Thursday, January 20, 2011

needle stick emergency

For the past two weeks I've been working the 12 hour night shift in the ER (and on Monday afternoons I've still be working at our clinic for 5 hours...and on Wednesday mornings I still have 5 hours of didactics...yes...those are two days a week of 17 hours days...yes I have big bags under my eyes and I'm slightly more grouchy than normal.)

Except...I like the ER.  It is exciting...and crazy...and an awful lot like how they make it look on TV.  I've treated everything from a 98 year old man to a 1 month old baby.  I've sutured up hockey puck lacerations to the face, infected abscess formations, and set broken arms.  I diagnosed an intracranial hemorrhage and cared for numerous elderly fall victims (and a couple snowboarding injuries).  Not to mention the two attempted suicide patients I treated, or that stab victim.  There was even a case of meningitis...though (thankfully!) the Attendings wouldn't let me work on that one.  There are lots of codes...those are scary and I hate them.  And lots of trauma, and lots of psych issues (sometimes I have security officers escorting me with patients!!)  It's a hodge podge of nutso nights... and I rather enjoy it the fast pace of it all.  (As you can imagine, I'm tired all the time and can't catch up on my sleep...though I'm hanging in there pretty good for a lady who's 8 months pregnant!)

Tonight.  However.  I am the one with the emergency.  I got stuck with a dirty needle in the OR.  I was fine until I sat down to dictate the case and then I started crying.  I'm pregnant for goodness sake...the safety of my baby is all I could think about.  She is probably fine...but it's gotten me all worked up and freaking out.  I have to go in for counseling tomorrow about HIV, AIDS and Hep C... I better take a box of kleenix...I'm going to be a wreck.

Prayers would be awesome right now friends....will clearly keep you updated.

18 comments:

  1. Oh gosh that is horrible. I'm sure everything will be okay though!

    Sending you positive thoughts from Australia!

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  2. yikes girl...that sucks.

    nothing is going to stop your mind from racing, but rember the facts. if it was a suture needle and not a hollow bore, your risk of contracting anything is pretty low.

    i'm sending good vibes your way, for you and your precious cargo..

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  3. Hang in there Jes - I'm sure everything is going to be all right for you and the little one!

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  4. You are in my thoughts, as always. I'm sending positive thoughts and a cyberhug your way.

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  5. That's terrible! Very very scary! I'm sure everything will be fine though for you and your little girl. Let us know ASAP when you know things are alright.

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  6. Im sure everything will be Ok so stay positive! Ill be sending you positive thoughts!

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  7. Oh, wow. I'm sending positive thoughts your way!!

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  8. How scary, Jes! I just prayed for you and your sweet babe.

    Also - your description of the ER does sound exciting! Look at you - you're a bona-fide lifesaver!

    stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

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  9. YOU are definitely in my prayers. ugh...i'm so sorry!

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  10. woops...that comment above is supposed to be me! i was signed in as my hubby!

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  11. I will definitely pray for you especially for your peace of mind. I am a worrier. It happened to my mom and my policeman friend and a couple of nurse friends. I've never known anyone infected that way though. Don't they usually screen the patient that the needle came from? My friend was a police officer and was actually stabbed by an HIV infected person and after 6 months they cleared him - HIV free! So no matter what keep the faith.

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  12. I hope it's just a scare!!! Take care of yourself and the baby - all the best to your family!!!

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  13. Oh no, that's so scary but I'm 100% SURE you and your wee one will be alright! Lots of love to you guys!

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  14. Heavy sigh. When will you know? Prayers coming your way.

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  15. Oh no! Thinking about the three of you Jes, and hoping that everything will turn out fine!

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  16. Praying for you and baby's health and safety today ... fear can grip you, but faith will sustain you.


    xo

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  17. Oh my...thinking of you and the little one, Jess. Lots of positive vibes, thoughts, and prayers heading your way.

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  18. I'm sending some super happy and sunny thoughts your way lady. I'm sure everything's fine, keep your chin up. Lots of love and hugs to you both xxx

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