PRESENT!!

May 18, 2020, 9:52 PM

I just typed out a long detailed review of the last 6 weeks.. and hit the back button ??

Main issue early was PPE. I was asked to use the same simple mask, not even an N95, for positive patients all day. Not even effective against COVID.

We did convert our Ambulatory Surgery Unit into a COVID M.A.S.H. style set up, and put 2 massive intake tents outside. They never needed to be utilized. Simply stated, we never got the "surge" or numbers we anticipated.

Magically, about a month ago, we had whatever PPE we felt we needed made available to us. I've taken care of many COVID pos patients who were critically I'll and have since recovered.

Overall, hospital numbers are down bc there are no elective procedures being done. People who can wait are staying away. So my hospital, like many others, has actually not been very busy. The most COVID pos pts we had was 10-15 in ICU and 20-30 on med surgery and telemetry at any point.

The game changer in my opinion was that we started using a 24h rapid test. Patients who were PUIs were being kept in isolation for 4-6 days before, so we were being overrun early. Being able to clear someone in a day has been huge.

It's been an interesting and growing time. This country is not prepared for a pandemic. We should learn and be better for this. Not having equipment is shameful.

I have had many simultaneously beautiful and heart breaking moments. On Mothers Day, a man who was talking to me all morning, history of pancreatic cancer, came in for a fall. He had horrendous pain and had history of opioid dependence from the cancer and old injuries. We simply could not get his pain under control safely as he did not want to be on a breathing machine. There are no visitors allowed in hospitals. The man made himself a DNR, and we did this via phone with his mother and sister. Before I even had a chance to administer more pain meds (10 mins), I walked into his room and watched his color change to white, his HR plummet, and his eyes roll back.. agonally breathing. I called the MD in the room and got his family on the phone. Listened to his sister and mother cry, say goodbye, and pray as I held the man's hand and rubbed his head. That was probably the toughest thing. Not the COVID, but that this man died without his family..

I try to present the reality of what I see, and I appreciate the recognition that I am not one to speak in hyperbole.

This thing was terrifying early. I think it's time to open. People just need to be safe. I pray for those who have struggled with the virus whether its directly or indirectly relating to economics or like my story above.

I love this board, hope you all stay strong and healthy.. And of course, I cannot wait to stand next to y'all as we pump our fist and cheer on our Tigers.

Much love, and GOOO TIGERS!!

(Feel free to ask specifics or other questions if you got em!)

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PRESENT!!

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