audiojunky Posted February 8, 2005 Posted February 8, 2005 I would like to start dating again, but currently I am being treated for Latent Tuberculosis Infection. I'm not contagious and am taking preventive medication.. which means that I don't have TB infection, and the medication I am taking is done as a preventive measure to kill off any TB that might be in my body. I feel in general, a little hesitant to disclose this information to someone. I feel like I am going to scare them off. I want to be upfront with someone about this, but I'm not really sure how to approach it. For some reason I can just imagine telling someone this after I have made out or done anything with the person, and then them freaking out over it. I'm guessing that not many people have had to deal with this sort of thing.. however if you have or know someone who has any sort of advice would be greatly appreciated. thank you...
masked_man Posted February 8, 2005 Posted February 8, 2005 It certainly is a tricky situation to be in. As I see it (and this is only my personal opinion of course) if there is no risk of spreading any infection, or causing any sort of harm to anyone else, it may be easier to keep the subject quiet and to yourself. As you say trying to explain your situation will probably only cause needless panic and confusion. As I see it, this is a matter that only concerns you and because, as you say, no one else can be affected, I see no need to tell anyone else at this stage. I am no expert in the method of treating latent TB, or any medical matter come to that, but if you are only taking a course of pills, and not for instance having to go into hospital for days at a time for treatment (which would obviously have people asking questions), then all the more reason not to mention it. Ok, you may also be concerned that you are withholding information, or keeping secrets from someone who may become close to you. Once again as this is a personal matter, relevant only to yourself, I still see no need to worry about it. Hope this helps.
tiki Posted February 8, 2005 Posted February 8, 2005 TB is spread through droplets that can be in the air from an infected person. If you are not contagious, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. TB is curable (as I'm sure you know). If it weren't we'd ALL have it and probably die from it. But it is curable...thank God. I worked side-by-side with another nurse that had TB. She had been treated for it for quite some time. I was tested for TB some years later (still working with her at that time) and had a sensitivity to the test for it. It left a red mark that stayed for months and months. But anyway, I'm rambling. Do tell your mate. It's only fair to let them know. Do your research and be TB smart. That way, when they have a bazillion questions (which they might), you can counsel them to relief. Good luck!
blind_otter Posted February 8, 2005 Posted February 8, 2005 Both of my parents have latent TB, so I grew up hearing about it and am not freaked out at all. Let's date. Seriously though, I "have issues" that I am loathe to disclose early on in a relationship (ie, I was raped) and I usually wait to talk about that kind of stuff - it's a judgement call, whenever you feel close enough to the person you're seeing to share that information. Just be sure to educate them about TB and the difference between active and latent. Good luck!
Hund1976 Posted February 8, 2005 Posted February 8, 2005 I wouldn't bring it up on the first date, but if you are dating the someone for a few weeks and it looks like things might progress somewhere you should tell them. Otherwise they might wind up looking in your medicine cabinet and find out for sure. Have all the facts on hand when you tell them about it so you can answer any questions they might have so they're not too freaked out.
Author audiojunky Posted February 9, 2005 Author Posted February 9, 2005 Thanks for the comments. Everyone pretty much echoed what I was thinking. I pretty much think that this information is my business. Since I know that I am not contagious, and can't be while I'm taking the preventive therapy, it probably is wise for me to keep it in the closet unless things become much more serious with someone. I've told nearly all my friends and nobody has freaked out on me, not even my new roommate. Thx for the support.
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