Could I still be a vet assistant after transplant?

[paddbear0000]

I used to be a vet assistant and would really like to go to school after I get my transplant to become  a vet tech. Would this be a bad idea? I mean, as far as being around all those animals that my immune system is not used to, as well as diseases, etc. 

[Wenchie58]

Sounds like a good question for your docs.  I say go for it!!!

[Romona]

I work in a state institution in the Dental Clinic. I wear protective gear and use universal precautions. I know a few RN's that returned to hospital work after transplant. Ask your coordinators what they think.

I hope it works for you. Doing something you love is so rewarding.

[okarol]

I agree, check with your transplant team.
Here's a related thread - it's about pets, but some info may be helpful.
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=558.0

[Jess21]

Paddlebear- I'm currently in school to be a vet tech.    I'll be done July 2nd! 
But anyway, my neph knows, he never said anything about it.  He knew I wanted to get my transplant AFTER I was done with school.  I asked him about kennel duty back when I had a catheter, and he said the only way I'd probably catch something was if I was stark naked rolling in the..well, stuff I was picking up.  As long as you are taking the right precautions (gloves when cleaning litter boxes, perhaps masks, and washing hands), you should be fine.

[Chris]

With me when I was going into the Vet Tech program, I had to wait a couple years before working with dogs, cats, farm animals. With birds, I was told to take extra precaution (face mask). When I was getting the rabies vaccine, I had to be monitored more carefully and had an adjusted time for each following injection (3 total). I also saw a immunization specialist at the transplant hospital regarding this since local center had no idea if I could be vaccinated. This was a school requirement, so investigating whether I could have it or not led me back to the transplant hospital. You may or may not want to do this due to cost, but it is a saftey issue.

I didn't have a problem working in a clinic or a Humane Shelter after my transplant, so i think it is possible for you to work. Just ask your transplant center, more so after getting a transplant and that you have healed up pretty well. First year I would say no though.

Good Luck

[Jess21]

When I was getting the rabies vaccine, I had to be monitored more carefully and had an adjusted time for each following injection (3 total). I also saw a immunization specialist at the transplant hospital regarding this since local center had no idea if I could be vaccinated. This was a school requirement, so investigating whether I could have it or not led me back to the transplant hospital. You may or may not want to do this due to cost, but it is a saftey issue.

My school didn't require the vaccine.  They told us about it, but still not 100% that you wouldn't get rabies if bitten, just chance decreased.

[paddbear0000]

A year??!! Geez. By the time I actually get a transplant, plus the extra year, I'll be too old to compete with the kids coming out of school! 

When I was an assistant, I never needed a rabies vaccine, and I helped with animals just as much as the techs. We also worked with wildlife.

[Jess21]

Different nephs tell people different things.  The same neph will tell different PATIENTS different things.  Chris and I go to the same transplant center, and obviously we've been told different things.  It all depends, I guess!

[Rerun]

You have to get Rabies shots???  Do you have to get them in the navel???  OH, HELL NO!  I'd not be a vet tech!  Have you thought about working for the Post Office??

[paddbear0000]

It's a rabies vaccine titer. They are a serious of shots to prevent rabies if you're bitten or get saliva in an open wound. It's not the same as the rabies shots you get after you are bitten. Far fewer shots.

[Chris]

3 shots was all for the vaccine.

Your first year after transplant is considered the toughest and your body needs to get use to things. People react differently post transplant and you may fair well or not. That first year can be rocky., but don't give up yet. I worked with people older than myself getting into the vet field and your a couple years younger than me. You can plan better when you have a transplant, but try starting now after you get into a normal diaysis routine.