Sorry this is long, but I need some advice. I live 6 hours from my family and only get to see them maybe 2-3 times per year, so holidays are very important for me. I've been looking forward to thanksgiving with my family for months. We are scheduled to leave tomorrow.
Well, over a month ago my brother came down with bacterial pneumonia. It was really bad.. there was one day he completely lost from his memory. It took him a long time to recover. He ended up passing the sickness to his wife, my other brother, and my other brother's girlfriend. It was apparently really nasty. My mom told me she was, for once, glad I was not in the area since I am pregnant and have a toddler.
Well, I find out today, the day before I am supposed to leave, that my brother's girlfriend still has full-fledge pneumonia symptoms. She is on strong meds for it, but she is coming to Thanksgiving and is bringing her parents to meet my family for the first time. Also, today, my niece came down with the flu and will be contagious for 48 hours. I am very worried because I don't really want my child around such bad illness and also myself, being 13 weeks pregnant. I've done a little research and pregnant women are much more susceptible to pneumonia - with side effects ranging from hospitalization, to premature birth, to mortality of the pregnant woman. I recently had a miscarriage so I am extra cautious with this baby.
I could just not go, but it's frustrating that I have to stay away because someone else is sick. Also, my mom would be really upset and disappointed if we don't go.. she would probably cry and might even order my brother's girlfriend and her family not to come (which I don't want to be responsible for, especially since she is bringing her parents to thanksgiving to meet my family for the first time).
My friend says to go and just avoid contact with them and wash hands.. but I don't really understand that because we will all be in the same two rooms together for the majority of two days. Also, I am completely out of sick time at work so I would be forced to work through whatever illness I might catch or lose my job.
What should I do? :(
Thanks !
Quoting whattodo11:
Tough spot! I am not sure what I would do in this situation, but here is a bump!!!
I agree, though they are not the most understanding. My mom will cry I am sure. I don't want to put everybody out just because I am worried, you know? That being said, I have to think about my self and my two babies right now.... :-/
Quoting rockyhugs35:
In sure you really want to be with your family. But I don't tho it's smart to put you or your dd in danger of catching that. It seems like its really going around your family. You my opinion. I'm ire that your family will understand <3
Yeah I know... I was messaging my husband about it and he just replied with a picture of a white mask. Thanks honey.
Anyway, I just don't want to put anyone out... I don't want to make the girlfriend feel like she isn't welcome on my behalf. And, I don't want anyone to feel like they were the reason I couldn't come. I really like her. She has been looking forward to Thanksgiving for months too...we talk online. She has cancer, if that makes any difference at all :-/
Quoting lovemyhoney19:
I think you shouldn't go. I wouldn't. What they have is contagious and you need to look out for your health and your baby's health. Unless they are willing to wear masks..
If it were me, I wouldn't go. it would be one thing if they were sick weeks ago but were all better now. if someone can still make you and your lo sick, I understand why you wouldn't want to go (and I also get why you wouldn't want someone to be uninvited on your account). so I think that you staying home is the most practical solution. it sucks, i'm sure, because you want to see them. but it's not worth putting you and your new lo at risk to get so sick.
Thank you, I feel like it's kind of a lose-lose situation. It wouldn't be a hard decision at all if not for my mother, who I know will be overly disappointed. I just texted her to get her thoughts on the matter...waiting for response. :-/
Quoting boshs1andonly:
If it were me, I wouldn't go. it would be one thing if they were sick weeks ago but were all better now. if someone can still make you and your lo sick, I understand why you wouldn't want to go (and I also get why you wouldn't want someone to be uninvited on your account). so I think that you staying home is the most practical solution. it sucks, i'm sure, because you want to see them. but it's not worth putting you and your new lo at risk to get so sick.
TGIF! What are you doing this weekend?
Are you a first time mom? If not, how many kids do you have?
- Emilytrademark
on Nov. 20, 2012 at 3:24 PM