healthcareworker

I posted this earlier in the pandemic but still rings true.

I am a Healthcare worker- an Occupational Therapist. I work to help people regain function in their everyday tasks. Help them live their life to their fullest. I love what I do and absolutely love helping people. But in these uncertain times, I'm torn.

Everyday I wake up, go to work and go through the process to get into our building which has changed exponentially... at one point last week was changing daily. I work closely with the elderly, who now have no contact with visitors and soon will be quarantined to their rooms. Some don't even know how to use their phone or have the ability to talk with their loved ones. All of us who work there are the only ones to bring them a smile.

I love spending time with them. Seeing their progress and helping them regain what they have lost. But just as each of us may be worried about what's going on around us, they are even more so. They trust us and pray that we will keep them safe. We sanitize and wash our hands and everything we touch a million more times than before to do all we can to fight what could be.

Everyday we are leaving the girls only to come home, strip down as soon as we walk in the door and wash again! Alex is still working too which means we will barely see each other as care for our girls has decreased... which we do understand. It's tough knowing so many people have gained unlimited time with their families until this is over... while we long for it.

It's taking a toll. But, we are grateful!! Grateful for the ability to have an essential job, to help care for others in this world in different ways during this time. Grateful to be able to help others as needed if the time arises.

Tons of emotions come with this time in our lives and it's only human to be torn! So if you are in the same position, whether a healthcare worker or any other essential position right now, know you are understood and loved. I'm thinking about you and praying for you, your family, your emotions and your overall health. ♡
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#Emotions #torn #grateful #therapist #occupationaltherapy #rehabilitation #otr #occupationaltherapist #ot #therapy #healthcare #restore #loved #prayer #healthcareworker #Empathy #MentalHealth #overwhelmed

Prime example this week. I called in sick on monday because I was awake for 34ish hours (due to insomnia). Not sleeping also triggers my other conditions like migraines and RA flare ups.
Anyway, this is a prime example of why I always regret telling my coworkers (or anyone) about my insomnia at work. Its so damn frustraing to get responses like these from people when the know i have chronic illnesses

Me: sorry i didnt come in. I was awake for about 34 hours and didnt think it was safe to work.
Coworker: have you tried warm milk with garlic? Works for me every time.
Coworker 2: Lush has this lotion that helps me sleep. It smells so good

NO KAREN. IVE HAD INSOMNIA MY WHOLE LIFE AND NEVER THOUGHT TO TRY WARM MILK BEFORE. AND I CANT TRY THAT LOTION BECAUSE SCENTS TRIGGER MY MIGRAINES BUT COOL, THANKS FOR YOUR MAGICAL MILK AND LOTION CURES THAT'LL CHANGE MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY FOR SURE

#Insomnia #RheumatoidArthritis #frustrations #Migraines #Anxiety #ignorance #ignoranceisnotinnocence #CheckInWithMe #ButYouDontLookSick #Cantgetoutofbed #Cantalwaysplayalong #fakesmile #fakeittillyoumakeit #healthcareworker

I am a housekeeper in the ER of a medium sized hospital in a suburb of a major city. I never realized that I might have claustrophobia until I began having to wear masks to protect myself against COVID-19. We are starting to see a significant increase of possibly infected patients now.

Wearing the mask protects me, and more importantly, my elderly parents whom I help care for. However, I have constant anxiety attacks as soon as the mask goes on. I spend my entire shift with severe chest pain and hyperventilating. My O2 sats are 98-99%, so I -am- actually getting enough oxygen, but my brain insists that I’m in danger. I don’t know how to stop it. I’ve tried rationalization, mindful breathing, DBT skills - but the flight or fight response stays engaged.

The duckbill mask (pictured) was easier for me to wear, but I have no control over the type that my boss gives me. Supplies are limited, so we get what we get, and we have to be happy with that. The other option is none at all, and that ISN’T an option.

It’s so hard to be a housekeeper in this crisis. I’m exposed to bad bugs often through lack of communication, and my immune system is robust as a result. I just doubt that my immunity extends to a brand new virus. I clean every surface as if it has the virus on it, because I don’t want any patient or nurse/physician getting sick by me doing an inadequate job cleaning the rooms. It’s a lot of pressure, but it has to be done. Housekeeping is the first line of defense against the spread of disease within the hospital.