Needle Stick Injury on HIV+ pt

Nurses General Nursing

Published

This happened last night and I want to cry. The transmission is considered low risk but its scaring the **** out of me. I can't sleep. I can't eat (due to the PEP meds I'm on?). I'm waiting on the results of whether this pt is HEP B, C + as well.

I want to tell the ones I love but I can't. I don't know how and I don't want to scare them. I'm starting to get headaches. They are very mild but I can't focus. It is constant.

I'm frustrated. I'm scared. I freak out from it every few hours.

It's hard to distract myself. I can't get this off my mind. How do I pass time? I live alone and there's no one close that I feel comfortable talking to about this. I have up to 6 months as to whether I find out I'm infected. It's only been a day.

The last 28 hours have been the longest hours ever.

I've talked to the infectious disease doc earlier today and he temporarily relieved some of my anxieties however, its difficult to concentrate on something else.

I'm reacting. Over reacting? No, reacting. I'm all over the place right now.

I want to be comforted.

Specializes in Education and oncology.

There's not much else I can add other then you are doing everything possible to assure your health. That PEP is available, yes, your chance of sero-converting is very very low. Nothing will take the place of knowing your status in 6 months. Hang in there, you have wonderful support in allnurses. We are all pulling for you.

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Honey you are not overreacting at all, most people would freak out about this at least people who value their lives. Try not to think about what happened and sometimes it helps if you share this with someone you trust, try to go out with friends to keep your mind busy. But don't give up and keep praying. You are stong because it takes courage to post this here and we are praying for you. Big Hugs!!

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Specializes in CVSICU, Cardiac Cath Lab.

*hug*

Keep us posted.

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*hugs* :( I hope it all goes fine and nothing happens.

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I will pray for your comfort and peace (and for the time to pass by quickly);). I am so very sorry that you are having to go through this. Hugs are being sent your way.

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Specializes in CVICU, ED.

Hugs to you!! Hang in there.

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Anyone would be scared. Keep in mind your risk is low. Please find someone to talk to about it so you don't feel so alone. I will be sending prayers, good thoughts, and hugs your way. We are here for you.

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I am so so sorry you are going through this - you are not at all overreacting. Please know we are all thinking of you - keep us updated. -- Hugs --

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I'm so sorry this happened to you.. You aren't over-reacting to the situation, because what happened would be terrifying to anyone. Rationally we can all know that with the PEP your risks are really quite low, but it's hard not be frightened anyway. I think the EAP idea is a great one, they will help you find a way to deal with your fears and anxiety. Prayers out for your peace of mind, and for your continued health.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

BTDT with a Hep C pt a long time ago. Total freak out. I read somewhere that your chances of getting HIV or even Hep C from a needle stick is less than 1%. I knew that was low, but I was still freaking out. A good friend of mine told me this: If you had a less than 1% chance of being rained on, would you still take an umbrella and worry about rain? I know...totally silly, but it really helped me to calm down.

Please keep us posted and seek therapy if needed. It'll make you feel better while you wait.

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Hello everyone, thanks for all your support. It helped a lot. To the Flyscotsman, I hope things turn out in your favour.

An update for the people who have asked.

The good:

- For the last couple of days, I've kept my mind off with World Cup games. I went to a bar today to watch England play USA. I'm glad I went despite the result.

- Feeling less freaked out and thinking from a statistical point of view to calm myself down.

- Still haven't told anyone about what happened however EAP is an option if I get down in the dumps.

- The symptoms from the PEP meds are still minimal. Bloating and a bit of nausea. Can't tell if my persistent grogginess is from the meds or from the lack of sleep. I'm expecting symptoms to get worse.

The bad:

- Still waiting for the results of the HEP B, C tests. The results come back by Thursday, the latest.

- The bloating from the PEP meds are confusing my eating routine. Its difficult to gauge whether I'm full or not.

- This is all I dream about which is keeping me awake and contributing to lack of sleep.

I watch the movie The Road with Viggo Mortensen last night. Watching it gave me an unsettling feeling. Very nauseating. I'm blaming the meds.

p.s. MORE FUNNY CAT RELATED WEBSITES/VIDEOS/PICTURES

thanks for reading.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Hugs to you and keep us posted!

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