Should I be worried?

Question

Discovered in our local river were TRUCK LOADS of USED syringes from hospitals!!! I went canoeing about 3 weeks ago and cut my foot in the water about a mile away from where they were found.
I don't have insurance to go to the doctor. Should I be worried?

This is a serious question.

Answer 1

You poor thing..you sound really frightened...listen you don't state how you cut your foot....did you step on one of the syringes? How did the cut happen, how severe? When was your last tetnis shot? How deep is the cut.
I know you must be frightened. about unknown things like this.
I personally wouldn't worry too much about the syringes. I'd worry more about tetnis. Put some ointment on it and monitor the infection. If your really worried, you'll need to go to some kind of clinic, do you have Medicaid? if not is Medicaid an option?

Answer 2

When I was training to be a kayak coach, we had just finished a river trip and the place we stopped to get out of our boats was filthy, and I actually got pricked with a needle in the foot. I was wearing them flimsy canoe shoes. That was 7 years ago, and I think I am safe.

Strange to see that question, brought back a blast from the past.

Edit - I would maybe go get a shot anyhow, but if it was a river the water will definitely be okay because of the flow, but a lake might be different.

Answer 3

Cutting your foot is already a premise for potential infection.
But MOST DEFINITELY NOT from the syringes.
You need to see a doc... 3 weeks you say?
Then you can forget about the whole thing.
Anyway, if you think you'd feel better consult a doctor, but chances are closer than ever to nil (that's how 0 is called I think lol) for any infection to develop. If the infection doesn't appear in 3-4 days max then it won't appear at all.
But then again I'm not a professional doctor lol.

Answer 4

Is the paw healing? That's a good sign. If you're really concerned, the county that you live in has most likely got a health center of some sort; when my husband contracted hep b at a state hospital, the Bowie County Health Services set up the shots and meds for him; they are there for people without insurance, or with low income. Believe me, I feel that one. Same problem, no insurance.

Answer 5

Yes, sorry to say. The same thing, used-up syringes-but not from the hospital- were discovered on a beach not far from us.
Go to the doctor and have some tests.
Good luck!

Answer 6

I would be worried, but thats me a worry wart. But with all thats going on in this world these days, you never know.
I think if you called your nearest Health Department and talked to them about what has happened and your fears, they may be able to offer you some assistance in getting it checked out without the worry of a high dollar Dr. bill since you don't have any insurance.
I know that local Health Agencies offer free care for STD's, so surely they would help with something like this.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

Seriously I would go to the ER and have the tests run. They have to do it and can bill you or arrange payments. Call the health dept. If you have to, call your local councilman and demand medical tests for Hepatitis, HIV, and tetanus. Someone is responsible for this and they should make it right. Sorry that happened to you.

Answer 8

Well In A way yes!because you risk infection if its isnt treated and risk contracting a potentially dangerous and communicable disease,i recommend to go have a check up,i dont want anything bad to happen to you =)

Answer 9

If I were you, I'd go get a blood test ASAP. Call around, there are free clinics that could handle that for you.

Answer 10

yes, you should be worried. I would be anyways. Just go get test for HIV. I don't want to scare you but you really should get it check out, regardless of money.