Most of the time now I just stay by myself inside the house. I cook for myself and rest. Sometimes I have to go out, for example to collect water, and at those times I don’t always wear my mask. I know that it’s very important that I do because of infection control and not spreading TB to others and when I am outside in the lane, I do wear it. Here, people know me, and understand that I have TB, so it’s not a problem for me to wear a mask there.
But, it is a problem when I go out on to the main road. People stare at me if I am wearing a mask. They ask me why I am wearing it, what is the matter with me? I don’t like that. When I goes for medical checkups at the local health centre I don’t wear a mask either, for the same reason.
I am working as a night guard at a construction site and I don’t wear the mask when I am working either. If I was wearing my mask, people would know that I’m sick and I would lose my job.
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Many people will not even know why you are wearing a mask. Some might think you don’t want to expose yourself to the pollution. You did not create the TB. It is not your fault that you have it. You are like so many others doing the best you can. Keep up your spirits and keep writing your blog. We are listening.
It must be very hard to be going through what you are dealing with and you sound like you are a very brave man. No one wants to be isolated or outcast, made to look different from anyone else, and especially feared. You are a good man for trying to protect others, and you really need to do so; I say this as a nurse.I encourage you to wear your mask at your visit to the medical clinic as I am sure there are many there that should not be exposed as hard as that may be for you. I understand about your job- we all do what we have to to survive. My heart goes out to you! Cling to those that know and love you. God is watching over you and I am praying for you, dear friend!
Don’t be ashamed to wear your mask when you go out. Protecting others so that they don’t catch the illness that you have is much more important than people asking you questions. If people ask you questions, just tell them that you need to wear the mask and that everyone is safe while you are wearing it. If wearing the mask puts you at risk of losing your job, then don’t wear it. But you should wear it in the street and you should not care what other people think.