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Title: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:14pm I can't really get into details here on a public message board, but let's just say that today REALLY sucked, and I'm going to need some serious prayers and vibes for the next 6 months. All I will say is that I had a needle stick, and now I have a lot more crap to deal with until the 6 month mark has passed. And I will be taking some very nasty meds for the next month. I'm sure by now you can deduce at least a part of the issues I'm dealing with. I will assure you that the risk is so tiny that it is hardly worth worrying about, but there is still a small unknown factor that instills the fear of God deep in my soul. Working in health care comes with risks.... I've done this for 8 years, and I've always been so careful...but a needlestick can happen to anyone. The circumstances surrounding it were sort of out of my control. It's just a very disturbing and upsetting experience. I'm sorry to ask once again for thoughts/vibes, etc, but this is a pretty serious situation, and although I'm extremely calm at the moment...I definitely feel upset and deeply worried. I will feel much better even after initial testing comes back in a week...which is nothing more than baseline testing. However, every negative test I have between now and 6 months from now will make me feel much much better. Sorry for being so vague. And I'm sorry if disclosing this upset any of you. You guys are my family, and I know that recently some have made statements about people sharing too much information, but sometimes you just really need to talk about the serious stuff. Hugz, Carrie/Lizzie2 |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Frank_W on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:20pm Been there, done that. Hang in there, Carrie. Hopefully, you haven't contracted any of the possible diseases that can come from such an event. :-/ |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Jimi on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:22pm The chances are soooo slim. I have dealt with that in my profession too. Try not to worry about it until you know there is something to worry about. Worry will change nothing and can aggrevate your clusters. The chances are strong that it will be alright. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by nani on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:22pm [smiley=hug.gif] Hang in there, kid....it'll all work out. [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:28pm Thanks guys. I wouldn't worry if I had more clarity that the person who's blood I got stuck with was clean. However, he has tested positive for some pretty nasty things in the past. I know the risks are slim, but it still produces some worry.... Plus...a month on the prophylactic for this... well, Frank and Jimi..you prolly know what that's like having been through it. Good thing I have a good anti-nausea med is all I can say! <sigh> |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Gator on Mar 1st, 2005, 3:52pm Hey Carrie. Damn, I'm sorry to hear about your incident. I know what the risks are and why you are afraid. I faced the same dangers when I was working law enforcement and corrections. I wish there were something I could do to ease your mind. If talking around the demon or not talking about it at all would keep it away, lots of people wouldn't get ch attacks. Rather than hide what's going on, maybe you could use it as a learning tool for others in your profession. It might keep someone who would otherwise be careless from having the same thing happen to them. Just a thought. Please know that you are in my thoughts and I am hoping for the best of all possible outcomes for you. Stay strong! |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by lionsound on Mar 1st, 2005, 4:36pm Vibes already there...... you will be fine :)! |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Opus on Mar 1st, 2005, 4:38pm (((((Lizzie))))), :'( :'( :'( :'( so much pain. Opus/Paul |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by broomhilda on Mar 1st, 2005, 4:41pm ((((((((((Carrie)))))))))) been in the same situation, you are going to be just fine K? Thinking of you and make sure the meds are compatible with what you are currently taking for your head, some of those are pretty potent... Hugs on over Andrea |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 1st, 2005, 6:22pm on 03/01/05 at 16:41:32, broomhilda wrote:
This is funny actually. The NP who did my "counseling" and set up the orders for the prescription and testing called down to the pharmacy to make sure that the new med (Combivir) would not interfere with any of my current meds. The pharmacist said that I'm safe on the Combivir but that a lot of the meds I currently take have some interactions with each other! So heck...I won't die from taking an antiretroviral...but I might die from my own daily med combination. I thought that was pretty darn funny. She said..."You're safe with the multivitamin" hehehe Here are the side effects of Combivir: Common: Nausea, headache Frequent: GI pain, asthenia (loss of strength, energy), rash, fever Occasional: Diarrhea, anorexia, malaise, myalgia, somnolence Rare: Dizziness, paresthesia, vomiting, insomnia, dyspnea, altered taste. Sounds like fun, right????? Well...she said I can use my judgement...if I don't want to stay on it, then I don't have to. But we decided that given the patient history (and in some cases, lack thereof), it is better to be safe than sorry. He's from Africa where the rate is 1 in 3.... Maybe I felt I needed a little more excitement to add to my life? hehehe Hugz, Carrie :) |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by jokrs2 on Mar 1st, 2005, 6:27pm Hey Lizzie2 sorry to hear about the accidental stick. You are in my prayers and I'm sending major vibes. Protection to you in Jesus name, amen. Grace, Joe |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by broomhilda on Mar 1st, 2005, 6:30pm on 03/01/05 at 18:22:45, Lizzie2 wrote:
Great, LOL add to the list, like you're not already tired with ha's :)...big hugs and thinking of you, day by day Carrie :D |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Charlie on Mar 1st, 2005, 6:58pm You have our vibes and whatnot and you'll get through this thing. At least you know WTF you're doing. Rant away. Charlie |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by PrettyH8Machine on Mar 2nd, 2005, 1:06am Damn Lizzie. [smiley=hug.gif] CD |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by sandie99 on Mar 2nd, 2005, 1:10am ((((((((((vibes)))))))))) And lots of prayers and [smiley=hug.gif] are on their way to you. I wish that whatever it is, things turn out for the best! :) [smiley=hug.gif] Sandie |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by don on Mar 2nd, 2005, 5:47am The risk of contacting the HIV virus from a needle stick is extremely low. The viral load will spike in 4-6 weeks. Any HIV testing should wait until 4 weeks have passed from time of risk minus any risk behavior in that time frame. Quote:
The prophylactic protocol uses some powerful medications that can produce severe side effects. Its a cost/benefit decision based on the level of risk. Hep C is more of a risk. The Hep C virus is a hardy and reslient one than can survive longer in any environment. The policy for HIV infected or AIDS diagnosed individuals is that they are not required to disclose to health care providers. The reasoning is that health care providers should be using universal precautions. This is a glaring example of why that policy DOES NOT WORK. Even while using universal precautions accidents still happen. Even after an accidental needle stick an infected individual IS STILL NOT REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 2nd, 2005, 7:11am HEPATITIS: The Great Fear of the Health Care Worker... I was consulting with one of the doctors I know and he asked if I shouldn't be going to an infectious disease doc to take prophylaxis for HepC. But the protocol is that the test (which is extremely sensitive) is ineffective until 6 weeks after exposure. They don't feel that taking preventive meds will do me much good. Don...I'll respond to your PM privately with some more info. I understand his right not to disclose. I just don't understand why you would not choose to test again...unless "ignorance is bliss." If someone got stuck with my blood, even though I knew my whole life there was no chance of my being infected with HIV...I would definitely do it. It puts the person at peace of mind, if nothing else. It isn't a cost thing because this guy tests for free at the health district. It could be a wait limit thing...the waits at the clinics are long. Or it could be what he said...the incident is my fault and why should he have to retest... Anyhow...Don, I'll respond later tonight..I have to go back to the health district now for another day of work. Gotta get right back on the horse I guess... Can someone lend me a biohazard suit? LOL Smiles, Carrie :) |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by don on Mar 2nd, 2005, 7:13am Quote:
For some reason you have to go to a GI Doc for Hep C. not an ID Doc. Quote:
I don't. I believe it should be mandated by law to disclose to anyone that may be at risk by treating an infected individual. With criminal consequences if you dont disclose and that health care worker becomes infected. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by rickyshot on Mar 2nd, 2005, 7:51am I work in the healthcare field and agree with Don. Hell in the old days they would not let immigrants come in with known TB. I am not politically correct . This is bullshit. Anyone who is HIV positive or has some other form of deadly communicable disease should not be allowed to immigrate here period. That is just shooting ourselves in the foot. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by don on Mar 2nd, 2005, 8:07am Quote:
I dont go to that extreme. They may need to come here to recieve suitable treatment. Would you deny an HIV infected baby from South Africa to emigrate here for treatment? |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by rickyshot on Mar 2nd, 2005, 8:12am NO I would not refuse them treatment. But after treatment go back home. Do not mix with the population at hand. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by don on Mar 2nd, 2005, 8:17am Quote:
Why not? You want to ostracize entire populations of people that present medical risks. Better do some research because a large portion of the world population presents some sort of risk. Leper islands are no longer in existance. Civilization has moved forward. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Frank_W on Mar 2nd, 2005, 8:38am on 03/02/05 at 07:13:27, don wrote:
I couldn't agree more. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by karma on Mar 2nd, 2005, 9:28am on 03/02/05 at 08:12:06, rickyshot wrote:
Goddamn, There are people that still think like this? If You want to see how wrong you are come on down to my part of the world. Better yet don't! Stay in your part of the world. We don't want you. |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by nani on Mar 2nd, 2005, 9:33am Why not round up everyone in North America with a communicable disease and send them somewhere else? That'll leave all of us free to kill ourselves with cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, sugar, fat, cholesterol, reckless driving... |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Alien Space Babe on Mar 2nd, 2005, 10:31am |
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Title: Re: Talk about a very bad day... Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 2nd, 2005, 4:50pm Don, GI because hepatitis affects the liver and Gastro-enterologists are general also hepatologists. However, I guess maybe he wanted to send me to ID because of the way it was done. I don't know. I'm going to stick (no pun intended!) with university health for now unless my tests come back positive...in which case, I actually already have a GI doc that I saw for the first time last Thursday. I agree...and I do believe we can access their chart after the incident, but I can't force him to retest, which is what pisses me off. They told me I have the right to see what testing he gets done in the future because it is my health. Obviously I can't go around posting his name. I will never know the full story... It is very frustrating... Now all of the sticks I did today, I was shaking and I felt like I was reading extensively every person's medical history before doing anything. Universal precautions, my ass (as you stated before)...universal precautions go out the window when a needle stabs you through a glove. >:( At the same time, yes I do also agree that nobody should be excluded on the basis of HIV/AIDS, although I do think we try to keep SARS out of the United States at this point in time. The heavy hitting epidemiology fears for this spring are SARS and Avian Flu...both of which are springtime viruses. Ought to be interesting! Thanks for the hugs and thoughts. It changes you to go through something like this. Today was day 1 on the combivir, and I'm not throwing up...that's a good sign. :) I have no new side effects from the Combivir. As Broomie said above, it's not like I'm not already tired with headaches...so if I'm experiencing THAT side effect...hell if I'd know! Carrie :) |
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