A Nigerian doctor has shared a disturbing experience involving a patient who tested positive for HIV at a general hospital in Lagos.
The incident, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the doctor identified as @silverpenydr, has sparked widespread reactions online.
Patient Rejects Initial HIV Test Result
According to the doctor, the incident began after a female patient tested positive for HIV during admission. He said he was responsible for informing her about the result.
The doctor explained that the patient became overwhelmed with emotions, broke down in tears, and questioned the accuracy of the test. She reportedly insisted that another test be conducted.
Repeat Test Confirms HIV Status
In response to her doubts, the doctor approved a repeat HIV test to reassure her. Two days later, the new result confirmed the initial diagnosis.
During his routine ward rounds, the doctor said he reviewed her medical file and saw that the second test had also returned positive.
He then approached the patient again to explain the situation and offer reassurance.
Patient Allegedly Attempts to Stab Doctor
What followed next was unexpected and frightening. The doctor said that while he was standing beside the patient and writing notes, she suddenly pulled out a needle and tried to stab him.
He noted that his thick ward coat helped prevent possible injury and exposure.
Sharing his experience, the doctor wrote:
“This incident happened while I was working at a general hospital in Lagos. We had a patient who was diagnosed with HIV during her admission. I was the one who broke the news to her.
She became very emotional, started crying, and questioned the accuracy of the result. I reassured her and told her we could repeat the test if she wished, so I requested a repeat test.
Two days later, during my morning rounds, I reviewed her case file and saw that the repeat test had returned with the same result as the initial one. I went to speak with her again, trying to calm her and reassure her that this diagnosis was not the end of the road.
While I stood beside her documenting her notes, she suddenly pulled out a needle and attempted to stab me with it.
What saved me was the thick ward coat I was wearing, otherwise, it could have been a very different story. I immediately escalated the incident to the Head of Department, and she was discharged that same day.
Honestly, the question that still haunts me is: why would someone want to deliberately infect another person with HIV?
But I had to start on HIV drugs prophylaxis (PEP) regardless because I do not want to take chances. I wasn’t so sure if I was pierced or not. The side effects of the drug almost end me”
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