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maybebaby
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 6870 total posts
Name: Maureen
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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.
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Posted 4/23/20 9:55 PM |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name: EMBRACING CHANGE
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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.
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Posted 4/24/20 7:07 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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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.
I would tread very lightly admitting these things on a public forum like this. It could come back to bite you in the ass.
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Posted 4/24/20 12:01 PM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *
Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name: Gina
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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.
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Posted 4/24/20 12:33 PM |
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TooSoontoTell
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/11 501 total posts
Name:
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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?
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Posted 4/24/20 2:51 PM |
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RainyDay
LIF Adult
Member since 6/15 3990 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by TooSoontoTell
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?
From OP post it sounds like the hospital is already working at max capacity so not really sure how opening up would help fix the situation and allow for better care of non covid patients. Maybe I am just not understanding?
OP hugs to you!!
Message edited 4/24/2020 9:30:34 PM.
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Posted 4/24/20 9:28 PM |
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
I would tread very lightly admitting these things on a public forum like this. It could come back to bite you in the ass.
Everything OP stated is currently the same experience of any provider on a COVID unit right now in any hot spot in the country. Not unique to just her. It shows the point of social distancing to decrease the strain on the health system, which would be even worse and of longer duration without it.
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Posted 4/25/20 5:03 AM |
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jaykaylol
LIF Infant
Member since 6/16 170 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by RainyDay
Posted by TooSoontoTell
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?
From OP post it sounds like the hospital is already working at max capacity so not really sure how opening up would help fix the situation and allow for better care of non covid patients. Maybe I am just not understanding?
OP hugs to you!!
Agree - how is opening everything up going to help non-covid patients at all? people will still be apprehensive about going to the hospital, whether they are allowed to be out or not. healthcare staff is still being overworked, people floating to units they are not used to etc. it's not a great situation for anyone.
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Posted 4/25/20 6:09 AM |
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brooke23
LIF Toddler
Member since 3/11 482 total posts
Name:
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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:$&in SUCKS.
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Posted 4/25/20 6:45 AM |
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RainyDay
LIF Adult
Member since 6/15 3990 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by brooke23
I’m a breast cancer “survivor”. I finished chemo last March and all necessary surgeries I’m October. My oncologist did a virtual appt and it scares me because I don’t get a physical exam. Feel like I am now holding my breath that I don’t get covid and I don’t miss issues with cancer. It f:$&in SUCKS.
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Posted 4/25/20 7:57 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by LastLightGlow
I would tread very lightly admitting these things on a public forum like this. It could come back to bite you in the ass.
Everything OP stated is currently the same experience of any provider on a COVID unit right now in any hot spot in the country. Not unique to just her. It shows the point of social distancing to decrease the strain on the health system, which would be even worse and of longer duration without it.
Oh, I don't doubt that, but I don't know if her employer would want her publicly stating the specifics that she has. I don't know, really. But, she deactivated her account, so maybe she realized it wasn't a good idea.
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Posted 4/25/20 9:07 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by brooke23
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.
First, congrats on finishing your treatments!
Second, a virtual appointment for a recent cancer patient is beyond unacceptable.
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Posted 4/25/20 9:16 AM |
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LIRascal
drama. daily.
Member since 3/11 7287 total posts
Name: Michelle
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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.
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Posted 4/25/20 11:53 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name: fka LIW Smara
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by LastLightGlow
I would tread very lightly admitting these things on a public forum like this. It could come back to bite you in the ass.
Everything OP stated is currently the same experience of any provider on a COVID unit right now in any hot spot in the country. Not unique to just her. It shows the point of social distancing to decrease the strain on the health system, which would be even worse and of longer duration without it.
Oh, I don't doubt that, but I don't know if her employer would want her publicly stating the specifics that she has. I don't know, really. But, she deactivated her account, so maybe she realized it wasn't a good idea.
Why not erase it? Deactivate seems extreme, hope she’s ok.
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Posted 4/25/20 1:22 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name: fka LIW Smara
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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.
Praying for you
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Posted 4/25/20 1:23 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by Sash
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by LastLightGlow
I would tread very lightly admitting these things on a public forum like this. It could come back to bite you in the ass.
Everything OP stated is currently the same experience of any provider on a COVID unit right now in any hot spot in the country. Not unique to just her. It shows the point of social distancing to decrease the strain on the health system, which would be even worse and of longer duration without it.
Oh, I don't doubt that, but I don't know if her employer would want her publicly stating the specifics that she has. I don't know, really. But, she deactivated her account, so maybe she realized it wasn't a good idea.
Why not erase it? Deactivate seems extreme, hope she’s ok.
Maybe she got worried that someone on here was going to report her like someone mentioned. It's too bad she had to feel that way, shes been a poster since the beginning and I think this was an outlet for her.
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Posted 4/26/20 8:10 AM |
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beanie571
:-P
Member since 5/07 2509 total posts
Name:
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by brooke23
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.
I’m in the same boat. Finished chemo last April, radiation in August and target therapy infusions in January. I have a virtual visit with my oncologist on 5/5 and I am not really happy about that. I really feel like I need to see him in person and be examined! I will discuss this with him then and see if I can go see him soon. It’s so scary after treatment is done, and to not have that crutch of an exam makes it scarier!
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Posted 4/26/20 3:20 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name: Karen
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Re: Random post but it's a scary time to be a patient...
Posted by beanie571
Posted by brooke23
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.
I’m in the same boat. Finished chemo last April, radiation in August and target therapy infusions in January. I have a virtual visit with my oncologist on 5/5 and I am not really happy about that. I really feel like I need to see him in person and be examined! I will discuss this with him then and see if I can go see him soon. It’s so scary after treatment is done, and to not have that crutch of an exam makes it scarier!
My mother has had a host of cancers, breast, lung, skin and is now dealing with a form of luekemia. She sees her oncologist and all other doctors in person. They just take extra caution. I would tell your doctor you want to be seen.
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Posted 4/26/20 3:37 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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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.
My husband is due in July for his 6 month dose. Not sure if it will happen and if it does if we'll have to quarantine for some time afterwards.
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Posted 4/26/20 3:50 PM |
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