This past Tuesday at work I got stuck with an angiocath needle (gauge 24), after starting an IV on my HIV + patient. My error, completely. After going immediately to the ER and seeing the ER doctor, I was placed on my hospital's PEP regimine of epivir, retrovir, and viread. My body completely rejected the meds and I was literally incapacitated...stuck in my bed at home with severe GI distress and migrane headaches. Thinking the symptoms might resolve in time, I stuck it out with the meds until Thursday night, when I literally started seeing spots. I called my primary care physician who spoke with one of the ID doctors at my hospital, who then started me on Truvada once a day, and Kaletra twice a day. I started this new regimine Thursday night. So far, I am migrane free, which is great, but I am still extremely weak, my body aches, I sleep for like 10 hours a night and still wake up exhausted. I have had diarrhea each day, been nauseous, and have little appetite as I have this metallic taste in my mouth, and am absolutely dreading the next 3 weeks I have to continue on these medications.
The doctors have told me that over time these side effects resolve, but to what degree? I have already called out this weekend (both saturday and sunday) and thankfully am not scheduled again until this coming wednesday, but I'm terrified to try to work (my twelve and a half hour + shift), because of how the meds make me feel after I take them. I am scared that my employers are going to think I am trying to "milk this" for all its worth, when in all honesty I'd work 4 12 hour shifts a week in a row for the next month if I didn't have to feel this way.
Anyone ever have to take these or other anti-retrovirals before after a needlestick injury? I need some support, desperately.
hecallsmeDuchess
346 Posts
@OP, I'm just sending hugs and good thoughts your way. I hope you start feeling better soon.