Thanks-mother-effing-giving. Oh, hey there! So...big holiday coming up tomorrow. Also, we're still in the midst of a pandemic...lest you had forgotten, or maybe you are still using denial as a coping mechanism. In the past two hours, I have had two different friends reach out to me for advice regarding loved ones who have been … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #14
Tag: palliative care
Covid-19 Series, Entry #13
Hi Rose, my name is Dr. Bartlett. I'm going to be one of your doctors today. I heard that you had a rough night last night, so we're going to work on your medications to make sure you're staying more comfortable. You are too tired to open your eyes or talk to me right now … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #13
Covid-19 Series, Entry #11
Death certificates...ahem. I love Sunday mornings. Things move at a slower pace. Danny and I enjoy coffee together on the deck. The kids generally sleep in a bit and eventually roll out of bed to help me make cinnamon rolls before we watch church online. So when my alarm clock went off this morning, I … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #11
Covid-19 Series, Entry #8
I don't know why I am even having to write this post. File this under 'common sense 101' or 'how to not be an asshole' or even 'how to be a decent human, for dummies.' For those of you with halfway evolved frontal lobes, don't feel like you have to read any further. Since the … Continue reading Covid-19 Series, Entry #8
Covid-19 Series, Entry #7 with Special Guest Author, Dr. Emily Riegel.
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
