Positive PPD test. (17mm)

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Specializes in LTC, Clinic, Med/Surg, Ortho.

Hi,

I'm starting LPN school in Jan and had my TB test done last week. Needless to say it was positive (17mm). Even my doctor said I was majorly positive. I had the chest x-ray which came back from the Radiologist today as negative for active diease. They sent me to the Health Dept. because the treatment is free and they felt I needed to take the precaution of INH for the next 9 months. I'm currently waiting on my liver enzyme levels to come back and then pick my medicine up next week.

My questions are...

Foods, I've read you shouldn't eat bananas, avacados, and tuna. I know they said something about alcohol, but certain foods??

The medicine, does it make you feel ill? Since it's an antibiotic, will it mess your stomach up? My tummy can't handle antibiotics very well.

Any other advice someone may have that has gone through the treatment would be apperciated. Thanks so much. =)

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

Lots of nurses have + PPD's. I do. Just get regular chest x-rays instead of PPD's Because they will always be positive. INH didn't have any side effects for me at all. I also took B6 with it.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

I took INH for 1 year and no problem. Sometimes people may experience some nausea so I always took mine with a few crackers and be sure they put you on Pyrodoxine (B-6) also as the above poster said as it will help with side effects if any. I get a chest xray every year for the past 26 years. I was immunized with BCG Vaccine in the mid 70's for military duty overseas so will always be positive yet when I hit the nursing field I had to treat it just like a positive reaction and take treatment. Go figure lol.

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Lots of nurses have + PPD's. I do. Just get regular chest x-rays instead of PPD's Because they will always be positive. INH didn't have any side effects for me at all. I also took B6 with it.

I've never. So if all nurses are positive, then wat happens next?Take the meds and plough back in?Curious:)

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Make sure you keep up on the blood work, and don't freak out if you test positive for hepititis while being treated, that is expected. The cdc has great info on their website, you might want to check it out.

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Terms of service do not allow us to offer medical advice other than to bring questions about your individual health care to your primary care provider. Best of luck.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I never said all nurses test positive. I said lots have tested positive. I had to see a physician and take the prescribed meds for a yr and I will always test positive so I get chest xrays to make sure I don't have TB

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

As HM2Viking pointed out - we can't provide medical advice. Food precautions, etc., are individualized for the pt based on multiple factor. We wish continued success in your career.

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