Navigating an Elective Surgery in the Midst of a Pandemic
Hospitalization During a Pandemic
In the summer of 2020, my son underwent major bowel/bladder reconstruction surgery. At first, we were going to cancel the procedure. However, all of our vacation plans were canceled due to COVID-19. We realized, What else are we going to do this summer? Undergoing a major surgery at an out-of-state hospital in the midst of a global pandemic suddenly made complete sense.
For those of you who are planning for a hospitalization (of any sort) here are my thoughts in light of coronavirus:
Find out if the hospital you are planning to use is deemed a “clean hospital.” Most cities have a specific hospital they are sending COVID patients to which, not surprisingly, is called a “dirty hospital.”
If you have an autoimmune deficiency or are medically fragile, ask for a negative pressure room. These rooms are designed to constantly pull and filter air out of the room. They are often saved for sick patients, and people with COVID-19, but if you have the option for its use, I would take it.
Wear a mask when you are outside of the patient room at all times. It’s okay to ask the staff who forget and come into your room unmasked to put one on. Even doctors forget. We are all tired of the masks but if it’s for your safety or your child’s safety, it’s worth requesting someone to mask up.
Wearing a mask protects others around you. It does not protect yourself. In other words, be sure you are around people who are masked. If you are in a situation requiring hospitalization, you don’t want to expose yourself to any viruses, particularly COVID. So again, request people put on masks.
No amount of hand sanitizer is too much. Most hospitals have hand sanitizer stations throughout, especially at double doors. Use it. I think my husband has made a personal goal to pump every bottle of sanitizer he encounters.
Allow for “kill time.” If you wipe down a surface with a disinfectant wipe, don’t immediately follow it with a dry wipe. It isn’t enough time to kill the germs that lurk on the surface. That includes your hands.
Be constantly aware of what your hands are doing. Keep them away from your face and that includes messing with your mask. Your mask should serve as a reminder to not touch your face.
Finally, wash your hands!
