Aa
FREAKING OUT!
I need help please someone help me.
I spoke to the lady at the planned parenthood I went to- the manager. She showed me the lancets they use there she said they only use 1 of 2 for the last 11 years! But It can't be the girl who did my testing did not use either of the 2 she showed me.
Another thing! I asked to please speak to the girl who did my testing. They told me that they had to let her go. Now this set my mind crazy!!! Why so soon after I did the test and have been calling them that she's let go?!?!?
My 'exposure' is that I did a routine pregnancy test and had a rapid HIV test done. She opened everything without me being in the room including the lancet. I came in the poked my finger and did the test.
Now my life has been turned upside down. I've never had any other exposures besides this one-my husband is my only sexual partner. I have come down with:
1- really sore throat last week- went away in 2-3 days
2- coughing all the time! Every other word I have to cough.
3- pain in my left ear for 5 days on and off.
4- runny nose for a week.
Do those indicate anything??!
Please Ive spoken to many experts on this forum and they have been wonderful but I need other peoples input also! Anything will help.
When I asked my GP about this he didn't seem overly worried until I told him she was let go. Before I said that he kind of made a joke about it and she that would be beyond the realm of imaginable. Then when I said she was let go he said, well your risk if she did do something like that would be 10%! He then said that I should come back and test in 6 more weeks but he didn't want me to think about it anymore. But he has been my long Time doctor and he looked really worried. I don't know where else to turn.
I spoke to the lady at the planned parenthood I went to- the manager. She showed me the lancets they use there she said they only use 1 of 2 for the last 11 years! But It can't be the girl who did my testing did not use either of the 2 she showed me.
Another thing! I asked to please speak to the girl who did my testing. They told me that they had to let her go. Now this set my mind crazy!!! Why so soon after I did the test and have been calling them that she's let go?!?!?
My 'exposure' is that I did a routine pregnancy test and had a rapid HIV test done. She opened everything without me being in the room including the lancet. I came in the poked my finger and did the test.
Now my life has been turned upside down. I've never had any other exposures besides this one-my husband is my only sexual partner. I have come down with:
1- really sore throat last week- went away in 2-3 days
2- coughing all the time! Every other word I have to cough.
3- pain in my left ear for 5 days on and off.
4- runny nose for a week.
Do those indicate anything??!
Please Ive spoken to many experts on this forum and they have been wonderful but I need other peoples input also! Anything will help.
When I asked my GP about this he didn't seem overly worried until I told him she was let go. Before I said that he kind of made a joke about it and she that would be beyond the realm of imaginable. Then when I said she was let go he said, well your risk if she did do something like that would be 10%! He then said that I should come back and test in 6 more weeks but he didn't want me to think about it anymore. But he has been my long Time doctor and he looked really worried. I don't know where else to turn.
This thread is now closed. There is no possibility of a lancet being reused, even if someone were "demented" enough to try - it's a physical impossibility as the needle part retracts and can not physically be taken back out.
Thanks,
Emily
******************************** CLOSED THREAD ******************************
NO MORE POSTS, PLEASE
Thanks,
Emily
******************************** CLOSED THREAD ******************************
NO MORE POSTS, PLEASE
I did read what you wrote. I'm sorry I didn't mean to ignore you. But how can that be so. How can a needle-lancet if reused NOT transmit a disease!
If it was used on an HIV+ person there's not way it couldn't. It entered my body! Dammit I never had any other exposures in my life! How can this happen to me! I never did anything to have an exposure, I can't believe this is happening.
If it was used on an HIV+ person there's not way it couldn't. It entered my body! Dammit I never had any other exposures in my life! How can this happen to me! I never did anything to have an exposure, I can't believe this is happening.
I never has anxiety issues up until this point in my life. Hard to believe I know- but I didn't. I've gotten piercings before and all didn't once cross my mind that they would reuse. Now I do this test and I think they reused!
When I sit down and think to myself alone I think to myself-Vanessa someone has to be extrememly demented to not have competence to get a new lancet out. And the staff would have to be demented to not tell me if they knew she was (let's say fired) for doing something wrong in the lab. They wouldn't want to put someone at risk like that of infecting a new baby and her family.
But then the what if comes to follow with me saying well what if the staff doesn't want to lose their jobs and close down the center bc of this. They'd rather save themselves. Thats where the anxiety kicks in.
But then the what if comes to follow with me saying well what if the staff doesn't want to lose their jobs and close down the center bc of this. They'd rather save themselves. Thats where the anxiety kicks in.
I do need a wake up call I am so anxious. I've never felt this before. I can't convince myself otherwise that she reused it and that is why she was let go. They didn't break any law about privacy in this case bc I called to speak to her and they informed me that she no longer worked there.
But I just can't seem to shake it. A few weeks ago I felt great when I went in and she showed me the lancets that were safety's. But then when I went in the second time she said these are the only 2 types we use-these greens and these blues. And the ones she showed the first time werent there. She then said no I showed you these last time and I knew it wasn't those because bc as soon as I got home I researched the name on the box so I remembered it. I just feel like it something there hiding. My husband told me I should forget about it that they've showed me everything and he wants to have unprotected sex but whenever I try I start shaking uncontrollably bc I don't want to harm him- it's sickening!
Don't you think it's strange. That they said the only use 2 kinds yet they don't. And that my GP was worried about them letting the girl go.
But I just can't seem to shake it. A few weeks ago I felt great when I went in and she showed me the lancets that were safety's. But then when I went in the second time she said these are the only 2 types we use-these greens and these blues. And the ones she showed the first time werent there. She then said no I showed you these last time and I knew it wasn't those because bc as soon as I got home I researched the name on the box so I remembered it. I just feel like it something there hiding. My husband told me I should forget about it that they've showed me everything and he wants to have unprotected sex but whenever I try I start shaking uncontrollably bc I don't want to harm him- it's sickening!
Don't you think it's strange. That they said the only use 2 kinds yet they don't. And that my GP was worried about them letting the girl go.
Did you not read what I wrote? You will not have got HIV from this EVEN IF the lancet was re-used (which it wasn't) you are allowing your imagination to run away with you and be ruled by fear, this is not fact. Please I urge you, look at the facts. It is impossible for you to have HIV. Please stop, it is not good for you or your family. STOP.
You are wasting all this time calling these places, badgering the staff, do you not see how irrational you are being? It is quite frankly none of your business why the medical tech was let go, and honestly, you shouldn't have been told that she was anyway.
There are privacy laws, and if that doctor gave you ANY information as to a reason why the girl was terminated, they could be sued. You have no business even asking, it is inappropriate and has nothing to do with you. Put yourself in the shoes of the medical assistant...how would you feel if you found out someone was asking personal questions as to why you were let go from a job??? Your anxious thoughts are spiralling out of control.
You've been told how many times that lancets are NOT reusable. I even tried explaining that even if they WERE, it would not be a mechanism for transmission!!
Your first and ONLY priority at this point should be to seek some professional mental health help to address this majorly out of control anxiety and obsessive thoughts. You can call every hotline and this clinic every day asking questions, and while you may be relieved for a minute or two, the anxiety will return and you will come up with yet another "what if". That's how anxiety works.
PLEASE stop calling the clinic, they have given you more than enough explanations. You need help for your anxiety. Your worries about your baby are misguided...you SHOULD be worried about the potential impact this severe anxiety is having on your pregnancy, not an HIV risk that was never existent in the first place.
I know this sounds harsh...but you need a serious wake up call and obviously no one has gotten thru to you yet. Get off the internet and start calling around to find a therapist. There is nothing more this forum can do for you.
There are privacy laws, and if that doctor gave you ANY information as to a reason why the girl was terminated, they could be sued. You have no business even asking, it is inappropriate and has nothing to do with you. Put yourself in the shoes of the medical assistant...how would you feel if you found out someone was asking personal questions as to why you were let go from a job??? Your anxious thoughts are spiralling out of control.
You've been told how many times that lancets are NOT reusable. I even tried explaining that even if they WERE, it would not be a mechanism for transmission!!
Your first and ONLY priority at this point should be to seek some professional mental health help to address this majorly out of control anxiety and obsessive thoughts. You can call every hotline and this clinic every day asking questions, and while you may be relieved for a minute or two, the anxiety will return and you will come up with yet another "what if". That's how anxiety works.
PLEASE stop calling the clinic, they have given you more than enough explanations. You need help for your anxiety. Your worries about your baby are misguided...you SHOULD be worried about the potential impact this severe anxiety is having on your pregnancy, not an HIV risk that was never existent in the first place.
I know this sounds harsh...but you need a serious wake up call and obviously no one has gotten thru to you yet. Get off the internet and start calling around to find a therapist. There is nothing more this forum can do for you.
You dont have HIV and the only medical profesionals you should be speaking to on this matter are ones that can help you tackle your anxiety.
He also said although a tiny risk for HIV transmission he sees more of a risk for hep by reusing not just a lancet but a needle. He said even in a hospital if they reuse it although possible HIV can be transmitted that he sees hep being transmitted more. He also said that almost all medical supplies not just lancets have safety mechanisms on them so that they can't injure staff or be reused.
I called the HIV hotline-their awesome too. I spoke to the guy there he said DUO is not offered here or atleast as far as he knows. He said it sounds like I'm talking about ELISA and he said that conclusive is at 3 months.
He then asked me to explain why I thought I needed to be tested. So I told him he story. At first he said that would never happen then I told him the girl being let go and all else. He said listen the reuse of the lancet doesn't really concern me that much but that If I wanted piece of mind for the girl being let go that maybe I should contact my OB and see if she's a doc they could tell her. So I did she said no they wouldn't. So I called the VP of medical services for the pph. She explained to me that it had NOTHING to do with negligence in her being a medical assistant. That if it was bc of that she would have to have told me or else she could lose her job. She said she wouldn't lie to me. That I had to accept the facts that they ONLY use safety lancets there. So this is where I am at- after speaking to the hotline. He explained to me that he hasn't seen reuseable lancets since he used to teach about medical supplies and that was 10+ years ago. He said that the reusable one he saw 10+ years ago was ones that were wrapped in paper cover and were exposed he said he knows of NONE that can be reused. They are all disposable one time use- wouldn't work again-in a medical office/clinic.
He as well as the VP lady i spoke to both said that they both thought I should test just so I can stop driving myself crazy but that everything would stay the same-negative. She said just test now at another clinic if I wanted and he said I still need to wait 3 months or else I'd be a waste of money.
He then asked me to explain why I thought I needed to be tested. So I told him he story. At first he said that would never happen then I told him the girl being let go and all else. He said listen the reuse of the lancet doesn't really concern me that much but that If I wanted piece of mind for the girl being let go that maybe I should contact my OB and see if she's a doc they could tell her. So I did she said no they wouldn't. So I called the VP of medical services for the pph. She explained to me that it had NOTHING to do with negligence in her being a medical assistant. That if it was bc of that she would have to have told me or else she could lose her job. She said she wouldn't lie to me. That I had to accept the facts that they ONLY use safety lancets there. So this is where I am at- after speaking to the hotline. He explained to me that he hasn't seen reuseable lancets since he used to teach about medical supplies and that was 10+ years ago. He said that the reusable one he saw 10+ years ago was ones that were wrapped in paper cover and were exposed he said he knows of NONE that can be reused. They are all disposable one time use- wouldn't work again-in a medical office/clinic.
He as well as the VP lady i spoke to both said that they both thought I should test just so I can stop driving myself crazy but that everything would stay the same-negative. She said just test now at another clinic if I wanted and he said I still need to wait 3 months or else I'd be a waste of money.
I'm afraid of ever going to a pph again. Although the manager has been helpful it's all just a scary experience. I spoke to a few pph's in regards to the lancet and they all said they use Oraquick at that time. I'll try the hotline tomorrow morning. My baby doesn't deserve this stress-I know. If all goes well I hope he/she won't turn out a worrier like I am.
You need to call around to your local planned parenthood type clinics to find out where the duo is offered. You may also be able to call your local HIV hotline for resources.
With all due respect, you need to get a grip on this and see a professional about your anxiety. You are worried about a nonexistant risk, when meanwhile the extreme stress you are putting on yourself is no good for you being pregnant!!!
With all due respect, you need to get a grip on this and see a professional about your anxiety. You are worried about a nonexistant risk, when meanwhile the extreme stress you are putting on yourself is no good for you being pregnant!!!
You cannot get HIV from a lancet. It is a solid needle and not hollow bore and therefore cannot transmit HIV, any virus would have been exposed to the environment.
Any blood on a lancet would be so minimal as not to be a concern and the lancet prick would be nowhere near deep enough to reach the appropriate cells, in time to infect.
Your symptoms are nothing like ars.
You will not have HIV from this incident. Fear is not scientific fact.
Any blood on a lancet would be so minimal as not to be a concern and the lancet prick would be nowhere near deep enough to reach the appropriate cells, in time to infect.
Your symptoms are nothing like ars.
You will not have HIV from this incident. Fear is not scientific fact.
I know nursegirl I know. I'm sorry. My GP made it even worse by everything he said. He never once said I was being irrational he actually fed more into it stating I should test and looked worried about that possibility of course he said I have my family to think about. I am totally beating myself up over this 100%. I know he is not a HIV expert but shouldn't he be educated in this stuff!
And in regards to what rainlover said, for piece of mind do you know where I can get a DUO test? I can't find it.
God I am shaking from head to toe just thinking about testing.
And in regards to what rainlover said, for piece of mind do you know where I can get a DUO test? I can't find it.
God I am shaking from head to toe just thinking about testing.
I only have one comment, because frankly, this is getting way out of hand, between these posts and the PM's.
You keep beating yourself up over not asking for the lancet to be "opened" in front of you. They are not packaged individually!!! They come in a big box and the tip that contains the sharp instrument is covered with a plastic cap. That's it.
Your doctor is not an HIV expert and is completely wrong both in the info he gave you (10%????) and also because he didn't address your anxiety and irrational thinking.
Test for peace of mind and then be done with it. You do NOT have HIV. I'll bet your entire bank account against mine.
You keep beating yourself up over not asking for the lancet to be "opened" in front of you. They are not packaged individually!!! They come in a big box and the tip that contains the sharp instrument is covered with a plastic cap. That's it.
Your doctor is not an HIV expert and is completely wrong both in the info he gave you (10%????) and also because he didn't address your anxiety and irrational thinking.
Test for peace of mind and then be done with it. You do NOT have HIV. I'll bet your entire bank account against mine.
I live in Australia but I know you have DUO tests in the US.Maybe your doctor can assist.Ring the Mass Hotline and ask them.
I didn't know such thing existed but I can't find anyone that does it. Do you know anywhere??
It looks for both p24 antigen and antibodies,thats why it's an excellent test.If it doesn't find one it will find the other or both.In AUS and the UK we have had the DUO for years,In the US it was only approved in 2010.It should be the test of choise in the US aswell.
I just tried searching it. I cannot find anywhere that does it :( is it like a rapid where results are same day?
YES,you just have to locate a clinic that does.It is an excellent test and I suggest you take the test so that you and your family will have peace of mind.It will be negative.
I doubt they will tell you anything but like I said you really should put this all behind you and to stress further is not good for your baby.An HIV DUO test is considered conclusive anytime after 4 weeks,say the expert doctors.If you really can't shake this fear and it would give you peace of mind then take the DUO.
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