Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

So I posted recently about working on COVID units. Scary stuff and for Maryland , where I reside, getting worse by the day.

But the one thing I thought about recently and had a lengthy discussion with my coworkers about the other day was how it is just such a shit*Y time to be a patient during this pandemic. Not a COVID patient, but a patient in general.

We just lost a 65 year old family member to a heart attack. She was having signs and symptoms and dismissed it as biliary colic/gall stones and didn't rush for help bc she didn't want to be in the hospital during this time.

I have seriously sick Oncology patients who aren't getting the full attention they deserve. It's not fair but it's the way it is right now. The hospitalists covering my floor are also covering the COVID units and sometimes care is delayed way longer than it should be.

If someone codes, we are all implementing a "code in the time of covid-19" protocol. For example, I check my patient and they appear to not be breathing. I find no pulse so I initiate a code blue and start compressions. But now I must gown up, put on my n-95, goggles, gown and cover the patient with a special cover to protect everyone and only then do I start compressions. This is not normal. But its what we have to do to stay safe. But it probably delays resuscitation efforts by a minute or two.

It's a WEIRD WEIRD TIME. Unsettling. The unknown just sucks.

I never know whats worse. Working covid units or my home floor, inpatient oncology. I watch my ONC patients so so closely and know I am advocating for them the best I can, but the patients are on edge and so is staff.

I cannot wait until this is over

Message edited 4/23/2020 9:56:46 PM.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

wow. reading that just breaks my heart.

you and your patients will be in my prayers.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Posted by maybebaby

So I posted recently about working on COVID units. Scary stuff and for Maryland , where I reside, getting worse by the day.


I have seriously sick Oncology patients who aren't getting the full attention they deserve. It's not fair but it's the way it is right now. The hospitalists covering my floor are also covering the COVID units and sometimes care is delayed way longer than it should be.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

My father just had a stent put in on tues! He too was afraid to go to the ER but after having chest pains for a week, he bite the bullet. So glad he went bc he was told he would’ve had a massive heart attack a few days later had he waited. He doesn’t have the all the typical covid symptoms, but I am convinced he has it and it exacerbated his semi clogged arteries to become almost completely closed. He still doesn’t feel right. No chest pain, but still has shortness of breath. Ugh... it’s a scary time. But going back to what you were saying, yes I bet there are tons of people out there just holding off on getting checked out and dying because of it. So sad.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

What you posted is 100% spot on. These are all ill effects that are effecting people just as much as Covid, if not more. This really isn't ok. And I definitely already had a clue, because people's health is getting pushed aside if it's not COVID related and that's not ok! How long can this go on and not acknowledge the risks of keeping things shut down?

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Message edited 4/24/2020 9:30:34 PM.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

I’m a breast cancer “survivor”. I finished chemo last March and all necessary surgeries I’m October. My oncologist did a virtual appt and it scares me because I don’t get a physical exam. Feel like I am now holding my breath that I don’t get covid and I don’t miss issues with cancer. It f:$&in SUCKS.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Thank you for putting yourself at risk every day to save lives. nstad of running from the fire you run towards it Thank you.

My infusion has been pushed back to June 1 at the soonest. It was supposed to be March 20th. Without it, I am at risk for a major debilitating attack. I am hopeful that it won't happen, but so afraid if it does, since my disease has drastically progressed.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Posted by LIRascal

Thank you for putting yourself at risk every day to save lives. nstad of running from the fire you run towards it Thank you.

My infusion has been pushed back to June 1 at the soonest. It was supposed to be March 20th. Without it, I am at risk for a major debilitating attack. I am hopeful that it won't happen, but so afraid if it does, since my disease has drastically progressed.

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...

Posted by LIRascal

Thank you for putting yourself at risk every day to save lives. nstad of running from the fire you run towards it Thank you.

My infusion has been pushed back to June 1 at the soonest. It was supposed to be March 20th. Without it, I am at risk for a major debilitating attack. I am hopeful that it won't happen, but so afraid if it does, since my disease has drastically progressed.