Dr. Riegel was a senior resident when I was in medical school, then a palliative care fellow when I was a resident. During my fellowship, she was one of my most treasured attendings, and now I am honored to call her a dear friend. She is an extraordinarily talented writer and I am so excited … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #7 with Special Guest Author, Dr. Emily Riegel.
Covid-19 Series, Entry #6
Anger - the stage of grief I have apparently landed in today. As I was perusing social media last night, I came across a post that questioned why pleas for others to stay at home and continue social distancing are often accompanied by anger, name calling and "venom." I slept on that question. Then I … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #6
Covid-19 Series, Entry #5
Hyperalgesia: An abnormal and enhanced sensitivity to pain. For the past several weeks, my team and our entire health system have been preparing for the Covid-19 surge. Our team started to see our first Covid-19 consults last week. Of the patients I've seen so far, some have died, one recovered. I have several patients who, … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #5
Covid-19 Series, Entry #4
Today I wrote up a protocol for how to allow someone dying of Covid-19 to die comfortably on life support machines because the act of actually removing the life support machine poses an increased risk of transmission to the providers present at the bedside. So, there's that. In other news, I'm learning a lot from … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #4
Covid-19 Series, Entry #3
Okay, I was going to try to lighten the mood and talk about all of the shenanigans happening in my house right now, but there are some serious things I need to tell you. I promise I'll post something lighter soon-ish. A quick update on my job. I am a Palliative Care physician in a … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #3
Covid-19 Series, Entry #2
Dear Louisa, I'm sorry that our family wasn't able to go on our trip, but I have really enjoyed the past few days here at home with you and our family. I know that things are super-weird right now and I appreciate how brave and flexible you have been. The hugs you gave me tonight … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #2
Covid-19 Series, Entry #1
This is the view from my office. It's been my view for almost seven years now. I was pretty lucky to get an office with a window when I was only a fellow (this must have been a clerical mistake) and this has been my home base ever since. Looking out my window I … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #1
Literally
The other day, I was making cookies in the kitchen (because where else would I be making cookies? Kind of a dumb leading sentence...). If there is something I do well, it is make cookies...and my kids know it. So Annie, anxious to get a warm, gooey cookie, dragged a tall kitchen chair over to … Continue reading Literally
If you decide to try yoga…advice to limit potential embarrassment
Happy New Year, friends! It's that time of year when we (or maybe just me?) lament all the things we've eaten since Thanksgiving and commit to making changes IMMEDIATELY! Or tomorrow...because today is still technically a holiday...and leftovers. In the next few days, gyms across America will be inundated with people committed to getting back … Continue reading If you decide to try yoga…advice to limit potential embarrassment
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Warm Regards, Eat Glass
Ah, the holiday season. That blessed time of year when we are inundated with card after lovely card, wishing us a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. Cards arrive from family and friends, near and far. Every card featuring some combination of children and animals, dressed in matching outfits, smiling as though they are truly … Continue reading Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Warm Regards, Eat Glass
