I Contracted HIV

Published

I came here to post because I've just felt very sad for the last few days. I graduated in May 2008 and started in the ER at a local hospital. In October I was trying to start an IV on a man who came in and accidently pricked myself! We started all the usual protocol for this type of event as soon as it happened. I continued to be tested, but this Tuesday I got a call from the doc to come in. I'm now HIV+. I know its not the end of the world with all the advance they've made and what not, but I'm still very sad...especially since I've always dreamed of being a mother to many children. This may also affect my work. I've been on approved leave since finding out. Just had to vent about this guys. Thanks.

Specializes in Emergency.

I look up to you as you are able to get through this major life changing event. We are only people talking to each other through the internet but I truly will pray for you and will always think of you when I become a nurse. I wish you the absolute best, and hope you can have a wonderful life. Good Luck my dear.

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Sarah,

I am so sorry for what had happened to you. Me too ,I passet by that. I know what you feel.For me ,by chance, was happy end. Be strong and hopefully.With ours hearts end prayers we are with you. Take care and God blasse you!!! I give you my love!!!

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This Must Be Sa Very Difficult Period For You.

I Can Only Imagin How Upsetting This Can Be

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Words Can't Express How Bad I Feel For You.please TRY to stay close to friends who can make this condition much easy to bear.

lots of love

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Psychiatric Crisis.

Hi Sarah, sorry that this had to happen to you. Did they not begin treating you with meds as soon as you reported that you may have been pricked? I thought I learned from somewhere that if you were pricked with a needle by an HIV pt...they can begin tx withing 24-36 hours to decrease your chances of getting it.

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I'm sorry to read this. Know that you have a whole slew of people here to support/pray for you. I have to commend your positive attitude even in this difficult time. You must be a remarkable woman and nurse.

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You are in my prayers and those of many others on this site. I just wanted to reitorate once more that your life is not over and many triumphs have been made for those with HIV. You can still marry and have children and surround yourself with a great support system.

HUGS

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sarah, my heart breaks for you. I cant even imagine how you are feeling. My prayers are with you, and may you have the strength to get through this. God bless.

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Sarahwv, my heart goes out to you, I believe that the nurse in you will not allow you to stay stuck emotionally for to long. I am a member of The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), and served on the Chicago Chapter of Nurses in AIDS Care (CNAC) BOD. A number of our members are Caregivers who do the research, write the books and articles about the disease, medications and their outcomes. Oh, yes some of them are HIV positive! I feel your pain and you may email at anytime you wish to talk, I am available to help in any way I can. The first thing I will suggest is you discuss a plan of treatment with your doctor. Next locate a HIV support group. You may want to consider working in the HIV clinic at your job, you could help newly infected patients emotionally and in the process also learn to live with the disease, not die from it. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! I was stuck in OR years ago and developed HCV; experienced the same emotions you had expressed, kept asking.'why me?' Someone grabed me and told me, "you can't change what has happened, get into the solution." When I read your story, I became terri eyed and just for a moment relived the emotions I first had all over again. You also may relive these emotions again and again over time, that is ok because you are human, just don't give up five minutes before the solution arrives. If no one has told you they love you today, I will tell you, " I Love You." Feel free to email me, your new friend.

tommyw1016

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Specializes in Too many to list.

Someone grabbed me and told me, "you can't change what has happened,

get into the solution.

So much good advice here, Sarah.

Right now, you are still in shock and mourning the life that you had

before you got stuck. You've been traumatized, and it will take

time to adjust to the new norm of being HIV+, but you will do it.

Go ahead and grieve, honey, it's normal. It is important to get

counseling and be supported through this hugh change, and it

is hugh. No one can deny that.

It is also true your life is not over, and your dreams do not have to die.

You are still you, Sarah, a loving woman who wants to be a mother.

I don't doubt that you will be. As has been pointed out here, there

are ways to accomplish this.

May you live long and prosper.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.
It is important to get

counseling and be supported through this hugh change, and it

is hugh. No one can deny that.

It is also true your life is not over, and your dreams do not have to die.

You are still you, Sarah, a loving woman who wants to be a mother.

I don't doubt that you will be. As has been pointed out here, there

are ways to accomplish this.

May you live long and prosper.

IndigoGirl's a smart cookie - listen to her wisdom.

I would also like to add that you are a hero. You were injured in the line of duty caring for somebody that needed your care. Like the firefighter with burn or the cop that takes a bullet you will have a scar for the rest of your long and fruitful life.

Nonetheless, this is a real bummer. Thanks for sharing your story. I will keep you in my prayers.

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I am truly sad to read your post. Keep your head up, you'll get through this.

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