cabin fever already

Katie87 - 10:40pm Jan 6, 2012 EST

Hey everyone;
   I wanted to get some advice and opinions on when you guys decided it was safe to go to a store or somewhere with your preemies. When I do take her out I would carry her in a baby bjorn up against me where people could not get to her. I know right now it's pretty crazy to even think about because of RSV and Flu season and because she has not been home that long so I wouldn't dream of venturing out just yet. I feel like march is a good safety point?? We went to the eye doctor today to check up on her ROP and it was a huge spread out waiting room which I was thankful for. We had her covered like a blanket tented over her carseat. The nurse came out to dialate her eyes and the minute we took the blanket off a lady walks over to look at her... I was like man... She didn't try to touch her or anything but still it was like instant. I then asked to be put back in a room somewhere because I needed to feed her and the nurse thought I was breastfeeding I was like no I just didn't want to take her out and expose her to the waiting area. I know she thought I was a nut but oh well. Anyway enough of my story telling. I don't want to put my preemie in any kind of danger but at the same time I feel like I'm in prison and I can't see any of my friends and extended family. We made an announcement that only immediate family is allowed over. I may speak with the doctor and see if he thinks it would be ok to allow a friend over or family member over here and there as long as they are well and hands washed. My mom even went out and bought masks and gloves because she felt like she needed them on because she feels like so many people have colds and what not in her office... How paranoid and over the top should we be? Should I really fear something like what my mom fears which is; she feels fine and dandy and is around my daughter but then what if she woke up the next morning with a cold or other virus? I hope that makes sense... I appreciate any and all advice and opinions. Oh yeah and also; I have not talked to her pediatrician about this but my husband's parents have a woodstove; is it not a good thing to take her over there? If they leave the fan off on it I don't find it to be that bad but I'm not sure. The NICU nurses said to avoid it but I tell you what; I can't handle his parents plus his three sisters in our small apartment for weekly visits; it freaks me out. I mean his sisters are all adults they are not school aged or anything but it's just a small space... I think this covers my thoughts for now.