Paying attention to the inner voices in your head.

[arkienurse]

Well, I didn't pay close attention to mine today, and now I am on a one year deferral for blood donations
I had a big long drawn out post ready, and realized that unless you work around the medical field, and specifically surgery, it was probably all greek. Short story--- I was stuck with a contaminated needle during surgery today. If I had listened to my inner voice, I would have had an extra layer of protection, and wouldn't be as worried about it as I am right now.
The doctor I was working with did his best to reassure me that the patient wasn't know to engage in high risk behavior, but you never know.

So listen to that inner voice no matter what. I guarantee every time I ignore it, something BAD happens.

[AngelinaCat]

OMG arki: my prayers go forward for you!!!

[arkienurse]

OMG arki: my prayers go forward for you!!!

Thank you. It is actually somthing I have dealt with a few times before, just a known risk of working where I work. The lab person who drew my blood had recently been stuck also. And the patient really is low risk. No know risky behaviors or diseases. Our blood work should be back within a few days, but I can say it was negative for the biggie, or they would have contacted me already to begin treatment.


Are ya'll drying out yet? Hope the dock is still OK.

[liz417]

Gee, so sorry! I'm sure everything will be fine

[arkienurse]

Gee, so sorry! I'm sure everything will be fine

Oh, I am sure it will be too. I just don't have anyone around to talk to tonight, so you guys get it all. My best friend was killed shortly after I started my job 12 years ago. I have always had a hard time getting close to anyone, and making friends. As a result I only have my family to talk too, and DH is out of town for a meeting tonight. Once the test results come in negative, I will put this in the back of my mind and forget it, except when the Red Cross calls the next time to get me to donate that ever popular flavor of O+.

[Lacy]

Oh no ! sorry that happen to you. Try not to worry to much I am sure you will be fine. I know that's easier said than done though.

[JRScott]

I hope all will be well

[epiphany]

Hey, I knew someone who tried to keep another from swallowing their toungue and got bit...(course he shouldn't have been trying to pull the toungue out). The biter had hit his head on a cabinet at a store and gone down. He turned out to be an epileptic hemophiliac with aids.

Person I knew was fine but it was a big scare so I understand your concern.

Listen to that inner voice next time!

ep

[Flamingo]

Well, I didn't pay close attention to mine today, and now I am on a one year deferral for blood donations
I had a big long drawn out post ready, and realized that unless you work around the medical field, and specifically surgery, it was probably all greek. Short story--- I was stuck with a contaminated needle during surgery today. If I had listened to my inner voice, I would have had an extra layer of protection, and wouldn't be as worried about it as I am right now.
The doctor I was working with did his best to reassure me that the patient wasn't know to engage in high risk behavior, but you never know.

So listen to that inner voice no matter what. I guarantee every time I ignore it, something BAD happens.

Arkienurse - my oldest daughter is an RN so I am well aware of how you feel. She has been in the ER and has had many close calls with actual HIV patients where blood was flying everywhere making really bad situations. Since your situation is probably very low risk, I would listen to what the doctor stated to you and try to relax and just follow-up as instructed and all should be fine. Has blood been run to test the patient for HIV or hepititis to better reassure you? Remember, we are all exposed in small ways to stuff every day and you really just don't think about it. One is pushing on glass or other revolving doors or door handles....if the person in front of you has blood on their hands from a cut and pushes that door and you have a small cut on your hand and hit the same spot as the person in front of you, there is a risk. These are things no one thinks about and we are exposed to on a dailiy basis. But the risk is so low that it's really not worth worrying about.

[Bandit]

One of the Doctors who did surgery on me this year did the same thing you did. They called for a tissue exam, not just a blood test.

It was kind of odd because that was the only surgery this year where he did not request any blood test and EKG prior and I think that it was due to the urgency of my situation.

They were so worried about the contact with my blood, but I am clean as a whistle.

[woeisme]

My husband works in a prison (well did, he's on disability at them moment) but he was bitten by an inmate who attacked one of his co-workers (hubby was part of the crew that broke up the incident) and it was scary, no unprotected sex for 6 months, lol, and this was right after the honeymoon!

[arkienurse]

Arkienurse - my oldest daughter is an RN so I am well aware of how you feel. She has been in the ER and has had many close calls with actual HIV patients where blood was flying everywhere making really bad situations. Since your situation is probably very low risk, I would listen to what the doctor stated to you and try to relax and just follow-up as instructed and all should be fine. Has blood been run to test the patient for HIV or hepititis to better reassure you? Remember, we are all exposed in small ways to stuff every day and you really just don't think about it. One is pushing on glass or other revolving doors or door handles....if the person in front of you has blood on their hands from a cut and pushes that door and you have a small cut on your hand and hit the same spot as the person in front of you, there is a risk. These are things no one thinks about and we are exposed to on a dailiy basis. But the risk is so low that it's really not worth worrying about.

Oh yes, they drew blood on both of us to test, as well as testing my hep b titer level. I have worked on AIDS patients before. Now that I am in a senior, supervisory position, I will usually do those cases myself because the young kids will freak out with any know blood born pathogen. Of course, as your daughter well knows, it isn't the patients we know have HIV or Hepatitis that will get us. It is that innocent looking child coming in for something simple that will get us.

Today was another day. No worries, no slip ups. And listened to the inner voice today double gloves all around.

[arkienurse]

One of the Doctors who did surgery on me this year did the same thing you did. They called for a tissue exam, not just a blood test.

It was kind of odd because that was the only surgery this year where he did not request any blood test and EKG prior and I think that it was due to the urgency of my situation.

They were so worried about the contact with my blood, but I am clean as a whistle.

Must be something about your looks then .

[arkienurse]

Hey, I knew someone who tried to keep another from swallowing their toungue and got bit...(course he shouldn't have been trying to pull the toungue out). The biter had hit his head on a cabinet at a store and gone down. He turned out to be an epileptic hemophiliac with aids.

ep

Now that would have freaked me out. One of the anesthetists I work with will not stop at wrecks because he says he risks his and his family's safety enough at work everyday. I personally couldn't pass it by without stopping, but that is me.....

[arkienurse]

My husband works in a prison (well did, he's on disability at them moment) but he was bitten by an inmate who attacked one of his co-workers (hubby was part of the crew that broke up the incident) and it was scary, no unprotected sex for 6 months, lol, and this was right after the honeymoon!

I bet that was scary for both of you, especially with it being a prisoner and being newlyweds. I am glad everything was ok with ya'll. I am sure it will be on my end too.