I Contracted HIV

[sarahwv]

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.

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

Sarah, you're very brave - you're facing this with a great attitude, and I think that's half the battle! God bless you, and keep us posted. As earl said, take some time to grieve and some time to relax - there are many motherless children out there who would be lucky to call you "Mom".

Blessings

My heart goes out to you sarah, and babs is right,, there are so many children who need a good mom like you...

This is one of those things that is always in the back of my mind, and a nightmare come true for you. Hopefully the hospital is claiming full financial responsibility for this and they will be paying for your treatment... Please know that you caught it so early that with treatment you can live to be a very old woman...

[L&DWannabe]

Oh my gosh I am sooo sorry! That is aweful! Especially the fact you are 23 and just graduated! MAN! Ugh, I swear the world can be so unfair at times. I feel for you. How has your family reacted to this?

:heartbeat

[Batman24]

I am soooo sorry. My heart really breaks for you. It truly does. Please take as much time as you need to grieve and heal. I hope you are surrounded by loving and supportive people.

There are many children who need a mother and would love to call you mommy so pls don't lose hope.

If you need to chat pls PM me at any time. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God bless you. Hugs.

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm sorry you are now HIV positve. There is still a lot of stigma and fear about it, but from what I understand, it's not the end of the world. HIV isn't the death sentence it once was. I believe some advice would be to start treatment now, even if you're asymptomatic and not even close to having AIDS.

Also, being HIV+ doesn't necessarily prevent you from being a mother. There are treatments you can take that will virtually reduce the chance of mother-child transmission to a very low percentage. But, yes, there are still thousands, if not millions of children out there that could use a mother.

[lolaoguntade]

just want to say sorry! My best friend is HIV + and he is 27 years old he was first diagnosed when he was about 19. I must say with proper care and good health you can enjoy life. I know my friend have became such a believer in supplements exercise and eating healthy and I have never seen him sick or sad yet! I forgot he was + until you mentioned your situation. He is a wonderful person who embrassed his illness and decided to fight instead of it fighting him. I speak with him everyday and I swear he's the happiest person in the world it seems like and this tells you that this illness don't have to control you you have to control it...greiving is good long as it is short lived god will see u through this u are very brave to share ur story with us and thank u!

[theBUBBAMANcan]

Prayer inbound for you.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Sarah, I am so sorry to hear this news. I know you must be feeling so many things. We are here for you anytime you need to laugh, cry, vent, or whatever. And, as so many others have said, there have been some great advances in HIV care. Right now you may not care about that, so if it doesn't, just know that we care about you. Do what you have to do in these next few weeks/months as you adjust to a new normal.

Big big hugs to you. :icon_hug:

[j450n, BSN, MSN, RN]

Sarah, I'm am so sorry. Hang in there! I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better. It may not seem like it right now, but you will be fine in due time. You're in my prayers. I have faith that one day soon you as well as millions of others in the world will wake up to the news of a cure.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Sarah

I am so sorry

As many others have said more treatments are coming. One of the women in my Sunday School class is HIV+ and has been for more than 20 years she has a 17 year old son who is HIV-

[lovehospital]

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.

Are you sure it is not a false positive,did the man you started IV on had a diagnosis of HIV?

If I would be you I would run to the other doc to confirm the diagnosis.

You are so young,I really feel bad for you but like I said please double check with the other doc.It could be a mistake...

[lpnflorida, LPN]

There are not words I can express.

You bring up a fear most of us have felt working in nursing these past 25 years or so. Greatfully, it is treated with great success now.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Of all the bad luck.....I am sorry.