needlestick :(

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Specializes in post-op.

I got poked today by a dirty BG lancet. I am a community health nurse so I carry my own sharps container. I was about to dispose of a used syringe and I dropped the containerm, as I was dropping it I moved my hands out of the way (cause I wasnt about to try and catch it) and I felt a poke. I look down on the floor and there was a BG lancet. So of course I have no idea whose it was. The good thing is that I cant remember the last time a patient used my sharps bin for a BG lancet, so it is old-not fresh blood. So now a year of testing ahead of me :( Employee health said it was not high risk enough for PEP, which I think I would have declined anyway. But I am breastfeeding and I cried my eyes out because I was sure that I would be told to stop. But I talked to my sons pedi and he said to go ahead and continue. I just had to share with some people who understand. My husband doesnt get how scary it is!

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*hugs* I'm sorry. That has got to be terrifying!

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Hi, my prayers are out to you.:saint:

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Yeah, you never know what you can get from a needlestick! But, I'm sure you are at a very very low risk of any kind of transmission. But, I agree that is very scary especially when you are breastfeeding and feel you have to protect your little one. Sorry that happened to you. :(

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Specializes in School Nursing.

thanks for sharing. so sorry this has happened. you will be in my prayers :heartbeat

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Specializes in Tele,CCU,ER.

Oh, Im sorry! Im also breastfeeding and am terrified of doing so because I think I caught something at work! Good luck! I think youll be fine! keep us updated! :)

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That has got to be scary...I will be praying for you..:icon_hug:

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Specializes in OB/Neonatal, Med/Surg, Instructor.

I am so glad your pediatrician was supportive of breastfeeding. Know that another prayer has been sent on your behalf and your little one. God bless.:mad:

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. This is a VERY SCAREY time for, no matter how much reasurrance you are given. I know!! I have had a stick & by an HIV pt. as well.It was the most scarey year of my life.

My DH was a rock!! He was so supportive & so "there" for me. I never knew he could be that way.

If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. Like I said, I know how hard this time can be!!

Good luck to you

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I agree that your risk is low, however, I would be more concerned about Hep than HIV.

If it were me, I probably wouldn't breast feed, regardless of what the Ped said...but that's just me.

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Specializes in SICU.

Very scary. I got poked with a needle used for suturing a fresh trauma pt's art line about 6 months into my first pregnancy. I was speechless when it happened and the poor NP that did it cried (she later admitted that she couldn't believe my resolve and expected to be called every name under the sun...lol). I just turned around washed my hands and said monotone, "I am going to go take care of this". I at least knew the patient so I could obtain source testing. It was one of the scariest hours of my life. I can't imagine not knowing who's blood it was. There is a very low risk associated with needle sticks though, and the fact that the blood was old is definitely in your favor. Hope all is well. I know how stressful this type of situation can be, especially when you are a nurse/mother and trying to do what you know is best for your baby. :redbeathe

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I'm so sorry! I know that is probably the fear of most healthcare people, and am sorry this has happened to you. I am glad your ped said you don't have to stop breastfeeding. I was a extended-bf mom, and would've missed that more than anything.

Lots of good thoughts for you and your family!

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