do my research, and come to a conclusion. As he points out though, the same physios see patients with cepacia, pseudomonas etc in the hospitals, and are not separated. I guess my fear is that I could make him or patients more ill, and that is something I could not forgive myself for.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks Allie, I always enjoy reading your posts. Yes, I have asked my boyfriend. It wasn't something he had considered until I mentioned it. He says he trusts me to seek advice and do my research, and come to a conclusion. As he points out though, the same physios see patients with cepacia, pseudomonas etc in the hospitals, and are not separated. I guess my fear is that I could make him or patients more ill, and that is something I could not forgive myself for.

 

[Allie]

If he's okay with it, I say do it. There's no replacement for personal passion.

 

[Allie]

If he's okay with it, I say do it. There's no replacement for personal passion.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks Bonnie, too. Your comments are giving me encouragement. It's what I really want to do, just wanted to check a few things first

 

[anonymous]

Thanks Bonnie, too. Your comments are giving me encouragement. It's what I really want to do, just wanted to check a few things first

 

[JazzysMom]

Before New York State mandated that all our therapists that did the CPT on CFers being registered respiratory therapists, families use to do the treatments. I know a guy whose Mom & Brother use to do come in & do the patients treatments even when he wasnt a patient in the hospital. They no longer do that for personal reasons as well as the new regulations, but it was fabulous. They really understood although the other therapists that we have had & currently have are fabulous also. Our therapists are not employed by the hospital, they are employed by our CF clinic so the office staff makes sure they get not just clinically good therapists, but those with the personality & compassion as well as long term committment needed. They try to limit change over when it comes to staff & its makes a difference!

 

[JazzysMom]

Before New York State mandated that all our therapists that did the CPT on CFers being registered respiratory therapists, families use to do the treatments. I know a guy whose Mom & Brother use to do come in & do the patients treatments even when he wasnt a patient in the hospital. They no longer do that for personal reasons as well as the new regulations, but it was fabulous. They really understood although the other therapists that we have had & currently have are fabulous also. Our therapists are not employed by the hospital, they are employed by our CF clinic so the office staff makes sure they get not just clinically good therapists, but those with the personality & compassion as well as long term committment needed. They try to limit change over when it comes to staff & its makes a difference!