Author	[Modern View]
Ken Christopherson 09-27-2012 15:57:36 184.97.223.46 Report to Moderator	Well, I know it is sparse when I post in the forums anymore but I am always reading... Since I finished grandpa"s SC I really don"t have room (or time now that I am in college and working full time again) I hope everyone is doing well. Not many of you, if any of you, know what I am doing for my career now, but I am currently a Corrections Officer for the great state of MN. Within the last week we have undergone our yearly mantoux screenings for Tuberculosis. Well, to say the least, I came up with a positive test. Been in and out of the doctor the last week getting blood tests X-Rays, and the like. X-Rays are clear, which is a good thing. My blood tests are ok by way of making sure my liver can handle the treatment/medication that they have you undergo. Upon my initial employment screening I was negative, and the only feasible way that I could have gotten it would have been from working inside the prison. My question is has anybody dealt with anything like this? I know it is currently in the "latent" stage if in fact I do have it. I am trying to find out if the doctors have run a quantiferon gold blood test to make sure that I am actually infected with the disease. I am not really looking forward to the next six months of extreme diet restrictions and monthly blood tests that accompany the treatment, but if I have to do it, then I have to do it... I guess us young 20-something year olds are not as tough as we think we are... Keep me in your thoughts/prayers, and I hope you are all doing well.. If anyone has any advice, I would gladly read through any posts. It is off to class for me, then working the overnight shift.. Everyone have a good night! [Reply]   [No Email]
Ken Christopherson 10-02-2012 16:12:49 184.97.223.46 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Thank you all for the replies.. It is no wonder why we all are so strong together. Everyone on these forums seems to always be willing to lend advice, support, answer questions, all for the better of each other. Thanks again everyone, and I hope to get through this without any complications. Began the meds yesterday, so we will see how everything goes. Ken [Reply]  [No Email]
Ralph Bauer 10-02-2012 12:36:33 75.107.18.96 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken, I came back with a positive skin test and in a non- contagious, "inactive"(latent?)stage back in spring of 95, undergoing routine employee tests (internship at HR dept. in a medium sized hospital). No earthly idea where I picked mine up, could have been anywhere, literally. Basically, the skin test shows that your body has been exposed and developed antibodies which hold it at bay at this time in your life and health condition. Took the 6 month pill therapy with monthly liver checks(I guess the meds are "good" for your liver, lol)to basically eliminate the chance down the road for it to become contagious, referred to as "active TB", which is usually when your body is no longer able to fight off/ keep it check. Mine at the time was administered by the Louisiana Health Dept. since it is considered an infectious disease and they are in charge (case had to be reported as well). All went fine. Now I can do only chest x-rays, no more skin tests since they will be "violent" and not permitted after therapy. 580-706-1315 if you want to talk. Ralph in OK. [Reply]  [No Email]
Ande 09-29-2012 06:21:35 66.231.103.186 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken you will be in my prayers,,heck I already sent one in for you,just take care of you,and get back on track collecting Case. [Reply]  [No Email]
RJ Keith 09-28-2012 23:44:13 84.151.34.140 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Good luck and hang in there! [Reply]  [No Email]
oldtanker 09-28-2012 20:39:58 66.228.255.239 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken I talked to my friend today. If you would like to talk to he says I can give you his number. Let me know. Rick [Reply]  [No Email]
Tomfg 09-28-2012 19:19:34 206.8.13.87 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   My 85 year old mother has tested positive for TB the last sixty some years, after she came in contact with the disease. She's never actually had TB though. [Reply]  [No Email]
Don Rudolph 09-28-2012 17:54:07 74.213.209.166 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Kenny, I don't have any advice for you, but sure want to wish you the best and keep you in thoughts and prayers. Good Luck! By the way, you really did a nice job on the SC. Don [Reply]  [No Email]
Stephen Newell 09-28-2012 03:27:14 66.53.81.252 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   In 1958 my wife had tuberculosis when she was a little girl. They did surgery and removed the affected tissue and followed up with medication. The doctors said she would always test positive for the illness but after all these years she doesn't. [Reply]  [No Email]
Joe Stewart 09-28-2012 02:44:21 74.80.13.100 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   My skin test turned positive back in 1995. My chest x-ray is negative and I've never had any symptoms of the disease. I declined the treatment. The medications that they want to give you are rough on the liver, as you mentioned. Plus, they want you to take the medicine for six months! No thanks. Either route you take (treatment or no treatment) involves some risk. Read up on it and get advice from your doc when making your decision. [Reply]  [No Email]
McKerrow630 09-28-2012 02:26:48 50.105.86.50 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken, I know nothing about TB. But I do know keep your faith in the lord. Prayers and thoughts with you and your family. God Bless [Reply]  [No Email]
oldtanker 09-27-2012 18:01:59 66.228.255.239 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken, guy I know worked in a hospital and was exposed. He tested positive but doesn't have it. That was 10-12 years ago. After the initial treatment the only thing he has to do is be tested once a year. Rick [Reply]  [No Email]
vac400 09-27-2012 17:38:47 64.246.113.88 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken you are in are prayers from Ohio. Jerry [Reply]  [No Email]
Gary from Iowa 09-27-2012 16:22:51 97.125.173.31 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   Ken - I Hope things work out for you. Sometimes we just have to take it one day at a time and let things work out. Might have to drop a gear and take life a little slower. It even works for 20 something years of age!! Always remember to keep thinking positive and it doesn't hurt to ask the good Lord for a little help. [Reply]  [No Email]
Case Nutty 1660 09-27-2012 16:00:39 75.127.24.27 Report to Moderator	Re: Bad News... Tuberculosis in reply to Ken Christopherson, 09-27-2012 15:57:36   you are in our thoughts and prayers from Wyoming cnt tom [Reply]  [No Email]