Aids HIV FAQ

Back from vacation–report!

Question:

In Wisconsin it is a Felony to dispose of soiled needles or lancets but in a "Sharps" container. As a retired correctional officer, I agree highly. Just my 2 cents! Darren. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I’m in South Carolina and DHEC, our environmental agency that handles medical >waste told me just put them in a old soda bottle and into the trash.  I know >it sounds crazy, but honestly, that was there response. >Rob > Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take filled SHARPS > containers and give you an empty one in return. > ~Cheryl > > > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > > > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > > > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… > > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. > > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s > > a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, > > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give > > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. > > Jude > > — > >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting > >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

I never throw any syringes or lancets in the trash unless they are inside a sealed metal or hard plastic container.  My hubby and I use soda bottles, detergent bottles, or bleach bottles to dispose of syringes and lancets.  Any lancets that I use at work go into an empty test strip bottle for disposal at home.  I simply carry discardable syringes home in my insulin case for disposal at home.  I wouldn’t want to handle anyone’s used lancets or syringes, and I’m sure they don’t want to handle mine.  So I think this is safest all round. As far as test strips go, I wrap them in tissue and throw them in the garbage. All our cans at work are lined, so there is no chance that the custodians will come in contact with them in the unlikely event that there was actually any fresh blood on them. Bev Remove the "SpamFree" for email, please.  

Response:

We have SHARPS containers here in Australia and you take them to the chemist. Jan

> I’m in South Carolina and DHEC, our environmental agency

that handles medical – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> waste told me just put them in a old soda bottle and into the trash.  I know > it sounds crazy, but honestly, that was there response. > Rob > Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take filled SHARPS > containers and give you an empty one in return. > ~Cheryl > > > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > > > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even

take mine and give me – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… > > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. > > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year. But that’s > > a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, > > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give > > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. > > Jude > > — since 1967! > >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting > >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL:

http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I did homecare for years and used to teach people to use old detergent bottles and coffee cans to dispose of their needles. It worked fine. Of course, that was in the days before AIDS.  And, unfortunately, I think that, with recycling and all, the plastic content in those detergent jugs is NOT what it used to be.  However, even if you are using a "sharps" container, DO NOT OVERSTUFF IT.  They CAN puncture.  I have a friend who was seeing a patient with AIDS.  Picked up her sharps container once and got punctured by a needle that had gone through the bottom because the patient had overfilled it.  Fortunately, she hasn’t tested positive yet and probably won’t, as it was an old needle.  Just don’t get overconfident with those sharps boxes! Do whatever your local environmental agency tells you.  They know the local laws. Cindy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->In Wisconsin it is a Felony to dispose of soiled needles or lancets but in a >"Sharps" container. As a retired correctional officer, I agree highly. Just >my 2 cents! Darren. >I’m in South Carolina and DHEC, our environmental agency that handles >medical >waste told me just put them in a old soda bottle and into the trash.  I >know >it sounds crazy, but honestly, that was there response. >Rob >> Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take filled SHARPS >> containers and give you an empty one in return. >> ~Cheryl >> > > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for >> > > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give >me >> > > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… >> > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. >> > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s >> > a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, >> > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give >> > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. >> > Jude >> > — >> >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting >> >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

mygrandsondaughtersand brides maids sept.4,1999prom 99 myson and his girl.

Response:

I pop mine (test strips and sharps) into old pill bottles and keep them with my test kit.  When I go for my quarterly array of tests, I leave the bottles at the clinic and they dispose of them with their daily waste.  They always seem pleased that I’m handling them responsibly! Robin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We have SHARPS containers here in Australia and you take > them to the chemist. > Jan > I’m in South Carolina and DHEC, our environmental agency > that handles medical > waste told me just put them in a old soda bottle and into > the trash.  I know > it sounds crazy, but honestly, that was there response. > Rob > > Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take > filled SHARPS > > containers and give you an empty one in return. > > ~Cheryl > > > > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container > and use it for > > > > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even > take mine and give me > > > > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into > it… > > > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take > much space. > > > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year. > But that’s > > > a good suggestion for those who may have more product > to dispose, > > > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really > just give > > > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live > and Learn. > > > Jude > > > — > since 1967! > > >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix > Consulting > > >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: > http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

I have a question for you:  Why did you put "[God mentioned]" in your subject field?  Is it a    warning to anyone wanting to respond to your post who might find offense w/ the mere mention of God?   If so, how sad…    -Jill

Response:

I’m in South Carolina and DHEC, our environmental agency that handles medical waste told me just put them in a old soda bottle and into the trash.  I know it sounds crazy, but honestly, that was there response. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take filled SHARPS > containers and give you an empty one in return. > ~Cheryl > > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s > a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. > Jude > — >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

> Well, in case you need a refresher, about a week before we were scheduled > to leave for our 3-week trip to France, my husband was diagnosed type II, > with bg level over 500. His follow-up appointment showed a bg reading of > 90, so we were given the green light to go and enjoy our vacation. >

Lori, I’m confused..If I read you correctly your husband’s follow up visit had to within a week of the first visit, or did you reschedule your departure date for France?  How did your husband get his BG down from over 500 to 90 in a week?  And did it stay down all throughout your vacation?  Was he on insulin or pills? The discussion on sharps interests me, as it was suggested to me to use coffee cans, lidded and wrapped with duct tape for needles and lancets.  (Ah…duct tape….good for anything.) Cangratulations on your upcoming expansion of your family and good luck. Gaorge Before you buy.

Response:

Mike, i still take extra precautions for that "inevitable accident" that will some day occur….. so, yup, into the plastic bottle they go — k t1 13 yrs now sending as Tiger Lily – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am using a Microlet finger pricker (came with my Glocometer Elite XL by > Bayer) and it has a detachable cup into which the sharp end is inserted when > you are finished with the needle.  It fits into the cup very nicely and > takes an effort to remove it once there.  Seems to work real nice and I > haven’t been worried about throwing them in the trash.  Should I?

Response:

 Yup, I went in and asked how much to buy one and the gave me one and told me to bring it back when it was full… > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… >I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. >The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s >a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, >or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give >the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn.

–  T2 – Glucophage, diet, and exercise – March ‘98  Born ‘47  Another Soggy Seattle Sysop!

Response:

> I am using a Microlet finger pricker (came with my Glocometer Elite XL by > Bayer) and it has a detachable cup into which the sharp end is inserted when > you are finished with the needle.  It fits into the cup very nicely and > takes an effort to remove it once there.  Seems to work real nice and I > haven’t been worried about throwing them in the trash.  Should I?

Understand that I am *very* conservative about this issue.  We had a "blood-products" incident here in our small town (near the big City) and people were up in arms about the possible consequences.  And in the States, there are some laws that prevent disposal that way.  So I’d just be cautious. Jude —         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

I am using a Microlet finger pricker (came with my Glocometer Elite XL by Bayer) and it has a detachable cup into which the sharp end is inserted when you are finished with the needle.  It fits into the cup very nicely and takes an effort to remove it once there.  Seems to work real nice and I haven’t been worried about throwing them in the trash.  Should I? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… >All of us use things that are not so good for kids.  And even if you don’t >have kids living with you, it is not unusual to have them visit.  I don’t >inject, but I do have lancets, which I put in a "Band-Aid" box and take >them to the doctor with me for disposal.  They are more likely to do this >is you have a smaller quantity.  In much of the USA, lancets and needles >are considered "blood products" and must be specially-handled for disposal. >Your doctor is generally setup for that disposal. >Some folks use a plastic milk jug, then seal it with duct tape when it’s >time for disposal in the "regular" garbage/trash.  I guess I’m a bit >more conservative than that, and in parts of the USA it would be illegal. >I’d only be comfortable if I personally threw the jug into the garbage >truck.  We have a special responsibility to be sure we don’t endanger >some other innocent soul. > — >  T2 – Glucophage, diet, and exercise – March ‘98  Born ‘47 >  Another Soggy Seattle Sysop!

Response:

> Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it…

I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. Jude —         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

congratulations!! the baby is fantastic news — and i am not going to ask how you did that <G>  but how can you get a 500 Bgs reading down in a week?  it took me over a month to see my first 100.  how did you manage to get normal readings so quickly????? wow!

Response:

A soda bottle with screw top is a good container and they’re FREE!  If you’re worried about children use an old medicine bottle with child safe cap. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > needles and lancets?

Response:

Here in central Florida, most fire departments will take filled SHARPS containers and give you an empty one in return. ~Cheryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for > needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me > a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… > I don’t use any needles, and my lancets don’t take much space. > The Band-Aid can is free.  I can’t fill it in a year.  But that’s > a good suggestion for those who may have more product to dispose, > or a more dangerous situation with kids.  They really just give > the container away for free?  I am surprised!  Live and Learn. > Jude > — >         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting >       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

Congratulations and Best Wishes to you both!!! ~Cheryl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and a wonderful new > year’s eve! > Well, in case you need a refresher, about a week before we were scheduled > to leave for our 3-week trip to France, my husband was diagnosed type II, > with bg level over 500. His follow-up appointment showed a bg reading of > 90, so we were given the green light to go and enjoy our vacation. We > still felt quite nervous, still trying to get a handle on the > diet/nutrition aspect of the whole thing. > Well, to make a long story short, he did incredibly well! We attribute it > to all the walking, because he still managed to sneak a few bites of > "no-no" foods, yet maintained excellent bg readings. His levels never went > above 120. We were thrilled. > On a side note, the day we left for our vacation, we found out we are > expecting a baby! So, it’s been one heck of a roller-coaster ride these > last few weeks. We’re thrilled, and so blessed. We’re so thankful for > Jack’s improved health, and our new impending arrival. > Thanks to all for the support. > Lori and Jack > — > To email me, just remove the no.spam. from my email address

Response:

Jude, why don’t you get a regular SHARPS container and use it for needles and lancets? My local pharmacy will even take mine and give me a new container whenever I need to swap! Look into it… >All of us use things that are not so good for kids.  And even if you don’t >have kids living with you, it is not unusual to have them visit.  I don’t >inject, but I do have lancets, which I put in a "Band-Aid" box and take >them to the doctor with me for disposal.  They are more likely to do this >is you have a smaller quantity.  In much of the USA, lancets and needles >are considered "blood products" and must be specially-handled for disposal. >Your doctor is generally setup for that disposal. >Some folks use a plastic milk jug, then seal it with duct tape when it’s >time for disposal in the "regular" garbage/trash.  I guess I’m a bit >more conservative than that, and in parts of the USA it would be illegal. >I’d only be comfortable if I personally threw the jug into the garbage >truck.  We have a special responsibility to be sure we don’t endanger >some other innocent soul.

–  T2 – Glucophage, diet, and exercise – March ‘98  Born ‘47  Another Soggy Seattle Sysop!

Response:

Congratulations on all your good news….both the baby and the under control bg and the fun holiday. Hope 2000 carries on being this wonderful for you both Helen

Response:

Congratulations and congratulations!  It seems in your case, when God closed one door, he did open a window.   I am so happy for you that you are being blessed with a child.  Just remember that if Jack is taking insulin, you will need to be especially careful to dispose of his needles properly, or the little one will find them and invariably get hurt.  Regardless of how careful you think you are being, they can get into things you’d never imagine them being able to get into.  :) Rebecca expecting in June

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello everyone! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and a wonderful new > year’s eve! > Well, in case you need a refresher, about a week before we were scheduled > to leave for our 3-week trip to France, my husband was diagnosed type II, > with bg level over 500. His follow-up appointment showed a bg reading of > 90, so we were given the green light to go and enjoy our vacation. We > still felt quite nervous, still trying to get a handle on the > diet/nutrition aspect of the whole thing. > Well, to make a long story short, he did incredibly well! We attribute it > to all the walking, because he still managed to sneak a few bites of > "no-no" foods, yet maintained excellent bg readings. His levels never went > above 120. We were thrilled. > On a side note, the day we left for our vacation, we found out we are > expecting a baby! So, it’s been one heck of a roller-coaster ride these > last few weeks. We’re thrilled, and so blessed. We’re so thankful for > Jack’s improved health, and our new impending arrival. > Thanks to all for the support. > Lori and Jack > — > To email me, just remove the no.spam. from my email address

Response:

> Congratulations and congratulations!  It seems in your case, when God closed > one door, he did open a window.   I am so happy for you that you are being > blessed with a child.  Just remember that if Jack is taking insulin, you > will need to be especially careful to dispose of his needles properly, or > the little one will find them and invariably get hurt.  Regardless of how > careful you think you are being, they can get into things you’d never > imagine them being able to get into.  :)

Rebecca, a wonderful point (pun intended).  Lori and Jack, congratulations. All of us use things that are not so good for kids.  And even if you don’t have kids living with you, it is not unusual to have them visit.  I don’t inject, but I do have lancets, which I put in a "Band-Aid" box and take them to the doctor with me for disposal.  They are more likely to do this is you have a smaller quantity.  In much of the USA, lancets and needles are considered "blood products" and must be specially-handled for disposal. Your doctor is generally setup for that disposal. Some folks use a plastic milk jug, then seal it with duct tape when it’s time for disposal in the "regular" garbage/trash.  I guess I’m a bit more conservative than that, and in parts of the USA it would be illegal. I’d only be comfortable if I personally threw the jug into the garbage truck.  We have a special responsibility to be sure we don’t endanger some other innocent soul. Thanks for bringing up the topic. Jude —         Crouch Enterprises – Telecom, Internet & Unix Consulting       Oak Park, IL  708-848-0134  URL: http://www.pobox.com/~jcrouch

Response:

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and a wonderful new year’s eve! Well, in case you need a refresher, about a week before we were scheduled to leave for our 3-week trip to France, my husband was diagnosed type II, with bg level over 500. His follow-up appointment showed a bg reading of 90, so we were given the green light to go and enjoy our vacation. We still felt quite nervous, still trying to get a handle on the diet/nutrition aspect of the whole thing. Well, to make a long story short, he did incredibly well! We attribute it to all the walking, because he still managed to sneak a few bites of "no-no" foods, yet maintained excellent bg readings. His levels never went above 120. We were thrilled. On a side note, the day we left for our vacation, we found out we are expecting a baby! So, it’s been one heck of a roller-coaster ride these last few weeks. We’re thrilled, and so blessed. We’re so thankful for Jack’s improved health, and our new impending arrival. Thanks to all for the support. Lori and Jack — To email me, just remove the no.spam. from my email address

Response:

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