I gave you fair warning, so each word you read now brings you closer to my rant.
I need to receive Remicade infusions every month or so as part of the treatment I receive for my condition. Remicade acts as an immuno-suppressant. Essentially, the theory is that my body has an over-reactive immune system that kicks in at the slightest provocation causing this nastiness to happen to me. Remicade will work to flatten my immune system and basically reboot it.
During this time, I am extremely prone to infection (because I don’t have much of an immune system), but have managed to side-step most of the illnesses running rampant at the Leone Estates.
So, here is the rant part: The logical conclusion of everything I said above it that I need to avoid people who are sick. IT IS NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! I am not contagious, you idiots. So, if you are pretending to be interested in my health and I go off and explain my treatments, the first words out of your mouth should not be: “OH! Stay away from me, then! I don’t want to get sick again!” Then proceed to tell me about the poor cold you just recovered from!
I don’t have leprosy. It is my immune system that is broken…not yours.
I just had this conversation on the elevator with someone and I am angry that this person got off the elevator and I am stigmatized, at least in his mind, as having a contagious disease.
It is important for me that people use their brains. I am not a smart person, but I do the best I can to stop and think before I speak.
Thank you for allowing me a chance to vent. Now it is your turn:
Go ahead and rant about something, anything that pisses you off. You are safe here. No one reads this stuff anyway.