Article from Issue #24 (August 7, 2020)
Is This Our New Normal?
by Macara Brachmann
As a health care worker and as an “essential employee” in the early days of this pandemic , my days of patient care were far from normal. I was getting daily updates on the numbers, new signs/symptoms, all the most up to date information on the virus that was available was being given to us as health care providers. Our PPE protocols typically used for specific patients (on occasion) were now part of daily procedures for patient care.To say I felt overwhelmed would have been an understatement if I’m being completely truthful.
Memorial Day weekend came and I stared at the news in disbelief as thousands of Southern California residents decided to take refuge from the heat wave, heading to the beaches. I watched with concern as most beach goers were not following the “covid guidelines” , you know wearing a mask in public places and maintaining social distancing of the recommended 6 feet apart. I immediately used this moment as a teachable one for my 18 year old, who was also feeling like a restless native desperately wanting some normalcy. I DRILLED into him the fact he has asthma + how germs are spread . I explained to him that just because he was tired of the virus didn't mean it wasn't there. I made the statement to him, watch the numbers jump in 2 weeks from all those who were growing tired of the guidelines. Sure enough sadly the numbers did just that in CA.
Then the protests happened…I’m not writing about politics,only as a timeline specifically Covid-19 and yet another teachable moment. In my opinion, wearing a mask is not a political statement, it is about protection and decreasing the spread of the virus. Our community was on nightly stay in place orders. Life was surreal to say the least . I continued treating patients with full PPE protocols. All elective surgeries had been put on hold to maintain beds in the hospitals for Covid -19 patients, while non infected patients were continuing to be admitted needing rehabilitation services. The positive cases skyrocketed yet again in California 2 weeks after protests.
Today we are now 5 months into this pandemic. Life is far from normal but maybe this is the new normal for the moment. Our entire staff has been getting weekly testing to ensure we maintain the health and safety of our patients. On 7/11 I was notified that my latest test came back positive. HOW ON EARTH was my feeling as my stomach sank. I had been taking my temperature twice daily since the pandemic started,I was following literally every protocol. I exhibited no signs, no symptoms. I was what is called asymptomatic . I immediately sent my son to go live with friends, while I stayed at home with the pups monitoring my temp plus beginning a barrage of supplements which I had read had been helpful against the virus. I waited the 10 days, I retested , I was NEGATIVE. I had a false positive test result. I had been over each day in my mind, every patient, every hand wash,every PPE taken off and on, every situation. It didn’t make sense how I could have contracted the virus. In the end, it doesn't really matter. I stayed home, I used the 14 days as an opportunity to rest, and regenerate after some stressful months. I am now back to treating patients just like I did before, using all precautionary measures I have available.
We have all been going through a host of feelings since this pandemic started. Fear, anxiety and stress (emotional , financial, the list goes on right?) to name just a few. When I go outside to exercise, I wear my mask on my chin, ready to pull up at a moment's notice if I am not able to get the distance I think is adequate. Last night I had 3 18 year old boys in my house and the conversation came up, why wear the little fabric mask, does it really protect me? I used this as a teachable moment for these boys. I explained about asymptomatic carriers. I asked them if they remembered the sneeze machine at most science museums as an example. I explained simple concepts. 1) masks serve as a barrier both a physical one to keep them safe from potentially asymptomatic people 2) as a protective barrier for others if they are asymptomatic carriers. 3) that is it really a combination of keeping a little space (social distancing) , using a mask (does not need to be N95 to be useful) + handwashing that keeps them safe.
I also reminded them just like any flu or cold, the only way you catch a sick bug is for the germ through the eyes, nose or mouth. Which is why the mask is helpful as a physical barrier to stop mindless face touching. I don't know about you readers, but I found myself unconsciously catching myself almost touching my face so much more since this whole thing has started.
What I have learned about life with Covid-19 is that the responsibility to keep myself healthy is solely my own. I have the knowledge to take the precautions I need to keep myself safe. It doesn't matter what others do. I understand that carrying hand sanitizer and wearing masks are far from normal but it will help keep me safe. I have to take responsibility for my own wellbeing.
With my patient care, stress was high initially. Now, as the months have progressed, PPE has become the norm. While I have gotten a black eye from my N95 mask in the beginning, I’ve grown more comfortable knowing that while it's uncomfortable face squeeze , it keeps me safe. I shifted my mindset to not focus on the suck, rather be thankful to know how to protect myself and my patients from this deadly virus.
Wishing you peace, health and happiness,
Macara
What Day of the Week is it?
Oh 2020. You have been a doozy.
Hello! I'm so excited to start this monthly blog!