Joe, never heard of it, but it SOUNDS wonderful! How does one find this ale? I'd like to give it a try.

What is most disturbing about your post is that you are on chemotherapy. As you've not said anything more I won't pry, but know that I am sending some healing thoughts your way.

Specific to your question, yes, you do want to be careful working in the worm bin or compost pile if you are working through suppressed immune activity. The worms are not the problem, but potential pathogens associated with some feedstocks and manures will, obviously, have more potential to infect your system. Some molds associated with organic matter can also pose a threat to those with suppressed immune activity. As such, you might consider using gloves when feeding the system, being diligent about handwashing (invest in a good fingernail brush), using a filter mask if you are going to be working with the bin for extended periods, and condider letting the backyard compost pile become a passive system for a few months. The compost and worm bin will be just fine, and we can also be certain you are, as well.

Kelly S

Thanks, Kelly!

Unlike the usual winter fireside Belgian, the Corsendonk is lighter, golden and great for a summer evening. I don't know if its available on the west coast, though. My sincere thanks for the thoughts about my health.

If I decide to just pack my rubbermaid bin up for a few months, should I just add a little moisture, feedstock and newspaper, then put it in a cool spot? Any suggestions for the best way to pack the fellows away for awhile would be appreciated!

I'm off to rec.crafts.brewing to ask about the health risks of Lambics! :)

Joe, one of the unexpected benefits of reading these posts regularly the last few months has been the pleasure over time of coming to recognize the individual strong voices of good people shining through. Kelly has the answer to your specific question but let me echo her good wishes for your speedy recovery. (P.S. This may be the time to convert Mrs. Joe! Tossing in some food scraps and topping off with a little bedding is something I might even be able to persuade my skeptical husband to do in a pinch.) And next time I'm on the east coast, I'll try to find that ale too ...

Jo Ann

Hello Joe, Yes a very serious question indeed,the answers and advice that Kelly gives you are as usual spot on .Speaking from personal experiance it's very difficult to stay clear of infections at these times and who knows exactly where we pick up our ailments ,just do be carefull look after yourself good food, plenty of rest,and a positive outlook are equaly important it is also important to continue doing the things that give you enjoyment I send you my very best wishes kind regards John

Joe, during my chemo I stayed away from EVERYTHING including people. I quaranteened myself for the two weeks afterwards and then would go out to selective locations knowing that there were no flues, colds etc. among the folks I would visit.

Chemo is hell but it works!!

I will think very positive thoughts about your treatment. I am 10 years cured!! Yahooooo Suzy

Joe ... Im on immune suppressing drugs, have been for a while and will be for the rest of my life. This drug is for kidney transplant patients so they dont reject the transplant, so it is pretty potent (no im not a transplant patient). I have never had any problems associated with the worm bin, even when doing harvesting.

A couple of precautions i take are to freeze every food stock before it goes in the bin, not only does this knock down the fruit flies but i havent heard of too many eskimos getting sick so i think it helps with some contaigens.

When adding food stock to the bin or looking around i use a hand cultivator to dig around. Its easy to wash off after each use and doesnt harm the worms.

Alot of my finishing off bins (vermicompost that isnt quite as fine as id prefer it) are left alone for 3 or more months, without even moisture being added to it, these bins arent vented in any way except the lid is left off and full sheets of cardboard are put directly over the vermicompost.

Bryan

I use disposable food handling gloves when digging around in my bins. I will reuse them depending on how "yucky" the muck is before disposing and getting out a new pair.

Jeanne

Joe, keep laughing and keep the adrenaline going. Please check in often.

We are away for months at a time, and the inside bins survive quite nicely. I load them up with layers of vegetation and barely damp shredded cardboard. The lovely castings are there upon our return.

Best wishes to you, Joe

Dot (born and reared in VA, now south-of-the-border)

Thanks for all the support and info, everybody. I've decided to just go with the mask and gloves and keep tending my little buddies. I have to balance my physical health with my mental health. I enjoy playing with my worms too much to blow them off! :)

Joe,

I'm glad you decided to go that route. In your circumstances, I would have to have an outlet / diversion? to keep my mind otherwise occupied.
Please DO use the gloves and mask but enjoy yourself none-the-less.
I'm wishing you a speedy recovery - and please keep in touch.

bruce

Joe, face it; you're an addict! ::laughing:: And I know the feeling!

Kelly S