Concerns About Handling Used Medical Equipment
Height: 5'8", Weight: 28M Yesterday, I encountered two discarded syringes that I decided to pick up for safe disposal in a sharps container. Although I once managed this kind of task professionally, it has been around seven years since I last engaged in such activities, and I’ve forgotten the correct protocols. While I didn’t sustain any injuries, I acted without gloves. After I dropped off the syringes at the designated sharps disposal site, it dawned on me that handling them without protection was a reckless choice. I promptly washed my hands, yet I now find myself anxious about everything I have touched afterward. Cleaning should provide some relief, but I am also grappling with distressing flashbacks from an abusive childhood, which complicates my ability to focus. I plan to consult a medical professional soon. However, I am concerned about the possibility of transmitting any infections to my mother, who lives with me. Additionally, I fret about spreading anything to public spaces after touching surfaces that could have been contaminated. Any guidance on how to handle this situation would be appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 2:10:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It’s commendable that you took the initiative to handle the discarded syringes safely. Here’s a brief overview of key points regarding your situation, followed by guidance on what to do next.
Summary:
- Handling used syringes without gloves can be concerning, but immediate washing of your hands mitigates the risk.
- Your anxiety about potential infections is understandable but can often be managed effectively.
- Focus on maintaining hygiene in your environment and practicing self-care during this stressful time.
Explanation:
Using syringes can pose risks due to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Washing your hands thoroughly is a critical first step, which significantly lowers the chance of transmission. Since you did not sustain any injuries while handling the syringes, and you acted quickly to clean your hands, you have likely reduced any risk to yourself and others.
Regarding your feelings of anxiety and distressing flashbacks, it’s important to prioritize mental health and seek support, especially if these feelings are impacting your ability to focus. You mentioned planning to consult with a medical professional soon, which is an excellent step towards getting the support you need.
Next Steps:
-
Hygiene Practices:
- Continue to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces that might be shared with others.
- Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, particularly before eating or interacting with others.
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Monitor for Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any unusual symptoms in yourself, like fever, fatigue, or changes in health. If you notice anything concerning, mention this in your upcoming consultation.
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Mental Health Support:
- Consider reaching out to a mental health professional to discuss both your anxiety regarding the syringes and any distressing memories you’re experiencing. Therapy can provide strategies to manage anxiety and cope with past traumas.
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Communication:
- Reassure your mother that you took precautions and that you are actively practicing good hygiene. This transparency can ease any concerns she might have.
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Self-Care:
- Engage in activities that help you relax and ground yourself, such as mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies that you enjoy.
Remember, it's normal to feel anxious about situations like this, and prioritizing self-care and hygiene should help you feel more in control. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional support.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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WBC: 5.8 × 10⁹/L (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT) - **RBC: 2.93 × 10¹²/L** (IMPROVED but still low) - **Hemoglobin: 72 g/L** (SHOWS IMPROVEMENT but still low) - Platelets: 223 × 10⁹/L (BACK TO NORMAL) - Neutrophils: 30.0% - Lymphocytes: 64.8% - Monocytes: 4.6% ### Biochemistry (January 28, 2026): - Total protein level: 67 g/L (slightly deficient) - Creatinine: 20.7 μmol/L - **Total Bilirubin: 242 μmol/L** (STILL HIGH - unchanged) - **Direct Bilirubin: 142 μmol/L** (VERY HIGH) - **ALT: 50 IU/mL** (DRASTICALLY LOWER from >1000!) --- ## OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS OVER 6 MONTHS | Parameter | August 2025 | January 2026 | Change | |------------------|-------------|---------------|--------------------------| | **Hemoglobin** | 69 g/L | 72 g/L | ↗ Slight improvement | | **RBC** | 2.1 | 2.93 | ↗ Improved | | **ALT** | >1000 | 50 | ✓✓ MAJOR IMPROVEMENT | | **Bilirubin** | 245 | 242 | → Unchanged (still elevated) | | **Portal vein** | 6.1 mm | 3.9 mm (US) | ↗ Decreased | | **Platelets** | 403 | 223 | ↘ Normalized | | **Shunt size** | 9.9 mm | 9.9 mm | → No Change | --- ## CURRENT SITUATION (February 2026 - 7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.