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Hard decisions surrounding Coronavirus

(29 Posts)
merlotgran Mon 09-Mar-20 18:10:29

We've been asking for advice from health care professionals with regard to a couple of upcoming outpatient appointments for DH. He's anxious because he's in the high risk group.

All we get is, 'Just keep washing your hands!' angry

So, based on those rather obvious nuggets, we've cancelled this week's appointments.

rosecarmel Mon 09-Mar-20 18:05:04

No, you are not being unreasonable- We have to adapt to accomplishing what's required which will involve sacrifice without compromising our health- Its going to involve teamwork on all fronts, and where there isn't any in place we will have to act as our own advocates even if it means taking a different path to get our needs met-

I agree with endlessstrife- Call the hospital and see what measures they are taking to protect vulnerable patients that need to enter their facility for appointments and testing- They might have assigned a safe entrance and elevator and or protective items such as a mask and gloves-

Medicare has approved Teledoc and private insurance provides coverage for them too so that one doesn't need to meet face to face with a physician for some issues-

I understand the strain it can place on relationships when faced with having to make these difficult decisions- And I don't blame you for wanting to wrap yourself around his leg .. But you've 10 days to work out an alternative-

I would really appreciate it if you come back to this thread to let us know how it turns out as we are all faced with similar situations -

endlessstrife Mon 09-Mar-20 17:33:09

I would contact the hospital and ask what they advise. I don’t think you’re being unreasonable at all. It’s right to be cautious, but could it be to the detriment of his health otherwise? You say they’re routine checks. Sorry I can’t be any more helpful. It would be hard for any of us to make decisions now I would think. All the best to you both.

willa45 Mon 09-Mar-20 17:23:41

Both DH and myself have routine doctor visits coming up in the near future. I already canceled mine. DH's (Cardiologist) is in NYC, where Coronavirus cases are multiplying daily and where not everyone has been tested. To make matters worse, Drs. office is on the fifteenth floor of a very large, busy hospital.

DH is a very vulnerable senior. He has serious health issues surrounding his heart and he's in his late seventies. He almost died of pneumonia two years ago. He now insists he has to keep this appointment because it involves a test to see how his heart is doing. He thinks if he drives, that will assuage my concerns. I say exposing himself by walking around and using the crowded lifts inside the hospital, is an even bigger risk to his health than the one in the crowded train.

His appointment is in ten days. I feel so strongly about this that I've considered wrapping myself around his right leg when the time comes to keep him from going. Unless it's a life threatening emergency, I feel he shouldn't go. Am I being unreasonable?