Scared of going in for check-ups during the pandemic !!!

BoiseB

I have many overdue check-ups and I am freaking out. Luckily I found this article I am going to follow every check point
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/how-to-safely-go-to-your-doctor-during-coronavirus/art-20486713?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=living-with-cancer

Bengal

I've been to a couple of appointments and had some tests at the hospital. They have so many protocols in place that it's probably one of the safest places to be right now (other than your own home that is). The first test I went in for they had check in at the door but now they've switched to parking lot check in where you call from your vehicle to let them know you're there and then wait until they call you in. No waiting room. Of course everyone wears masks and they check temperatures. Yes, I understand it can be intimidating but I don't like the idea of putting follow-ups, scans, etc.... off either. With a history of cancer it's just too risky.

Bug

I have my annual mammogram and gynecological exams coming up in July. I'm not looking forward to going either but I also don't want to put them off.

legaljen1969

One of my dear friends has a sister who has MS. Her sister started having some headaches, but she was scared to go in to the hospital. She said she hoped to just wait a little bit until things were "safer." Their parents are both in their 80s and not in great health, so both sisters have been trying their hardest to stay self-quarantined so they can get to their parents if necessary without risking contraction of COVID.
In any case, the sister finally started having vision problems and had to go the ER. She now has significant permanent loss of vision for which there is no way to correct.
So many of us are balancing taking care of our health against staying home so we don't risk incidental infection.
If you feel you need to be seen for a problem, please please please contact your doctor and find a way to be seen.

BuckeyeShelby

Had to go to the ER because of blobby last week. A bit scared. But they took my temp before I went into the ER. And before I was admitted, I got tested. 27 foot q-tip shoved into your brain. The hosp policy is to have one person do the deed and an observer (I'm sure meant to keep the pt from killing the person w/the q-tip. The person watching laughed, said he never saw anyone flinch less than me. 'Course I was scared if I flinched, I'd get a free lobotomy! lol Everyone was in masks, from the doctor down to the food services person who delivered my meals. And I was on an oncology floor, with lots of people doing hard core chemo, so you KNOW they have to be extra careful. And my mask went on whenever anyone came in the room, unless it was the middle of the night and I wasn't awake. Turned out not as scary as I thought...

LiveWithCancer

I have been to the satellite campus of my hospital twice - once to have my port flushed and once to have blood tests drawn and a scan. They have many protocols in place and I felt pretty safe. I do not believe they were making sure elevator buttons, etc. were cleaned after every use, but I wasn't particularly nervous there. They did check temperatures and of course everyone had to wear a mask.

I took my 90-year-old mom to her general practitioner in a large hospital-owned medical building. Now, I would have expected far more cleanliness that experienced. Tissues were left behind by rude patients, our temperature was checked upon entering the doctor's suite (on the top floor of the building) but not when we went to the 6th floor for xrays. The bathrooms weren't wiped down after use or anything like that. I had wished I had gloves to punch elevator buttons. The elevators had a number of people who could ride each trip, but the people ignored it and we had a packed elevator. I was really disappointed in how things were there. I love her doctor, but he didn't wear gloves; he did have on a mask. I was surprised there were not more protocols followed at a place where sick people were presumably coming.

Bengal

That is shocking that they are so apparently nonchalant about patient safety. For that matter, those who are in the building for long hours should be more concerned about their own safety. Especially with your mom particularly vulnerable that sounds pretty frightening.

LiveWithCancer

I had the first scan I've had in 6 months. And, for the first time since I was diagnosed, there is a new nodule - which is small and we don't know if it is malignant or not. I wonder, though, if it would have shown up 3 months ago if I had been able to have the scan when I was supposed to have it. I am sure we would still be taking a "watch and see" stance, but it sure makes me wish I had been able to have the scan after 3 months as has been our practice for years instead of waiting 6 months as the new COVID protocols had me do.

Bug

LWC, I’m really sorry to hear about the new nodule. What’s the next step?

Carool

LiveWithCancer, I hope, of course, it’s benign.

BoiseB, most hospitals are taking utmost precautions. I have my annual mammogram and sonogram at the end of June. I’m not worried about the hospital; I’m concerned about getting there. Either public transportation or car service (will probably take car service, but then I’m still concerned about its degree of sterilization). It’ll be odd to have a mammogram and sono while wearing a mask. Bare breasts but covered face. They’re doing only temperature checks, not the nose plunge (I’m relieved!).

LiveWithCancer

Thanks, @Bug and @Carool. It was small and the doctor said if there is a benign tumor in lungs, it often shows in the lower node. He doesn't know whether to expect it to be (1) gone next time, (2) the same, or (3) growing. Naturally, i hope it will be gone!!!!!! But, if not, i guess we will resume treatment. I have been treatment free since April 2019 so i have had a nice break!