Hi. After being sick for a few days, I went to the dr and I have pneumonia!!! I was told by my doctor that I will be ok. It is not HIV symptoms, etc. I guess my mind is working overtime and I am flipping out? Should I be concerned? I am the dental assistant who asked you questions a few weeks ago. remember me? I have been married for 17 years, no cheating, no drug use, etc.

Please ease my mind

Haley

Dear mom: Some people just get pneumonia and it totally not related to HIV. Congratulation! You got it! I've re-read your posts and it still appears that you have no risk given the situation you described: the instruments were cleaned. You seemed to only a 'graze' from the needle (right?) without bleeding or tearing of the skin. HIV does not like water or any temp and cleaning anything that might contain the virus would reduce the virus to being impotent (stupid word, huh?)

Have you really discussed these fears and concerns with your doctor. He/she needs to be aware of your fears in order to 1) calm your fears and help you understand the nature of the HIV virus and 2) understand that this is significant issue for his patient. Let me know what else is going on.

I still think you're OK. I have a doctor with whom I work very closely. She has been married for years and had pneumonia a month ago. She never onces asked me if I thought she was HIV+. IT is just our natures to, sometimes, be overly cautious. chris

Hi Chris
Yes, the instruments were put in the initial ultrasound machine in some kind of enzymatic solution for about 5 minutes. Then I removed the basket and rinsed the items. They were getting bagged to go into the autoclave when I pierced the glove and scraped my finger. It looked like a small paper cut if that was even the spot. I also had an incident where the solution splashed me in the face-possibly a bit near or in the eye after removing items that were cleaned for the 5 minutes.
I have a history with this doctor and he knows all of my fears. He is wonderful and has to swear up and down that i am ok. He he. really it is a problem. It must be exhausting for him as it is exhausting for me. I was out in the rain a week ago and it was cold. I got soaked and a lady yelled at me that I was going to get sick. I knew it would come back to haunt me.
I was tested in 2000 for HIV when I had my last child as it is the regular protocol. My husband and I are faithful so I have no worries there. My hubby donates blood on a regular basis as well so I know he is fine.

thanks so much Chris. I know my fears are invalid at times but sometimes it gets the best of me.
Haley

Dear mom: it seems as though with you wonderful doctor, your great husband, and all the good things that you have going for you, you have a great life. PLease don't waste precious time on things that don't matter and this, dear heart, does not matter. You are OK! OK?

Now, just one more thing. You have an great gift in communicating your concerns and anxieties and they will be of such value to the "new kids on the block" who become wrapped in the same fears you experience. PLease, be there for them, OK? chris

thanks Chris.
I will most certainly stick around. You and so many others have been so helpful. Yes, i do wish everybody could have a wonderful doctor and my husband is great sometimes too!!! Your wife is pretty lucky herself.

Haley