Adventures in Healthcare

A Rant: Chapter 369

I was back at my cardiologist today for a routine device check and echocardiogram. I wore an N95 as usual.

Nurse: “Mr. Morrill, we’re ready for you *cough*”

When I got in the room, the nurse checked my stats. Then two techs came in to check on my pacemaker. All were unmasked. I didn’t have the courage to ask them to wear a mask, even though I’ve had them put a request in my record that I’d like anyone in the room to be masked. One of them coughed while talking to me.

Then I was taken to another room for my echo. While we were walking there I kindly said, “Could I ask that you please wear a mask?” She initially said “We aren’t required to anymore,” which made me nervous... I have heard stories of people responding like that, but hadn’t experienced it myself. Thankfully, she continued, “it’s up to you, it’s fine if you want to keep it on.” So she had misunderstood me and wasn’t being a jerk after all. I clarified I was asking if she would. She seemed a bit surprised but obliged, “Oh, yes, I can if you’d like.” I said yes and thanked her. She came back in with a surgical mask on. Better than nothing and about the best I can expect these days.

When you get an echo, you’re laying on your side and they are sitting close beside you. As she got started with the process she said, “I actually like it when patients mask, not even because of covid so much, but because of bad breath. We sit so close to patients during this.” I kind of laughed it off and said something about how I’d definitely brushed my teeth, but internally I was definitely thinking WTF.

A bit later in the process she said “Something I just learned recently, since I wear N95s in the hospital, is it’s important to take breaks from them because of the buildup of air that you’re breathing in. It’s good to take it off and get some fresh air. I’m sure you’re not wearing them 24/7, but just so you know.” This is a common anti-masking talking point and is not true as far as I know. I don’t even remember how I reacted, probably just a verbal “Mm” and more internal screaming.

Look, even if you buy into “only the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions are at risk from covid,” shouldn’t a cardiologist’s office be a place you mask up all of the time? The majority of your patients meet both of those criteria!

I forgot to bring my Aranet4 with me to get CO2 readings. I need to get in the habit of taking that more places.

I’m tired, y’all. 😫

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