Doc pricked his finger and used same needle on me

[amohb]

I was receiving sclerotherapy injections on my legs for varicose veins and I noticed the doctor accidentally pricked his gloved finger and didn't change the needle out. He continued using the same needle that he pricked his finger with on me, injecting the saline solution into my veins. I am fearful that he may have Hepatitis B or C, or HIV and possibly transmitted it to me. When it happened, I noticed him yank his hand away and then continued injecting me with the needle. A few moments later, I noticed he had blood under his glove where the prick occurred and didn't think anything of it until my drive home. I called him to ask him about it and he denied it, saying he remembered the incident and it didn't break his skin, it grazed over his glove, and he yanked his hand away. I told him I saw blood under his glove and he denied it again saying it didn't puncture his skin. So, either he ironically had fresh blood under his glove in the area that is consistent with where the poke would have occurred, or he is lying. I have been going to this doctor for a long time and trust him. He is very conservative, and I am struggling with why he would not just have changed the needle out and lied to me.

I have been very anxious over this and am wondering what my risks are. I know that sometimes when you prick your finger, it doesn't bleed for a bit, and I don't know if his blood got on the needle, because it was a quick prick, and he just continued using the needle on me.

What further concerns me was my family doctors reaction to it when I recently told him of the incident (happened 2 months ago). He told me I need to be tested for HIV, Hep B and C, for the next 3,6,9, and 12 months. And although I have been going to this doctor for 6 years (an old doctor who is about to retire), I don't know what his lifestyle is and what he does in his personal life.

I am a mother of 2 young boys with zero risk factors and I am paralyzed with fear. I have read that accidental needle sticks are low risk, but this was the other way around. He pricked his finger, and kept injecting directly into my veins.

Any input or advice is greatly appreciated. I plan to be tested at the 3 month mark, but the anxiety is getting the best of me. Thanks so much.

[patra_]

Lynn is exactly correct!  Get the tests done, per you family Dr's timetable and simply don't worry about it in between..

Easier said than done, I know, however, there is nothing you can do until you know there is a problem and then as Lynn said, there are excellent treatments now!

Stress and anxiety does not help you.  Take a deep breath, exhale and relax and get on with your life, getting the tests, for you peace of mind, of course.

Blessings,

Pat

[flyinlynn]

Get tested then you will know and you can stop worrying and put this bhind you.

As far as hep c if you should happen to test positive there are new treatmen that are very effective at curing hep c so even if yoy did catch hep c you can be treated and cured.

Not really much to say beyond that except good luck