Hello anybody out there? HIV+ Nurses

Nurses Disabilities

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Is this a new forum? or one I just never noticed before?

I know there are nurses working with disabilities,why are there no threads?

If it's a new forum I'll start out,I am an LPN and I am HIV+,was dx'ed with AIDS a few years ago,CD4 count of 5, and PCP.I have been hoping to get in contact with any other + nurses.

Is there anybody out there?

Is this a new forum? or one I just never noticed before?

I know there are nurses working with disabilities,why are there no threads?

If it's a new forum I'll start out,I am an LPN and I am HIV+,was dx'ed with AIDS a few years ago,CD4 count of 5, and PCP.I have been hoping to get in contact with any other + nurses.

Is there anybody out there?

Hello!

I am in the middle of completing the prerequisites to enter an RN program. I am a 44 y.o. Male and have had AIDS for 7 years. I too had PCP. I'd be very interested in hearing your experiences as a nurse with AIDS and would love to get your advice on what it's like.

Thanks!

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

Hi Berfy,I knew there were more of us out there.I'm glad to hear from you.Good luck in school.

Like I said earlier,I didn't tell anybody I + when I applied for the job.I did tell them I had been out of work for 18 months d/t illness and hospitalization.They were aware that I had been in the hosp for many months,the trach scar was/is very and I am partially blind from CMV,didn't tell why the blindness just that I had vision problems.

More now know I am + but I try to keep it low key as I'm not sure how residents and their families would react to the news that their nurse has HIV.Teaching people about this disease is my thing but I don't have time to educate all my pts about it along with all the other teaching I may have to do.If at all possible I try to avoid caring for anyone who has shingles since I've had that lovely little problem a few times now.My co-workers know that and are willing to trade pts with me if I need to.Other than that I don't worry about getting anything from my pts,may not really need to worry about shingles either but I do.My CD4 count is above 500 and % is 16 so I guess I'm pretty safe at this point.

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

Sorry,I got interrupted and hit the post button before I was done.I had some questions.Are you working while you are taking the classes?Do you have any problems with fatigue?Were you diagnosed before or after becoming a nurse?How much support do you get from family and friends?How are your numbers?At any time please feel free to tell me I am too nosy and to mind my own business.

Good luck

Terry

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helloooo, and have a good LABOR DAY !! keep in touch...everyone....

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

Thanks Punkingirl,you too.Any special plans for tomorrow?

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Oncology, Ortho.
If at all possible I try to avoid caring for anyone who has shingles since I've had that lovely little problem a few times now.My co-workers know that and are willing to trade pts with me if I need to.

It's great that you have supportive co-workers! It sure makes a huge difference doesn't it? Good luck to ya!

hugs,

Susan

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Welcome to the forum. I'm new to it as many others. I've gotten alot of feedback and answers and encouragement here. Hope you do too! I am HCV positive and was newly diagnosed with it. I've been getting better on my own so the doctor won't let me even try treatment. My liver is nl, my ggt is lower and I'm generally feeling better.

I wish you the best herecomestrouble, you'll soon see the great posts to you!

Sheri

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

Thanks for keeping me positive! Happy Labor Day!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

Not HIV+, but I am truly inspired by your strength and courage!

blessings,

J

Is this a new forum? or one I just never noticed before?

I know there are nurses working with disabilities,why are there no threads?

If it's a new forum I'll start out,I am an LPN and I am HIV+,was dx'ed with AIDS a few years ago,CD4 count of 5, and PCP.I have been hoping to get in contact with any other + nurses.

Is there anybody out there?

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Hello all. I am just curious. Were any of you with HIV or HCV infected at work?

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
Hello all. I am just curious. Were any of you with HIV or HCV infected at work?

I was infected with HCV at work. My quantitative value was at 18 million 2 years ago. Today it 668,000. I feel better. Have not received treatments, but do become easily fatigued and at times exhausted.

I am planning to further my education, but at this point because of the fatigue I am not positive I can work at my own standard let alone the school's, which is full steam ahead. What will be,will be.

HCT: Do your lectures involve CEU's? Curious if you have authored anything from your own expereince. You appear to be quite the trooper. I really admire that.

Sharona

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

No I was infected through unprotected sex,definitely outside of work.

Sharona,no CEU's wish I could offer them but I don't even know how to go about it.Actually you've given me something to think about.I'm supposed to do an interview at thebody.com,I'll let you know when it's done.I hope your health improves so you can go to school.I know it's rough some days...or weeks...or months

Terry

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