I Contracted HIV

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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.

I am so sorry this happened to you. Please don't hesitate to post here any time you need to...allnurses is a wonderful support system. (((Sarah)))

Lots of prayers being said for you!!!

:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat:redpinkhe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe:heartbeat

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Specializes in orthopaedics.

hugs to you. i am sorry to read of your news. i have no words of wisdom just my sincere hugs and good thoughts coming your way.

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my last year as a nursing student, i pricked myself accidentally with a glucometer needle. this was after i took the guy's blood glucose with it. i checked his PMH in the chart for hiv or related conditions and there was nothing. i never reported this. I was embarassed for being so careless and wanted to hide this happened. but ever since it is something that worries me and keeps me up at night. i know i need to get tested. i am so afriad of the results. Sarah, you said you had multiple HIV tests, how many did it take to find out you were HIV positive?

I know you must be scared, but the fear of not knowing is the worst fear. I would get tested and re-tested several times for the peace of mind. I had a similar experience (although not with nursing), but made myself get tested because my husband (ex now) was having an affair and I discovered that "she" had contracted gonorrhea from her husband. I worried about the chance of HIV for months and months and drove myself crazy. Thankfully the tests came back negative and I got my peace of mind back.

Good luck and God Bless.

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hi,sarah,

i felt so sorry to hear about it.As nurses.we like candle ,burning ourself to lightened others.my pray all for you.

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I am so sorry...I just don't know what to say..I am sad for you..

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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.

Dear Sarah,

I understand that your life has taken detour from certain personal goals you set for yourself, but believe me, Sarah, this is just a detour, and you will get back on course. First at all, there is no reason why you should set aside your dreams of becoming a mother. You can become a mother, but you are going to make sure that your viral load is low. You'll be managing your pregnancy under the close supervision of your doctor. You will not allow this event ruin your plans, your happiness and your personal goals for the future. You will move on for this is just a detour. I repeat: you will get back on course. Talk to your manager on the job to see what modifications can be done so you get back to your job. Do not share your status with no one for that is confidential information on need-to-know basis. A manager worth its salt will not let you go, he/she will adjust, work with you to keep a good nurse on the staff. You'll act and behave like the healthy person you are before you knew of your status. You will not be talking about or thinking about it anymore, let the doctor worry about the disease for you'll be busy enjoying your life. An upbeat, positive attitude is of the essence, don't you notice that I am not talking to you with this "I'm sorry, poor you" tone? No, I absolutely not doing that...I am going to give you suggestions on managing the disease so you can prevail on the fulfillment of your dreams and personal goals. I mean every word I write to you otherwise why I would write you. I respect you and myself too much for wasting both of our time. If you want to talk, you can send me a private message any time. I did a fast research on the subject of women HIV+ and pregnancy and bumped into this column coming from UK in which people post questions and concerns about the subject of HIV. I am sending you two links. The questions and answers are interesting, so take a look at it. Best, feliz3

http://www.ukcoalition.org/HIV-Positive/6720.htm

http://www.ukcoalition.org/HIV-Positive/23149.htm

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Wow I am at a loss of words. Sending prayers your way.

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I am so sorry this has happened to you. I work with needles all day and I know how dangerous a situation can become with even the smallest movement from a patient. May you find the strength inside you to move forward. you are in my thoughts!

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

(((sarah)))) prayers for you.

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Specializes in Psych.

:heartbeatSorryto hear of your incident. My sympathy and prayers. Remember, God still works MIRACLES.:saint:

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

What more can I add to the many many messages here, I am truly sorry for what happened to you, you didn't deserve it, you didn't do anything wrong and certainly nothing that the rest of us haven't done.

You are in my prayers.

Please be strong, have faith, we love you,

AC

Re those who believe this is made up- Anything is possible in an anonymous forum, in general a nurse has no time for make believe. Sara or whoever is in a similar situation- pay no attention to them.

I hope things are going better,,Happy Holidays

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Words can't express the pain that I feel for you. I work in an ICU as a Unit Assistant right now and my friend a couple of days ago who is a tech was splashed in the eye from a pt with Hep C... Since Hep C can't be detected right now away she is very upset and scared. Her husband also has Hep C and he just got a transplant but falls ill from time to time and ends up being admitted into Sicu. Basically, what I am saying is that this is a very sad time in your life and this happens often where care providers end up in positions like this which is sad and unfortunate. I wish you a very well , healthy, and productive life. Like you said meds have improved the life expectancy. My heart goes out to you and your family through this rough time. I am so sorry, but the meds will prolong your life and you will be healthy. Again, my heart goes out to you!!!!!!!!

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