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Author Topic: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?  (Read 26969 times)

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Offline milker

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If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« on: June 23, 2007, 11:25:40 pm »
I was reading Blixer's experience with his bike and was wondering, if someone was rushing to help me while I was bleeding, if I would say something like "be careful, I'm HIV+". I doubt I would say it like this, but then again.

Have you had a situation where blood was involved and you had to say something to warn the person?

Also, if you have an emergency, do you tell your status?

Milker.
« Last Edit: June 23, 2007, 11:27:57 pm by milker »
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline Basquo

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2007, 11:59:03 pm »
I can see how someone wouldn't want to tell in either case, but personally I would, and do. I work in a hospital, and since it's expensive to insure healthcare workers (therefore expensive to us) we tend to help each other out.  I get copies of a nurse's record for her, and later I go to her to dress a nasty cut.  I ask her to wear gloves and I tell her why.

But even so I've made exceptions the other way--like the Occupational Health Nurse who never wears gloves when she's administering a TB test.  I figure she can make that decision for herself.  Of course, if there was a needlestick injury, I'd disclose.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2007, 03:57:53 am »
Yes, you tell. Working as a Paramedic, I was always glad, when I was told up front, eventhough universal percaution was always used it's not the same out in a field being helped by a good Samaritan.

Offline DanielMark

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2007, 05:49:59 am »
Milker,

I would say that depends on the situation.

In 2003 I was a passenger in a car that was hit at a high rate of speed with enough force that I ended up with a large gash on my forehead. When the paramedics arrived, my first thought was to tell them of my status, and I did. They were of course already wearing gloves but there was so much blood everywhere that I wanted it clearly known despite their precautions.

On the other hand, when I had blood drawn for my semi annual tests in early June, the lab technician didn’t have gloves on and I didn’t say anything since it was obvious why I was there.

Daniel
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Offline Dragonette

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2007, 06:50:49 am »
I would and until now always told in the Netherlands where I have never had any problems. I would not tell in places where people would gossip or discriminate. Like my homeland. If something happened to me there I would probabaly avoid the hospital. It's just not worth it. I don't even want to think about that I hate the system there, there are some good staff but many who should not be in the field at all. 

BTW the nurses here taking blood often don't wear gloves even when they see HIV-related tests.
"If you keep one foot in yesterday, and one in tomorrow, you piss all over today". Betty Tacy

Offline mjmel

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2007, 07:09:00 am »
There are procedures and precautions in place for EM workers/technicians/nurses/doctors. But...I'd still inform (if I'm conscious) because it's the right thing to do.
Like Daniel, I had a lab tech draw my blood without gloves. I mentioned it to the doc on my follow-up visit. (This was a specialist; not my regular doc) He promptly wrote her up! I felt badly for her because I had hoped he would have only reprimanded her. So I asked why and he said that as the co-owner of the clinic, he has liabilities to protect. She was putting herself at risk and possibly others she drew blood from.
xxx,
Mike

Offline camille07

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2007, 09:07:00 am »
I would definitely let anyone who is touching me with and there might be an issue of blood.   Isn't it their right to know in order for them to take any extra precautions.

This may sound crazy but I carry around an extra pair of latex gloves in case I was bit at the dog park or in an accident and need a friend to help patch me up. 


Offline Carolann

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2007, 09:33:46 am »
I think that all healthcare professionals know that they need to take universal precautions as part of their training. At my blood draws, the nurse always wears gloves. They do so anytime they have to use needles, or bodily fluids are involved. This is sanitary for the client, the nurse, and other patients.

I do not have a problem telling a professional that I am HIV positive, when it is relevant to their safety or my health. If I had an accident at work, I would find a way to protect others without disclosing my HIV status, because this is still a private matter for me. In this day and a age, I still fear discrimination and stigma from hosting the critter. I think that anyone who is in any helping profession receives training on Universal Precautions in California, do not know about other states.

CA

Offline Life

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2007, 10:18:08 am »
I do EMT work at one of my jobs and universal precautions are just part of the routine, even down to applying a band aid.   That goes for all the guys I work with who are not hiv pos....  I have thought about what I would say if I had a bleed on me personally.   I would tell them to use UP on me before they touch me.   I don't know if I would point blank tell them Im positive, but I think they would put two and two together..

Eric

Offline Nico

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2007, 11:02:05 am »
Fortunately I have not been placed in a situation where I would need to make a decision to disclose, however if it was going to place someone in danger, I would warn them.  I tend to be overprotective even with my doc and her nurses.  I always remove my IVs when finished, put on my own bandages and throw the anything with blood in the hazard bin.  I have one nurse who does not like to wear gloves when drawing blood or inserting my IV.  I simply tell her she is not touching me until she slips on her latex.  She thinks I'm a bitch and I think she's an ass. 

Rog
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Offline bocker3

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2007, 11:18:46 am »
When I read this, my first thought was that, of course, I would disclose.  Then I thought a little more -- why would I disclose??  Do I want them to take "extra precautions" with me?  That seems a bit dangerous -- they should be using Universal Precautions on everyone, all the time.  As we all know, many people do not their true status, so relying on a disclosure to be "extra careful" is not a good idea.  Now it is quite different if we are talking about non-medical folks helping in an emergency -- they don't have UP on their minds and some form of disclosure is definitely warranted.
Having said all this, I probably would still disclose to a medical person -- it is important that they have a complete history for MY benefit -- what if I were to become unconscious and/or hospitalized.  I would want them to know I have a condition that requires medication.

Mike

Offline cjc

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2007, 11:47:05 am »
Hello, very interesting question . I had to think on it because my first reaction was of course  but that is not always the case.  If I was in an accident and was having to be treated by emergency services, yes, I would disclose. If I am in the doctor's office and they went to draw my blood without gloves, I would ask them to put some on, I have done this before. At home, my family knows if I am bleeding, Don't touch me, I will handle it myself and if I can't, call an ambulance. now work is a different matter. I have cut myself many times, slicing lemons or whatever, I tell them I have it covered if they try to help. Also, I throw away whatever it was I happened to bleed on, but would have done that anyway.  So , it all depends on the situation.  Good question.    Cristy

Offline Bucko

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2007, 01:09:45 pm »
I contemplated this while having a cigarette, trying to come up with a single instance where it would not be to the advantage of both me and the attending professional to be aware of my status and failed to come up with a single scenario.

I have had the misfortune of being taken to an ER by ambulance on more than one occasion, though never for anything bloody. I always disclosed.

As near as I can remember, every time I've disclosed to a medical professional I've been thanked but reminded that Universal Precautions render such disclosure unnecessary.

Brent
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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #13 on: June 24, 2007, 01:12:20 pm »
And Bucko, what about the "general public", let's say you've had a bike accident, you're bleeding, someone is helping you to stop the bleeding.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline Bucko

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2007, 02:22:59 pm »
And Bucko, what about the "general public", let's say you've had a bike accident, you're bleeding, someone is helping you to stop the bleeding.

Milker.

I would inform the Samaritan immediately if I were conscious, Milkie. But I don't suffer the same horror of disclosure as you.

The risks might be small or non-existent (depending on the particulars), but anyone performing such an act of kindness should be shown such consideration in my opinion.

Brent
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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #15 on: June 24, 2007, 02:57:07 pm »
I would inform the Samaritan immediately if I were conscious, Milkie. But I don't suffer the same horror of disclosure as you.
:D :D :D
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #16 on: June 24, 2007, 03:30:48 pm »
As long as HIV+ folk continue to live in fear because of their HIV+ status, we continue to help perpetuate the very stigma that we find abhorrent.

So in answer to your question Milker, yes I would tell. Just as I would tell if I had cancer or diabetes or epilepsy et al. I tell family and friends. I tell doctors, nurses and dentists. And I would tell a stranger if the circumstances were about what is in the best interest of my health and if they had to take extra precautions.

It took me a while to get here but I feel no shame about being HIV+, so I don't act as if I do.   

Now may I pose a question to you: How are we supposed to get the message across to others that being HIV+ is nothing to be ashamed of if we don't believe it and act accordingly ourselves?

Melia
« Last Edit: June 24, 2007, 03:44:20 pm by sweetasmeli »
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Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #17 on: June 24, 2007, 04:11:23 pm »
The Emergency Department at our hospital has it flagged on the computer that I have Advanced HIV Disease and an updated list of all the medication that I take and what I'm allergic to. So if I'm brought in unconscious, they have all the information needed. The local fire department here that runs our EMS also knows. It also states in my hospital documentation to stabilize and immediate transfer to the University of Cincinnati and my Dr's Names. This is really not for their benefit, but for mine. Sometimes living in a small rural town has it's advantages.

Offline Mouse

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #18 on: June 24, 2007, 04:17:03 pm »
I've never been in a situation where people didn't already know (like as far as getting blood drawn and stuff). If I was injured or something and I needed help from somebody and there was blood involved, I guess I wouldn't have an issue with disclosing but I also don't see how it would help either of us. If it was bad enough where I needed to be taken to the hospital, either they'd already be aware or they would be told.

I guess I'm not in a great place to reply to something like this because I hardly ever get to speak for myself (being underage and all). Not that I have an issue with doing that, it's just that usually before I get a chance to say anything one of my parents is already babbling away (in healthcare situations and stuff). I wouldn't feel an obligation to tell any random person that helped me if it wasn't serious or if they were helping me to get more help if it WERE serious, because I don't see how I would put them at any risk.

Eh. It's not that I'm afraid to or anything, I just don't see how it'd be of any relevance. So I get bit by a dog or something, someone helps me stop the bleeding and gets me bandaged up. So what?

Offline bear60

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #19 on: June 24, 2007, 04:22:33 pm »
Unfortunately I have been in a situation where I was transported to the emergency room after I was mugged and struck by a pistol on the forehead, breaking open my skin and sending blood spraying everywhere.
I immediately told the ER personnel I was HIV poz when I arrived there.. But had I been unconscuious...well....they would have been on their own.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline mjmel

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #20 on: June 24, 2007, 04:34:58 pm »
I've never been in a situation where people didn't already know (like as far as getting blood drawn and stuff). If I was injured or something and I needed help from somebody and there was blood involved, I guess I wouldn't have an issue with disclosing but I also don't see how it would help either of us. If it was bad enough where I needed to be taken to the hospital, either they'd already be aware or they would be told.

I guess I'm not in a great place to reply to something like this because I hardly ever get to speak for myself (being underage and all). Not that I have an issue with doing that, it's just that usually before I get a chance to say anything one of my parents is already babbling away (in healthcare situations and stuff). I wouldn't feel an obligation to tell any random person that helped me if it wasn't serious or if they were helping me to get more help if it WERE serious, because I don't see how I would put them at any risk.

Eh. It's not that I'm afraid to or anything, I just don't see how it'd be of any relevance. So I get bit by a dog or something, someone helps me stop the bleeding and gets me bandaged up. So what?

Senario: So you just been mauled by a pit bull (while delivering newspapers after school) and there is blood all over your arms and on one of your legs has a bad gash. A neighborhood resident witness the ordeal and is helping you bandage up your wounds till medics get there but you notice he's got a bandaid on his hand. He cut himself yesterday on a window pane, which he shattered when he tried to pry open a stuck window, and his wound is still fresh and has not sealed yet. This person helping you runs the risk of infection.

xxx,
Mike
« Last Edit: June 24, 2007, 04:36:40 pm by mjmel »

Offline Mouse

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #21 on: June 24, 2007, 05:11:16 pm »
Senario: So you just been mauled by a pit bull (while delivering newspapers after school) and there is blood all over your arms and on one of your legs has a bad gash. A neighborhood resident witness the ordeal and is helping you bandage up your wounds till medics get there but you notice he's got a bandaid on his hand. He cut himself yesterday on a window pane, which he shattered when he tried to pry open a stuck window, and his wound is still fresh and has not sealed yet. This person helping you runs the risk of infection.

xxx,
Mike


Perhaps in some parallel universe where everything is run on the logic made popular by the Am I Infected? forum this would concern me.

Offline sdcabincrew74

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #22 on: June 24, 2007, 06:16:38 pm »
If it is a situation, such as, I cut myself at work, where I do not WANT to disclose, I would be like "hey, that is blood, be careful, you never know"  Kind of reminding them of the universal precaution training we all go through.  If it is a medical professional I will just say "hey I am poz".  If I am knocked out, well, they are on their own.
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Offline xyahka

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #23 on: June 24, 2007, 08:57:23 pm »
Well, i find it important to say it. In some cases if we would have been told about the HIV status of a person, we would not be here.... off course this does not always refers only to injures or health care but other situations too.

Here in my country  at the Hospital I attend they withdraw blood to an average of 200 people on daily basis. I have been there twice.. first time the person knew he was taking a cd4 test, he was wearing gloves anyway so i didn't mention it. Second time this other person was not wearing gloves and i told him... "this is going to be for a CD4 test, isn't it?" Off course i knew it was for a CD4 test, but i wanted to empathize him to be careful. He answered: yes. He took the blood and use an portion of cottom bigger than normal on my arm (not too big, just bigger than normal). I felt ok, he was not at risk... now if he would have not been looking at me with sad eyes.....

So well, i always disclose when meeting Drs, ID or dermathologist (the only i have seen in looooooooong time... cause i usually never got sick... until now)

Juan Carlos
« Last Edit: December 12, 2009, 05:44:14 pm by Andy Velez »
13/03/07 1er diagnóstico /Peso: 79kg
19/04/07 CD4: 494 /CViral: ?? /Peso: 80kg
19/07/07 CD4: 659 /CViral: ?? /Peso: 79.5kg
06/03/08 CD4: 573 (después de meses muy deprimido) /CViral: ?? /Peso: 79kg
17/09/08 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 84Kg
06/02/09 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 85Kg /HCV: Neg /HBV: Neg.
07/03/09 CD4: ?? /CViral: ?? /Peso: 87Kg / Gym 3días/semana y Natación 2días/semana.
12/05/09 CD4: 470 /Cviral: ?? /Peso: 87Kg.
08/07/09 CD4: ? /CViral: ? /Peso: 77Kg.
09/12/09 CD4: 510 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg. No medicinas aún
10/01/10 CD4: ? /CViral: ? /Peso: 76Kg.
15/05/10 CD4: 320 /CViral: ? /Peso: 76Kg.
01/02/11 CD4: 291 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg.
05/05/11 CD4: 366 /CViral: ? /Peso: 78kg.
27/07/11 CD4: 255 /CViral: 138000 /Peso: 78kg.

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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #24 on: June 24, 2007, 09:06:15 pm »
Now may I pose a question to you: How are we supposed to get the message across to others that being HIV+ is nothing to be ashamed of if we don't believe it and act accordingly ourselves?

Melia, there is no question I disclose to health professionals, I've told my dentist and if I come to a situation where I get to the emergency before they can look at my file, I will tell them, that's no contest with me.

My question was more related to the kind of situation that mjmel described, where there is a good amount of blood and there is a real risk. I like sdcabincrew's answer: hey be careful, it's blood, get some protection. I guess I don't want people to run away if I say i'm HIV+ and needing their help !!

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline sdcabincrew74

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #25 on: June 24, 2007, 10:12:48 pm »
Unfortunately, in my job, I get to deal with all kinds of crap, from puke, to cuts, and various other things that a sky-mattress should never have to deal with.  I always use the same protection, I even tell them, hold on, I need to get my gloves and crap and say "nothing personal, you can never be too careful, which they agree"  I am telling you, the "hey watch it, that is blood, puke, semen, etc, get your gloves" always covers it when you do not want to disclose.
« Last Edit: June 24, 2007, 10:15:24 pm by sdcabincrew74 »
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #26 on: June 25, 2007, 12:39:17 am »
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Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #27 on: June 25, 2007, 01:29:21 am »
My question was more related to the kind of situation that mjmel described, where there is a good amount of blood and there is a real risk. I like sdcabincrew's answer: hey be careful, it's blood, get some protection. I guess I don't want people to run away if I say i'm HIV+ and needing their help !!

That's my point. If we continue to behave as though people should run away from us because of our HIV+ status, then people will continue to run away from us. So, as daunting a prospect as it may be, isn't it up to us (the ones with the knowledge and understanding about HIV) to start breaking the vicious circle?

Melia
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Offline frenchpat

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #28 on: June 25, 2007, 05:21:12 am »
Quote
I had a lab tech draw my blood without gloves
Quote
At my blood draws, the nurse always wears gloves.
Quote
I simply tell her she is not touching me until she slips on her latex.

Slightly puzzled here:

I understand the need for Emergency crews to wear gloves at all times. My dentist wears them too and I disclosed on first appointment. I would disclose to any one trying to help were I to bleed badly.

But I fail to see the logic in insisting that a lab technician or nurse  wear gloves for something as simple as drawing blood; assuming that we are talking about healthy individuals who come for their regular lab draw, I fail to see where the risk is.

We are constantly reminded, in forums like "Am I infected?", that copious amounts of blood, wound to wound rubbing and other gory actions need to be taken for contamination to occur outside the body. Perhaps those nurses and paramedics amongst us could clarify this?

Out of the many times I had to give some blood for testing only twice did the person wear gloves. On these two occasions I noticed they were uncomfortable with me and performed the worse jabs I've had in years, and with lipo, finding the vein is not a problem.
When this happened I changed labs. I've had plenty of good experiences with well trained, informed people who do not treat me as a time bomb but as a human being they do not need to fear.

Pat


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Offline Dachshund

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #29 on: June 25, 2007, 07:18:37 am »
Latex ain't gonna stop a needle stick.

Offline David_CA

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #30 on: June 25, 2007, 08:19:31 am »
Latex ain't gonna stop a needle stick.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  One individual (an RN) told me that latex was more likely to 'snag' a needle if they accidentally came in contact. 

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Offline Coffeechick88

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #31 on: June 25, 2007, 08:24:46 am »
--Technically a person can draw blood without gloves and be just fine.  Gloves will not stop a needle stick and as long as the person sanitizes their hands properly, they aren't in grave danger to themselves or to the patient if they don't glove up during a blood draw.  I have been stuck with a needle twice and gloves didn't help me one bit.  It is a JCAHO requirement, though.  I have a much harder time feeling for veins through a latex barrier, so I often find myself popping out a finger of the glove anyway, but patients do complain and freak out, so I don't take them completely off usually.  I would rather not stick patients a ton of times.  And since it has gotten around my previous life in the ER, I sometimes get conned into starting IVs for the nurses as well, so especially if it is a hard stick or the person has nothing or if it is one of the babies, I make sure I can feel as well as possible.  
--As to the first question, it depends on the situation.  In the health care setting, there is no need for me to tell every single health care worker because of universal precautions.  If they are involved in my care and have a need to know, then sure I tell them.  In real life, outside of the hospital, I would tell.  The general public isn't trained in the proper precautions and I wouldn't want to expose them needlessly.  I try to bandage myself up and clean my own blood up when I can.
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Offline jack

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #32 on: June 25, 2007, 08:29:41 am »
I always tell medical professionals of my status.  My first trip to an emergency room was in 1990, I told then, and I have everytime since then. I have found those people treat you with respect for having the decency and courage to alert them. You are treating them the same way you would want to be treated,if you were in their position.
If someone did have a problem with it, I would be out of there,but to date, I have found only compassion,interest,and complete professionalism on the part of those in the medical community, from the person who answers the phone to the doctor.

Offline Dachshund

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #33 on: June 25, 2007, 08:30:59 am »
Sorry to get a bit off topic but gloves should always be worn by lab technicians to prevent cross infections and in reality is more for my benefit than the health care worker. Common sense should dictate disclosure in other scenarios.

Offline Carolann

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #34 on: June 25, 2007, 10:02:21 am »
By not letting everyone know of my status does not mean that I am ashamed of being a carrier. I simply am aware of the climate of discrimination still alive and well at my workplace. At this point, it is not worth going through the trauma of a disclosure. It has nothing to do with my ability to perform my job duties. Disclosure is something very personal and those that do not engage in it for various reasons should not be made to feel badly about it as the environment is different for each person.

I would disclose anytime anyone would be in danger of becoming infected. But like the Stella storyline, just because there is blood does not mean there is real danger. If anytime there is blood involved requires disclosure, then we might as well wear a medic alert bracelet, or a hazzardous materials tattoo on our forehead. As far as I know, I have not heard of any good Summaritan ever having contracted this disease by helping someone. If anyone has any information on this I would really like to know. The good Summaritan Law, in this state says that you are never to put yourself at risk to help someone, but rather do everything you can do without putting yourself or the victim in  danger.

Doctors and healthcare workers are at a higher risk and there have been cases of both being infected doing their work, though very rare. Unfortunately, gloves will not help with a strong needle stick. In my case, my status is already in the computer when I go get services, so no I do not anounce it everytime I am there.

CA

Offline Central79

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #35 on: June 25, 2007, 12:25:15 pm »
Latex gloves obviously don't stop needlesticks - the rationale for health care workers to wear them is that they've been shown to reduce the amount of blood going through the glove by about 75%, which reduces the risk of infection to the HCW in the event of needlestick. I've not read any research that demonstrates people are more likely to stick themselves wearing gloves than without. IMHO a HCW who doesn't wear gloves is being unprofessional.

I would always disclose to a HCW my HIV status in an emergency. That's not too tough - although this thread scared the crap out of me:

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=13133.0

I wish I'd been on a placement in Barnet A+E to help out. And the periodic stories of paramedics who won't take positive people, or resuscitate them, scares me too. I'd still disclose, and then make a lot of noise afterwards if things didn't work out.

I think with good samaritans it's harder to disclose. I remember falling off my bike at night and cutting my hand open a few months after diagnosis. There was a lot of blood and I remember going home and getting pretty upset over it - I didn't even want to go to the hospital. I was glad nobody had stopped to help.

It's a crappy feeling. I guess if I fell off my bike now in the daytime and people rushed to help I'd ask them not to touch my injury - if pressed I'd probably say I had hepatitis or something until the ambulance arrived - there's just less stigma attached. It's horrible thinking about this stuff when you're cycling around London... I guess it's just one of the myriad of ways HIV affects our lives.

Matt.

(who can suture very small).
« Last Edit: June 25, 2007, 12:31:05 pm by Matt Mee »
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Offline mjmel

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #36 on: June 25, 2007, 12:32:22 pm »
Matt Mee wrote: "(who can suture very small)."

Can you tie a one handed knot, Matt?
xxx,
Mike

Offline Central79

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #37 on: June 25, 2007, 12:49:02 pm »
No I can't! I'm not likely going to ever have to learn now - that's very much a surgical thing, being able to tie a knot one-handed in the bottom of an egg cup!

I remember reading an article interviewing a TV chef over here, who was married to a surgeon. She said they used to go out for drives and he would drape one arm around her. When she'd get home she'd find he'd covered one side of her head in knots of hair!

Diagnosed January 2006
26/1/06 - 860 (22%), VL > 500,000
24/4/06 - 820 (24.6%), VL 158,000
13/7/06 - 840 (22%), VL 268,000
1/11/06 - 680 (21%), VL 93,100
29/1/07 - 1,020 (27.5%), VL 46,500
15/5/07 - 1,140 (22.8%), VL not done.
13/10/07 - 759 (23.2%), VL 170,000
6/11/07 - 630 (25%), VL 19,324
14/1/08 - 650 (21%), VL 16,192
15/4/08 - 590 (21%), VL 40, 832

Offline Christine

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #38 on: June 25, 2007, 06:48:28 pm »
Yes I would tell. In my opinion, in order to receive the best medical care at that moment, the medical people need to know my health history. I am on a lot of meds, and have many allergies. I don't want to be given a medication that could have a serious reaction.

Christine
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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #39 on: June 25, 2007, 07:06:25 pm »
I don't want to be given a medication that could have a serious reaction.

Oh thanks Christine for reminding about meds/reaction, as this is very important! Usually they ask if you're allergic to something but it's a lot better to tell what meds you're taking!

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Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #40 on: June 25, 2007, 08:29:07 pm »
Matt Mee wrote: "(who can suture very small)."

Can you tie a one handed knot, Matt?
xxx,
Mike

Mike, I can suture one handed, but I have used two hands to knot gut sutures. It really depends on what type of suturing I'm doing and the size.  ;) In the morgue I always use two hand knots to finish loop stiching.

Offline dtwpuck

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #41 on: June 25, 2007, 08:52:18 pm »
I was in shock when I hit a pothole on my bike and fell off an overpass onto the road below.  I had many  broken bones and a lot of blood.  I frankly wasn't in any position to ponder the ethical ramifications of whether or not I should disclose.  All I wanted was for the pain to stop.  I think that we can ponder this forever.. but the very nature of a medical emergency is such that the person being cared for is not always in a position to check off all the appropriate right things to be done.  There are standards and procedures for medical professionals to use when dealing with any situation where there is blood involved.  I suppose if you can disclose, you should.  But, really, I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. 
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Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #42 on: June 26, 2007, 03:32:07 am »
By not letting everyone know of my status does not mean that I am ashamed of being a carrier. I simply am aware of the climate of discrimination still alive and well at my workplace......Disclosure is something very personal and those that do not engage in it for various reasons should not be made to feel badly about it as the environment is different for each person.

I may be wrong (please correct me if I am) but I am presuming that this part of your post was partly in response to my post. I guess when I wrote "I feel no shame" in my original post here, I could have been more general and said something along the lines of "I feel in no way uncomfortable" or the like.

My remark that HIV+ folk help perpetuate the stigma against themselves by not disclosing is in no way meant to make people feel bad. I'm just pointing something out for how it is. I guess where I'm going with that line of thought is: If we don't like the way we are stigmatized then we should be a part of the change we wish to see. If we are not prepared to be a part of that change, then in developed countries we really have no place complaining about the stigma.

And yes, you are correct, disclosure is something very personal, which should be done only if/when an individual is ready. But if they never feel ready, they shouldn't really complain about 'having to hide'. We are all free to live as we wish, but - as bitter a pill as it is to swallow - there lies no merit in complaining about any situation if we are not prepared to try to do at least something to help change it.

Melia
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Offline Carolann

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #43 on: June 26, 2007, 10:52:10 am »
I admire you for being a very free spirit and going to live in a new place. But I think that part of the reason you are leaving the paradise you live in is because of the gossip mill and the discrimination you face there (from reading your previous posts) because of your decision to disclose. So if you really want to make a difference would iit not make sense to stay?

I would also like you to consider that our lives are very different. I am a very rooted person. I have a house a career, and a very well paying job. I am not materialistic at all, but need the security that my life offers at this point, because I am not getting any younger. Again, I wish I could have done what you did in my life. I have always admired people who can go live in a new place, start a new life.

Were I younger like you, I might be a more of a rebellious whipper snapper. All that I have worked very hard for could be in jeopardy if I were not careful on who I chose to disclose to. Those that are important to me, and those that are relevant in keeping me healthy, so that I may continue to perform my job in the human services field, know my status. My job does make difference with people who both have and do not have HIV. And though you seem to have very little faith in me that I may some day be comfortable enough to disclose, well I hope that will not be the case.

They say there are laws here to protect me, but an employer can get rid of you using other excuses, and though I am comfortable financially, I would not survive the emotional, nor financial strain associated with fighting any entity at this point. My health is the most important thing in my life. Selfish as that may sound. Even doctors who work where I do have cautioned me about taking on this battle at this point.

Again, I truly admire you and your decision to be so open about your status and your free spirit.

Hugs,

CA

« Last Edit: June 26, 2007, 10:57:36 am by Carolann »

Offline NycJoe

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #44 on: June 26, 2007, 11:45:47 am »
Disclosing to everyone I know would be a wonderful thing.  However for some disclosing can have its consequences.  I totally understand what you are saying Carolann.  Sometimes job/career does need to come first because without that we have no security and more than likely no health insurance.  I for one would choose "hiding"..and still bitching of course..and keeping my health insurance and good job.  Yes it would be great to just tell everyone and some good things could come of it.  Unfortunately sometimes the bad can outweigh the good depending on the person/situation.  Oh, and Carolann, because life can be so unfair sometimes, you have EVERY RIGHT to complain.  Venting and bitching is what helps most people cope and get through the day.  I get tired of people saying..disclose..tell everyone!  Help destigmatize the disease.  I understand the argument to a point..but they dint have to live your life and walk in your shoes.  Different things work for different people.

Offline BT65

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #45 on: June 26, 2007, 04:04:17 pm »
I disclose.  If I'm conscious.  Period.
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Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #46 on: June 26, 2007, 06:14:00 pm »
I always Disclose, in the ER and if I go to a new Dentist or DR of any kind, I always tell them I'm poz.

Like Christine says, they could give you a drug that may cause a problem.

But I like disclosing, because it makes me feel good, for a reason I'm not sure I fully understand.

 It relaxes me.

Plus, I'm proud of the fact I have survived this HIV for 23 years. Aztec (Mother Mark) always tells me that it helps reduce the stigma if they see a healthy looking person with HIV. That was a "pearl of wisdom"
Positive since 1985

Offline Oceanbeach

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #47 on: June 26, 2007, 09:08:26 pm »
I cut into my finger with a ax last winter and was sent to the ER at Sutter.  My ID Doc practices there and at about 4 other medical facilities in 3 counties.  I introduced myself as his patient from the Center Of HIV Prevention and Care.  He only treats HIV patients so enough said.

If I had not been able to get myself to the ER and required additional help, I don't think I could accept the kindness of strangers.  Have the best day
Michael

Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #48 on: June 26, 2007, 10:24:00 pm »
I guess this would be another thread, but in France it's illegal to not help someone that is "in danger". This is subject to interpretation, but you could, if you follow the law, get sued by someone that is heavily bleeding and you're not seeking help for the person. I don't know if other countries have this in their laws. But let's see i'm bleeding and I disclose that I'm HIV+, and the person runs away and doesn't call for help, it is grounds for suing. Of course, "in danger" is always subject to interpretation...

Milker.

/edited for missing word/
« Last Edit: June 27, 2007, 02:16:29 pm by milker »
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
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may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

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Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #49 on: June 27, 2007, 01:40:36 am »
I think that part of the reason you are leaving the paradise you live in is because of the gossip mill and the discrimination you face there (from reading your previous posts) because of your decision to disclose. So if you really want to make a difference would iit not make sense to stay?

The reasons I am leaving Greece actually have nothing to do with the discrimination I have faced here, although that indeed has been upsetting at times and definitely challenging; in fact I was all ready to start getting involved in some HIV activism here prior to my decision to leave.

I admit that I recently posted about “scratching the days off till I leave this backward place” but that was more about the mini rant path I was on at the time of posting than about the backwardness driving me away. And, in all fairness, I dealt with the issue at hand head-on at the time, which is how I deal with most things.

I am actually leaving because I miss my family and main nucleus of friends and I’ve realized that they are the priority in my life. My time here was all part of an adjustment and healing period and now that chapter is over and I’m ready to go home. In addition, reliable healthcare and better work/study opportunities are more available back home. But the main reason is family and friends; if they were here I’d reconsider staying; because damnit, I am going to miss waking up to daily sunshine and the awesome views.

Incidentally, I actually have made a difference here to quite a few people, whose lives had never before been touched by the issue of HIV. By being open about my status, I have made several friends and educated them and a few others along the way. True enough some have remained ignorant but I am realistic enough to realise that you can’t educate everyone, especially those who don’t wish to be educated. 

The fact that I have made a small difference here has shown me that I will be able to make a huge difference in my homeland, where the language barrier and bureaucracy won’t stand in my way. And I fully intend to embark on this following my return.

And though you seem to have very little faith in me that I may some day be comfortable enough to disclose, well I hope that will not be the case.

I don’t believe I actually ever said or implied that about you. But I hope that will not be the case too.

Again, I truly admire you and your decision to be so open about your status and your free spirit.

Thank you. It hasn’t always been easy but it has been totally worth it.

I fully stand by the viewpoint I stated earlier:
As long as HIV+ folk continue to live in fear because of their HIV+ status, we continue to help perpetuate the very stigma that we find abhorrent, whether we mean to or not. And in developed countries especially, if we are not prepared to be a part of that change we wish to see, then we really have no place complaining about the stigma.

Melia
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline Ann

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #50 on: June 27, 2007, 08:50:41 am »

I fully stand by the viewpoint I stated earlier:
As long as HIV+ folk continue to live in fear because of their HIV+ status, we continue to help perpetuate the very stigma that we find abhorrent, whether we mean to or not. And in developed countries especially, if we are not prepared to be a part of that change we wish to see, then we really have no place complaining about the stigma.


We hide because we have to - and we have to because we hide. It's a vicious cycle, one only we have the power to break.

Ann
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Offline Bucko

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #51 on: June 27, 2007, 01:11:05 pm »
I guess this would be another thread, but in France it's illegal to not help someone that is "in danger". This is subject to interpretation, but you could, if you follow the law, sue someone that is heavily bleeding and you're not seeking help for the person. I don't know if other countries have this in their laws. But let's see i'm bleeding and I disclose that I'm HIV+, and the person runs away and doesn't call for help, it is grounds for suing. Of course, "in danger" is always subject to interpretation...

Milker.

Milkie-
I was gonna bring this up because it shows a cultural trait specific to those who were raised/lived in France, where such things are taken very seriously indeed. I know of no state here that criminalizes non-assistance to those in danger, except as regards children.

This does not mean that Americans are any less considerate of someone bleeding in the streets. But with no laws dictating such action and the propensity for litigious action so ubiquious here I'd bet many would think twice before attempting anything more than dialing 911.

Brent
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Offline Central79

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #52 on: June 27, 2007, 03:47:03 pm »
Milkie-
I was gonna bring this up because it shows a cultural trait specific to those who were raised/lived in France, where such things are taken very seriously indeed.

I think that's more of a European thing, although I know it's codified in law in France, as it is incidentally in the US: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Samaritan_law.

I think it's a situation anywhere where the law is a framework for a civil society, instead of a mechanism of bashing people over the head with, which seems to happen in the US. If the law penalises people for going out of their way, why bother? Otherwise, it's just natural.

On my first trip to the US I went with my family to Busch Gardens. An elderly gentleman slipped and fell over, banging his head and passing out. My dad (a cop) and mum (a nurse) were helping this guy, but all the people rushing in and helping out were European tourists. Even the park's own EMTs wouldn't put their hands on him when they got there.

I'm a big fan of the US, and the people I met there who have become friends - people generous with their time, energy and affection. It really must take something quite punative and systemic for citizens to worry so much about helping out somebody clearly in need.

Matt.
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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #53 on: June 27, 2007, 05:10:31 pm »
Matt,

I agree, when you see cases like this: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-23-samaritan-accident_N.htm why bother trying to help? Even if the person that tried to help did it the wrong way, at least she tried and blaming her for this doesn't give incentive to other potential good samaritans.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
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Offline bearby

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #54 on: June 27, 2007, 05:51:41 pm »
I myself have no problem with a person rendering aide to me know of my poz status .
 Now I say that because for  our 17th anniversary my dad bear ( partner ) & I went to a local  flea market & there was a man that made id tags ) in the military style  and they are now worn around my neck mainly because he bought them for me as an anniversary present but to also let those rendering aide of my status because I had one single stainless steel tag designate me as hiv poz ( which had to be done two times because the guy doing it thought that it was pos not poz ) .
 NOW this designated dog tag saved me a bit of time this year when I slipped down a flight of stairs at a hotel and ended up in the hospital unconscious of course and having said  dog tag let them know right up front that when I came to that I'd need meds therefore when I did come to I was given them in accordance with dr's orders which saved me a lot of time trying to explain because they knew of my status right off the bat and didn't have to take blood nor have to ascertain my status from me .
Have you preformed your random act of kindness today ?

Offline Catman

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #55 on: June 27, 2007, 09:42:52 pm »
  Years ago I was hospitalized because of pancreatitis. One nurse drew blood samples and I bled a little when she removed the needle. It was a rare occasion because I usually never bleed like this. She didn't have gloves on and cleaned the blood with an alcohol pad. I told her to wash her hands quickly because you never know when a patient could be hiv positive. She smiled and washed her hands using the sink in the room. I liked the way she accepted my comment and she knew I was right. I would do it again if I had too but thank God I'm not prone to scraps and cuts...or bleeding.
Catman

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Offline ubotts

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #56 on: June 28, 2007, 12:21:24 am »
I was at home when i had an Smith attack..so my lover called the ems and when they came to my home, i let them know i was hiv pos.
Well, these guys were shaking in there boots..They tried to put an IV in my arm
and couldnt suceed..They made me a bloody mess and got it all over my white
couch..There so ignorant. I couldnt believe it..Anyway i got to the hopital and it was taken care of..
Another time, I went to a hopsital in NJ Brick hospital..and the nurse never bother to read my folder...So when she took blood from me without gloves,
i told her to use them..She was making a mess of my veins and there was blood
dripping all over...When i suggested that she use gloves, she responded, Hon,
ive been doing this for years, and i can feel a vein better without gloves..
Then i said isnt it procedure no matter what to wear gloves, especially since iam
hiv positive and have hep C as well..OMG..you should of seen her go into a panic mode....I told her to get some bleach and wash her hands..She was scared because she had paper cuts on the tip of her fingers....She ran around like
a chicken without a head..How could these heath care workers and nurses be
so dumb as to not wear gloves when its now mandatory..........Guess she learned her lesson, thats for sure.. :o Any way, i would and do tell hospital staff
my condition..When it comes to friends, and iam bleeding, I say, dont worry i got
it..Do u have bandaids and peroxide and i go into there bathroom and take care of it myself without saying a word to some friends..So you see, it all depends on
the situation.....Some people dont have to know, only if your going to have sex or they want to fix your booboo..Capessh? ;D
Live Love Laugh and dance like no ones watching.
Laughter is the best medicine, so try to have a laugh everyday..Even if your not feeling your best, think about something that was funny at one time in your life and work with it..   :o)

Offline madbrain

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Re: If you are at an orgy, do you tell ?
« Reply #57 on: June 28, 2007, 04:30:34 am »
No one is talking or asking about STDs, and several people start sucking your cock ... Do you tell ? ;-) ?

Offline lifechanging2007

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #58 on: June 28, 2007, 08:24:19 am »
well i envy you all,

for me disclosing is not an option. i live in lebanon and this subject is such a taboo. and once anyone knows you can say everyone will eventually. I really hope that i won't have to be in this situation
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Offline cayucosguy

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #59 on: June 28, 2007, 03:19:10 pm »
Like Camille07 I always carry latex gloves with me (one pair in my backpack, multiple pairs in each vehicle I have access to) simply because I have run into this situation before.
Disclosure isn't a problem for me.  I am the HIV/AIDS education counselor for my District of California State Parks, and everyone from the Superintendent of Parks to a newly hired Park Aid knows that I am positive.
Just yesterday, I cut my arm while crawling under a co-workers desk (get your mind outta the gutter  :D ) to connect all the cables for a new computer, and she got blood on her arm while trying to assist me.  Thankfully, everyone I work with has been well educated (yeah, I will pat myself on the back for this!) and all necessary cleaning, etc. took place immediately.
The local ambulance and fire companies have my medical history, as well as each of the three hospitals in the county where I live.  Whenever there is a med change, they get that information as well.
For me, personally, not disclosing to any-and-every one would seem like I'm trying to keep others' uneducated about how this virus really works.
Just my two cents.

Offline Bucko

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #60 on: June 28, 2007, 03:59:27 pm »
I was at home when i had an Smith attack..so my lover called the ems and when they came to my home, i let them know i was hiv pos.
Well, these guys were shaking in there boots..They tried to put an IV in my arm
and couldnt suceed..They made me a bloody mess and got it all over my white
couch..There so ignorant. I couldnt believe it..Anyway i got to the hopital and it was taken care of..
Another time, I went to a hopsital in NJ Brick hospital..and the nurse never bother to read my folder...So when she took blood from me without gloves,
i told her to use them..She was making a mess of my veins and there was blood
dripping all over...When i suggested that she use gloves, she responded, Hon,
ive been doing this for years, and i can feel a vein better without gloves..
Then i said isnt it procedure no matter what to wear gloves, especially since iam
hiv positive and have hep C as well..OMG..you should of seen her go into a panic mode....I told her to get some bleach and wash her hands..She was scared because she had paper cuts on the tip of her fingers....She ran around like
a chicken without a head..How could these heath care workers and nurses be
so dumb as to not wear gloves when its now mandatory..........Guess she learned her lesson, thats for sure.. :o Any way, i would and do tell hospital staff
my condition..When it comes to friends, and iam bleeding, I say, dont worry i got
it..Do u have bandaids and peroxide and i go into there bathroom and take care of it myself without saying a word to some friends..So you see, it all depends on
the situation.....Some people dont have to know, only if your going to have sex or they want to fix your booboo..Capessh? ;D

This is the kind of scenario that haunts the Am I Infected forum. The skin protects against HIV infection, even with "small cuts". The risk to the nurse here was HepC, not HIV.

Brent
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Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you are at an orgy, do you tell ?
« Reply #61 on: June 28, 2007, 04:32:35 pm »
No one is talking or asking about STDs, and several people start sucking your cock ... Do you tell ? ;-) ?


I don't see what this has to do with thread.

ubotts, I never use a gloved hand to palpate a vein to start an IV. As for EMT's being ignorant, I hardly think so with all the training they go through and unless you've started an IV on someone outside a medical setting then I don't think I would knock them, but rather be thankful you have someone that can arrive in emergencies and get you to the appropriate care. 

Offline kellyspoppi

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #62 on: June 29, 2007, 10:09:00 pm »
milker, i read this thread and have 2 stories to tell, one where i disclosed, one where i didn't. you make the call.

in the first situation, it goes back to the night when my fiance passed away. i don't talk about this night much, but since you brought up this thread, it seems appropriate.

my fiance had been treated for a cancerous tumor on her lung, and since she had gone through lupus before we met, where she was transfused 250 times to keep her alive, her blood was no longer capable of coagulating(sp?).

the docs wanted to do a biopsy of her lung to see what was what, but when they got in there she bled so badley, they couldn't see where the tumor was positioned. so they stopped the test and proceeded to give her radiation to where they thought it was.

after 8 weeks of radiation, xrays showed the tumor to be dissolved. however, what they didn't know was that the tumor had attached itself to the pulminary artery and was slowly deteriorating the artery wall.

the night she died, she sat up, gave one big cough, the artery wall burst and she started bleeding out.

sorry for the graphics folks, but to explain the situation i was in, you needed to know just how bad this was. it was 11:30 at night, my front door was bolted shut,  and here i am waiting for paramedics to arrive, sitting on the kitchen floor with her in my lap, not knowing what was happening, trying hard to keep her nose clear of blood so she can breath, and the doorbell starts ringing. so i leave her laying there to open the door, on the kitchen floor in a puddle of blood,  and the paramedics run in and get ready to start working on her with no gloves.

her hair was short and was wet from having just taken a bath. so as they approached her without gloves, i said  "don't touch the blood". the paramedics took one look at her and said "whats the boys name?"

joanne was small framed and quite frail after all the radiation and interferon treatments.
but in no way was she a boy. obviously they got my message though. they immediately put on gloves and a cop wisked me off to my bedroom where we got down on our knees and prayed for her survival. it was definitely a time i had to disclose, back in 1989. but it was also sad to learn that that was their immediate reaction. i wonder if times have changed at all?

a few years later i was managing my sons baseball team. while coaching third base, one of my players slide into the bag and when he stood up, he had a bunch of blood on his knee. i immediately began to wet my fingers to wipe away the blood to see how bad the cut was. after the game i became frightened by what i might have done to this young boy. this was in 1990 when the info was still scarse about how you could spread hiv.

i remember racing home that night and trying frantically to reach my hiv doctor to see if i could have passed the virus onto this boy. i can honestly say that until that answer was given to me, i would have never told his parents. back then i could see every parent pulling their kid from my team, no doubt.

an incidence that was prevelant for many years before hospitals began using universal precautions, was the number of times i went in for my blood work and the person taking it wouldn't be wearing gloves. i would have to whisper in their ear, get some gloves on please. i hated having to do that.

thanks for allowing me an opportunity to share.

kellyspoppi


Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #63 on: June 29, 2007, 10:17:52 pm »
Thank you for sharing your story, kp.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline kellyspoppi

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #64 on: June 29, 2007, 10:33:12 pm »
 ;D :D

ps. melia

you go girl. my sentiments exactly.

i have been living with hiv for 22 years and this virus has been around for a few more years than that. stgma and i are not friends allies more.

for you newbies, i understand you need time to get comfortable around your new status, but unfortunately, we LTS's have done nothing to help reduce it so that it should no longer be an issue for you newly infecteds.

i am with melia when it comes to stigma and i have made it my personal mission to disclose whenever i can to help reduce what should have been done a long time ago.

one question for you all. how long must you live with a life threatening illness, fearing to disclose, before it begins to piss you off? hasn't enough time and valid information been put out there where folks should know better than to treat you like shit? isn't it time for hiv/aids to be as melia has stated, like cancer, ms, als, etc, etc. where is the mystery?
are we not just as guilty of leading this country to believe we have something dirty?
when is this crap going to end?

enough is enough!

kp

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #65 on: June 29, 2007, 10:49:56 pm »
one question for you all. how long must you live with a life threatening illness, fearing to disclose, before it begins to piss you off? hasn't enough time and valid information been put out there where folks should know better than to treat you like shit? isn't it time for hiv/aids to be as melia has stated, like cancer, ms, als, etc, etc. where is the mystery?

KP,

Your 100th post in this place is indeed an outstanding one and you pose an excellent question, which I've quoted above.

I hope that Milker, Carolann and a number of other members pay close attention to the contributions that you and Miss Melia have made in this thread.

MtD

Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #66 on: June 29, 2007, 11:16:37 pm »
Matty,

I also believe this was a powerful post, and this is why I thanked kp for it. Remember that I have been diagnosed mid-february it's been only 4 months, and although the questions of disclosures having extensively discussed in here and other forums, one may sometimes need personal answers to those questions. You have been through this a long time ago and you may have enough of this, I can understand that, I already have enough of it myself.

I could wear a HIV+ tshirt and maybe that would make my life easier. I don't like living with a secret that I can't share with everyone, trust me. But as of today, being HIV+ is still viewed as a horrible infectious disease that most people who have it just deserve. I, alone, cannot educate the world, so I have to adapt to the world, and do what I can to have it to understand that i'm not a potential murderer. This is only possible to a certain extent, I cannot get the world to embrace me as a normal individual who happens to have what was just few years ago a lethal disease, and still is for many unfortunate people.

I'm getting there, reading the answers so that I can weigh my options. Those forums have already helped me a lot. And yes, I'm sure I'll have more questions, and I'm sure many members will welcome those questions and give me and others answers based on their valuable experiences.

Milker.

/edited because link to tshirt didn't seem to work/
« Last Edit: June 29, 2007, 11:19:02 pm by milker »
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline Matty the Damned

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #67 on: June 30, 2007, 12:09:51 am »
Le sigh.

I don't like living with a secret that I can't share with everyone, trust me. But as of today, being HIV+ is still viewed as a horrible infectious disease that most people who have it just deserve. I, alone, cannot educate the world, so I have to adapt to the world, and do what I can to have it to understand that i'm not a potential murderer. This is only possible to a certain extent, I cannot get the world to embrace me as a normal individual who happens to have what was just few years ago a lethal disease, and still is for many unfortunate people.

It's always about what you can't do, isn't it? "I can't do this", "I can't say that", "I'm not this", "I'm not that." You don't like gay pride, it makes you feel "icky". You don't like meeting people because you're shy.

All of a sudden the mask over your face makes a whole lot of sense. I'd be ashamed of myself too if I shared your mindset.

You say you can't share your secret with everyone, presumably because you're frightened of negative consequences as a result of disclosing. You're scared you'll lose something. The funny thing is you live your life in such fear you wouldn't have great deal to lose if you did disclose to everyone.

Frightened lives are empty ones.

But that's cool. You don't have to disclose. The world will continue to turn and the fight against AIDS will progress without you. We don't need you to help us educate the world. You just go on asking the same question over and over. By all means reap the benefits and advances that other people have fought for whilst you hide away because you're scared.

It's all good.

MtD

Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #68 on: June 30, 2007, 12:16:37 am »
Not everyone can be as powerful as you are, Matty. I have my weaknesses, I need to whine and get comfort. I'm just human. Thanks for your support.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline ubotts

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Re: If you are at an orgy, do you tell ?
« Reply #69 on: June 30, 2007, 01:13:36 am »
I don't see what this has to do with thread.

ubotts, I never use a gloved hand to palpate a vein to start an IV. As for EMT's being ignorant, I hardly think so with all the training they go through and unless you've started an IV on someone outside a medical setting then I don't think I would knock them, but rather be thankful you have someone that can arrive in emergencies and get you to the appropriate care. 
 

You dont seem to understand..Some of the workers here are not educated as they should be on how to handle someone who is hiv with hep c.. I dont care how long
you have been an ems worker , staff nurse or whatever..All should use latex gloves
when drawing bloods..I dont care if they find my veins better without gloves..thats
crap..Its mandatory for all to protect themselves..and they still dont..Iam trying not
to spread the disease to a ems worker or a staff nurse..I dont care how long they worked in hospitals..they dont know everything there is to know about being hiv or having hep c..In my opinion and what i actually went though was horrendous and unbelievable that medical workers are not informed as they should be about the spread of hiv n hep c..Iam thankful that they tried to help, but very nervous that they
were trying to work on me while shaking in there boots..They should be more educated in this area..In nyc..drs knew better, but i find here in NJ, there not to savvy on this entire topic.. >:(  P.s. this was outside of a medical facility..
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Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #70 on: June 30, 2007, 01:26:54 am »
I think what Rapid was saying is that the risk of infection via skin is extremely low (Rapid please correct me if I'm wrong), so that nurses and EMTs may not always wear gloves, especially when it comes to drawing blood. I wouldn't be surprised that wearing latex gloves all day bother nurses, and that trying to find a vein is easier to do without gloves. I'm not an EMT, so I don't know. But if a nurse draws blood without gloves I won't make a fuss of it. He or She has been trained and knows what he or she is doing.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #71 on: June 30, 2007, 01:32:51 am »
That reminds me of something.. I had spots all over my body, due to syphilis. I go to the doctor and I have this nurse taking my blood pressure. After taking my blood pressure she asks "so why are you there?" i show her my arm, covered with red spots, and say "for this". She says "oops, I shouldn't have tested your blood pressure". Did she communicate this oops to her supervisor? I doub it. Did she sterilize the blood pressure material? I doubt it.

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
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Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #72 on: June 30, 2007, 07:19:15 am »
Milker, why would she need to sterilize the B/P cuff for syphilis? Syphlis is a sexually transmitted disease that is not contracted by skin to skin transmission like Herpies.

Offline kellyspoppi

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #73 on: June 30, 2007, 08:04:48 am »
milker and matty,

thanks for your positive comments.

about a month ago, i posted that i had finally disclosed to my employer. this was no small matter. for 22 years i lived this secret when it came to upper management with the insurance carrier i have been employed with for nearly 33 years.

back in 1989, when my dad was diagnosed with lou gehrigs disease, he had planned on retiring that year. his large book of business was to be rolled over into my book of business. however, i doubt seriously, had management known of my hiv status then, that they would have rewarded me my dads book, contemplating my death would be sooner, rather than later.

so i withheld this information from them, choosing to believe that, were they to know my status, they wouldn't follow through with the planned rollover.

i also was involved in a family court dispute with my x-wife over custody of our son. again, i withheld my staus from the court & my x, choosing to believe they would never, back then, believe i would live long enough, and more importantly, nor risk placing my son with me with such a dangerous incurable disease, and with little known yet on how the virus was spread.

that was then, but this is now. as i answered all the questions this reporter for the company newspaper asked me, i felt liberated, to say the least. when we discussed disclosure, and why it had taken me so long to do so, i reminded her that stigma still exists for many living with this disease.

this reporter appeared to be quite young from our conversation (20 to 30), and when i mentioned the stigma issue, she said something to the effect, "everyone knows enough about how you can get hiv now. why should that still be an issue? my friends aren't fearful of those with hiv.  we understand how it can be spread"

which leads me back to melia's original post in this thread, and why i wrote what i posted, in response. are we just as guilty of perpetuating this stigma issue? if we continue to hide behind stigma like some kind of security blanket, aren't we allowing society to continue to treat us like we have something dirty?

if more and more poz's came forth with their stories, especially hetero's, we could become leaders in stopping the spread of aids, by reminding society that aids is spreading more rapidly in our female population, our youth, and even our senior citizens these days.
 
my wife and i go into high schools, colleges, and nursing/social worker class rooms to try to unveil the truth about hiv. we remind them that hiv lives in their community, amongst their parents friends, insurance agents, coaches, neighbors etc, etc. this is the way we feel we can help stop the spread of this disease, by putting a different face on it, like regan and the other women when they appeared on oprah.

it is like the old slogan from world aids day, not so long ago, "hiv stops with me.". 

i realize it takes courage to overcome what has been out there for far too long. we need to take back control of our lives if we are ever to end stigma.

that is my mission, and i hope others will begin to join me in this effort.

kellyspoppi

 

Offline Ann

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #74 on: June 30, 2007, 08:37:41 am »
Milker, why would she need to sterilize the B/P cuff for syphilis? Syphlis is a sexually transmitted disease that is not contracted by skin to skin transmission like Herpies.

While syphilis would not be transmitted from an environmental surface (such as the BP cuff) it IS transmitted through skin to skin contact, when that contact is with the lesions of primary syphilis or the rash of secondary syphilis. This is why condoms are not 100% effective against syphilis, because the lesions or rash are not always covered by the condom.

Just wanted to clarify that.

Ann
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Offline Iggy

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #75 on: June 30, 2007, 11:42:36 am »
My intention is to always disclose but frankly I'm not gonna get a false sense of bravado here and claim that I would always tell.

Yes with EMT and medical professions - I would always tell - not just for their safety but for mine. 

As for a person on the street helping me?  I just don't know.  If I had a bike accident and was bleeding and I had a crowd of people helping me and someone just wrapped my arm or whatever in bandages then - No.  Frankly it's not relevant in my opinion, and there is no reason for me to make a mass announcement.  If It was a bloodier situation and I had someone doing something a little more involved with helping me - then I guess I would, but I kind of question exactly what kind of scenarios this would entail as I think there is a lot of hyperbole going on in this discussion about such scenarios.

Also, I read a few posts here about us needing to get over stigma, but I think we need to remember that includes our own self imposed sense of stigma and the need to sometimes overcompensate for it.  I guess in my mind getting over the stigma also means realizing oneself that having HIV may not be relevant enough in the situation to announce your status.


Offline milker

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #76 on: June 30, 2007, 12:29:44 pm »
Milker, why would she need to sterilize the B/P cuff for syphilis? Syphlis is a sexually transmitted disease that is not contracted by skin to skin transmission like Herpies.

Hi Rapid,

nothing to do with syphilis, but rather do to with the fact that this was a unknown rash. She said she's not supposed to use a b/p cuff in case of a rash, because that rash may be contagious. I didn't know what it was at that time, otherwise I would have gladly said: "don't worry it's only syphilis" :D

Milker.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline RapidRod

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #77 on: June 30, 2007, 12:47:28 pm »
In all the time I was on the department, the only time a b/p cuff was washed, was if it got soaked in blood. I'm not saying we didn't spray antimicrobial sprays every now and then. I remember in the beginning of HIV we use to clean out all unecessary items out of the squad and tape sheets up on the walls before transporting (SOP). On active TB patients, we just put a mask on them. Just think of what a little bit of knowledge through the years has changed. Hell if they weren't sick enough, we sure scared the hell out of them.

Offline ubotts

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #78 on: July 01, 2007, 11:39:22 am »
Rapidrod..The last line u wrote made me smile, Its so true...
Live Love Laugh and dance like no ones watching.
Laughter is the best medicine, so try to have a laugh everyday..Even if your not feeling your best, think about something that was funny at one time in your life and work with it..   :o)

Offline pozredbear

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #79 on: July 27, 2007, 08:59:43 pm »
absolutely, i went in for a heart cath and one of the nurses had a (thank god) scabbed over cut on her finger and they had to pull out a bad IV line to start a new one and she got some blood on it, i was not too worried except for her. turns out she was fine. but yes i always tell, it is just wrong not to and potentially endanger someone elses life, I have been poz for 14 years now and cannot imagine not telling. thanks for reading hope it helped, bearmanron1 @ aol. com

Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: If you bleed, do you tell? At emergency, do you tell?
« Reply #80 on: July 27, 2007, 09:17:11 pm »
Hmmm, I don't know how I missed this thread. I would disclose to people in a hosptial/ER. I would definitely disclose to someone trying to help me. I know that sounds weird coming from me because I do not usually disclose. But in a situation such as a bystander trying to help, well that would leave me no choice but to because I would not want to risk infecting them. As far as getting blood drawn well the lab I go to knows what I am there for and would think they would figure out that I am poz. Also, they are familiar with my ID doctor, his name is well known. I don't worry about a tech not wearing gloves, like I said they know what I am getting drawn for, if it doesn't bother them then why should it bother me....Just saying...
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
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