luck just ran out - contaminated needle stick

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in insanity control.

As long as I have been in health care, I have been stuck several times with needles. The source patient has always been clean. My luck just ran out. I got stuck with a suture needle cleaning up a delivery table. The source patient was clear for everything but one. The one with no real treatment. Hepatitis C. My company has been great. They reacted very quickly to the shoddy treatment from the hospital.

I am now in a blue funk. I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. My base line is clear. But the next six months is going to be a night mare. If I have a cold with a fever, is it the hep c or just a cold? I told my husband that we would be using condoms for the next six months. As you can imagin, that went over like a lead ballon. This wasn't even my fault. The provider ignored their own safty precautions. She won't be the one worring.

I know I am not making much sense right now. I just had to get it out. I can't really let my family see how scared I am. I just don't know if putting my life at risk is worth it anymore.

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Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Bless your heart I pray that the results remain negative and also that you fund a peace in your heart.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

(((HUGS)))

I'm sure someone else will be around shortly to offer you advice, but just wanted to let you know I will say a prayer for you and your family.

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Specializes in med/surg, ER.

I don't have the experience or wisdom in this area to offer advice, but I can offer prayer. I have LOTS of experience there and will put it to use.

Blessings to you,

Ann

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Specializes in ER/ICU, CCL, EP.

Oh dear. I am so sorry that happened to you!

You are on my prayer list.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please take care of yourself...have you got a few days off? Found this at the CDC website:

"What is the risk for HCV infection from a needlestick exposure to HCV-contaminated blood?

After a needlestick or sharps exposure to HCV-positive blood, the risk of HCV infection is approximately 1.8% (range: 0%–10%)."

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#section5

So....take some time for yourself, the odds are in your favor. Take care....

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Specializes in Oncology.

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to you. I hope everything stays clear and that you're in the 98.2%.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Family Medicine & OB/GYN.

I hate that you have to go through this, but know we're praying for you. :icon_hug:

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i have known many nurses with a stick from hiv, hep c/b/a--coughed on by tb pts

we must be a hardy lot because i have never known of one of them to come down sick, however i know wha you are going thru i was stuck with a needle from hiv and i had to take three tests over six months

it is creepy but the odds are on your side

i knew about hep b being contacted with sexual contact but i didn't realize that hep c could be contacted the same way, check with your infection control person

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I promise I just sent up a big prayer for you...God Bless you...:icon_hug:

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Specializes in LTC.

*HUGS* I'm sending you lots of happy thoughts and strength!

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Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

My prayers are with you.Icon Hug

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