I'm An ICU Doctor And I Cannot Believe The Things Unvaccinated Patients Are Telling Me

[Nevilledog]

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❄️Kate 🇺🇸
@KatieO425
WTF is wrong with people? #WearAMask #GetVaccinatedNow This ICU doctor cannot believe the things unvaccinated patients are telling her.

I'm An ICU Doctor And I Cannot Believe The Things Unvaccinated Patients Are Telling Me
"My experiences in the ICU these past weeks have left me surprised, disheartened, but most of all, angry."
huffpost.com
8:36 AM · Aug 1, 2021

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/icu-doctor-health-care-workers-unvaccinated-patients_n_6102ad2ae4b000b997df1f17

“We can’t let COVID win.”

This was my colleague’s mantra when the pandemic started last year. And for the almost 18 months since, health care workers have rallied to the battlefields, even at times when we had no weapons to brandish.

We took care of the infected and the critically ill when no one else would. We reused N95 masks, carefully placing them in labeled brown paper bags in between shifts. We witnessed lonely deaths and held up iPads for families to say their heartbreaking goodbyes. We created elaborate backup schedules and neglected our personal lives. We stepped up during surges and when our colleagues fell ill. Camaraderie in the ICU had never been stronger because we recognized that this was a team effort and all of humanity was battling against a common enemy.

But as health care workers, we also were painfully aware of our own vulnerabilities. We can run out of ICU resources for our patients. We can run out of personal protective equipment for ourselves. We can be exposed on the job and get sick. And we can die — many of us did, more than 3,600 from COVID-19 in the first year.

Many of us quarantined away from our families to protect the ones we love. We counted the risk factors of our children, our elderly parents, our spouses, and came up with our own formulas to decide whether to come home at the end of the shift or hole up in a hotel room. One of our ICU directors wrote and rewrote our COVID-19 clinical guidelines to keep up with the evolving literature and somehow she carved out the time to write her own will.

*snip*

[dalton99a]

1. Kick

I am angry that the tragic scenes of prior surges are being played out yet again, but now with ICUs primarily filled with patients who have chosen not to be vaccinated. I am angry that it takes me over an hour to explain to an anti-vaxxer full of misinformation that intubation isn’t what “kills patients” and that their wish for chest compressions without intubation in the event of a respiratory arrest makes no sense. I am angry at those who refuse to wear “muzzles” when grocery shopping for half an hour a week, as I have been so-called “muzzled” for much of the past 18 months.

I cannot understand the simultaneous decision to not get vaccinated and the demand to end the restrictions imposed by a pandemic. I cannot help but recoil as if I’ve been slapped in the face when my ICU patient tells me they didn’t get vaccinated because they “just didn’t get around to it.” Although such individuals do not consider themselves anti-vaxxers, their inaction itself is a decision — a decision to not protect themselves or their families, to fill a precious ICU bed, to let new variants flourish, and to endanger the health care workers and immunosuppressed people around them. Their inaction is a decision to let this pandemic continue to rage.

And meanwhile, immunocompromised people, for whom vaccines don’t generate much immunity, are desperately waiting for herd immunity. I have no way to comfort my rightfully outraged transplant patients who contracted COVID-19 after isolating for over a year and getting fully vaccinated as soon as they could. With angry tears, these patients tell me it’s not fair that there are people who are choosing to endanger both themselves and the vulnerable people around them. They feel betrayed by their fellow citizens and they are bitter and angry. I cannot blame them.

I am at a loss to understand how anyone can look at these past months of the pandemic — more than 600,000 lives lost in the U.S. and more than 4 million worldwide — and not believe it’s real or take it seriously. But the unhappy truth is that there are people who do not. They did not in the beginning and many are doubling down now.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

37. You highlight the key paragraphs that I was going to. Thanks! . . . nt

[Roland99]

51. I have ZERO patience for ANY qultist at this point

fuck it. I hope they all die. Sooner rather than later so they don't take out the rest of us in the process

[bdamomma]

53. Exactly

may be that is what the repigs want anyway. Death and chaos they have nothing else to offer people.

[The Magistrate]

2. Heartbreaking And Enraging, Ma'am

[FarPoint]

3. This article...

Spot on correct.

[calimary]

25. Exactly so.

Heartbreaking AND enraging!

I’m getting awfully sick and tired of The Stupid.

I keep hearing a voice that says “the stupid is strong with them, Luke.”

[certainot]

42. 1500 unchallenged coordinated rw radio stations licensed to operate in the public interest called

called it a hoax and are still politicizing masks and vaccinations

astoundingly, 260 of those stations still use the athletes from 87 universities, which keep broadcasting sports on them, helping them attract advertisers, to pay for that

[Chainfire]

4. The doctor is fighting years of insidious propaganda.

People have been so indoctrinated by the far right that they risk their lives and the lives of their family to maintain their political purity. That is how much that they hate science, scientist, and anyone that they consider to the left of their politics. You have to wonder, if they are willing to kill their families over this issue, how much of a push would it take to go after you?

Every time, in the last 25 years, that you walked by someone who was listening, with eyes glazed, the hate speech of the Limbaughs of the world, you were watching this come to pass. My fear, and my judgement, is that we have not seen the worst of it yet.

[Tumbulu]

10. Well said and I agree

I don’t think we have seen anything yet.

I really hope that I am wrong.

[DSandra]

15. In essence the Republicans are Nazifying America

And their primary weapons are propaganda and disinformation.

[Maru Kitteh]

18. "if they are willing to kill their families over this issue, how much of a push

would it take to go after you?"

Very little.

[oldsoftie]

21. Re: vaccines; its not just the far right. Plenty kooks on the left too

Robert Kennedy has been forcing anti vaccine shit for YEARS and has REALLY stepped it up now. I know a couple who get every message he sends out. He's not the only one but probably the most well known
And his latest BS is aimed at getting black people to not get it. Its disgusting

[calimary]

26. His dad is surely rolling over in his grave.

SHAME on RFK Jr! Shitting all over his family’s name.

[certainot]

43. with global warming, "smoking doesn't cause cancer", deregulation, limbaugh killed more than hitler

and stalin and needs recognition for it

but trumpism rots with limbaugh and democrats need to recognize it. that's why democracy can start working again - if we stop blaming symptoms like fox and facebook

COVID was his too

would VOC classification need to go to the top first? trump was likely getting intel briefings early on in 2019 that included worse case scenarios, including having to declare state of emergency, close the borders, delay/cancel elections etc

he would have liked that and it is clear that his golfing buddy and neighbor and fellow putin tool limbaugh would not have called it a hoax if trump did not want him to. there is a pic of them having lunch around christmas 2019 looking very concerned about something.

limbaugh's first public on air reaction as leader of the dittohead nation that made trump poossible was to point out it was a hoax from the left to force big govt solutions (communism!) and he had already in 2014 used fear of ebola to rally the anti-immigrant base to get the GOP 9 senate seats (ebola was the oct surprise). of course they would use it again and a transcription of the limbaugh shows related to the 2019 ebola outbreak would show they were already using it to push for border walls..... unfortunately for trump/limbaugh scientists got that under control, despite efforts by social media trolls in some country (russia?) to get locals to attack clinics, kill medical staff. surely that has been checked into? well, possibly no, because despite voice of america being used to 'spread democracy' vs USSR for decades RW radio (1500 previously limbaugh dumb-coordinated radio stations - which is why the GOP iss such a mess now) is still completely ignored by dems, progressives, media and political analysts, etc.

if this virus had pandemic written all over it wouldn't VOC classification have to go through trump appointees first?

dems have plate full but they, and media, have to investigate as if these sex on the wrong brain dumbfucks know nothing about evolving viruses (and still don't) and just wanted to use it like they did ebola in 2014 (at the time trump actually used ebola to attack obama) - because maybe he played golf or talked with limbaugh the day before?

[Tree Lady]

5. I bet even more enraged at all the people

That work in the hospital that won't get vaccinated. I was surprised by how many in my local hospital.

[oldsoftie]

23. Yes, thats the craziest. Some DOCTORS too.

I guess some are just so far down the rabbit hole they cant get out.
Although here where i live, 2 of the better known doctors, both trump supporters, have been loudly vocal about getting the vaccines. And they were out front early on telling people that this shit is no joke. And STILL people dont listen

[Fullduplexxx]

6. I just didnt get around to it sounds less childish and less stupid than I want to own the libs

Or I wont live in fear or dont come at me with your fauci ouchi or FREEEEEEEDUM

[DSandra]

16. They are stubborn children being enabled by the RW and Facebook and would rather double down...

Than admit that they were wrong and do something for someone other than themselves.

[GulfCoast66]

19. For the win. They are humiliated and can't admit to being anti-vaccers

I bet if you checked their Facebook it would be loaded with right wing bullshit.

If I was an ICU doctor I would be a dick to them. Not in the care they received. But I’d brutally honest they they are in the ICU by their own choice.

[pandr32]

7. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like

...for emergency care providers who are forced to argue with patients they are trying to help.
Something must be done about deliberate misinformation streamed, broadcast and televised. It is a public safety issue and one of national security. We need rules and rule enforcement.

[DSandra]

17. I wouldn't be surprised if Russia essentially owns the Republican Party now

And is helping the RW spread disinformation to destroy America.

If they succeed, a dark ages will fall on America, an impoverished wasteland full of disease and people beholden to religion, where suffering is normal, any threat of rebellion is squashed with disinformation, smearing, and outright force, and the rich will forever control the country, while other countries like China will make this country look like an old has-been in history. And with that, democracy may fall in much of the rest of the countries that have it, spearheaded by Russia’s infiltration of disinformation. And the world will be autocratized and human rights will more and more vanish.

[keithbvadu2]

8. 1+

[Champp]

9. Republican lies have done this to the American people

it's fugging evil and Republicans will reap the needless sickness that they have sown.

[Lonestarblue]

11. Republicans do not believe in this country anymore.

They believe only in forcing everyone else to fulfill their personal desires for privilege over minorities. They believe that only Republicans have a right to be elected to government. And they believe they have the right to use violence against government and fellow citizens if elections do not show them to be the winners. They believe in conspiracies rather than reality, and they believe they have the right to pass laws based on those conspiracies and lies. They believe their minority religious beliefs take precedence over anyone else’s beliefs. As Sarah Palin said recently on her potential run against Murkowski, this country belongs to God and we should do what God wants. Funny how what Republicans want seems to be the same thing God always wants.

The Republican Party is inconsistent with preserving democracy.

[catrose]

47. Yes

[spooky3]

12. Everyone should read this. Journalists should quote from it

nightly or if possible have the author on their shows to read their statements.

[malaise]

14. Agree

[spooky3]

29. hi, malaise! Will Nadal win the Citi Open? nt

[malaise]

30. Well he's better than most of the competition

Truth be told I like him for the US Open this year

Need to check on his health

[spooky3]

31. The field is better than usual this year

Even though Denis isn't here and the top players who never play here skipped it again.

Lots of top youngsters are here (Felix, Korda, de Minauer, etc.), and Kyrgios likes playing here because the fans know and like him, so he could make it interesting.

Rafa could be a politician with his kind words about our fair city:

https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-washington-2021-preview

[malaise]

32. Read that - he's a sweetie

Yes you have to worry about the youngsters but Rafa is a tough competitor with top ranking here. Hope he wins

[spooky3]

34. No doubt that he is a different class altogether. But there should

Be some competitive matches this year.

And the weather is predicted to be MUCH better than normal for this time of year!

[stopdiggin]

13. and yet, a significant portion of health care

workers themselves continue to resist vaccination. And the GOP - along with a very decent amount of 'fringe theory' - is also well represented among their ranks.

----- ??? -- WTF -- ??? ----------- -----

[GulfCoast66]

20. They will find it harder to stay employed.

More and more health systems are requiring the vaccination.

I would refuse care from an unvaccinated person.

[AngryOldDem]

39. I think most hospitals mandate flu shots. So what's the BFD here?

And yes, I as a patient have a right to know the vaccine status of whoever’s treating me and refuse care from that person if they’re not. They’re not screwing around with my health because of their personal beliefs or stupidity.

[thinkingagain]

22. If they had to sign a right to die card or get the shot

That might make the difference.
That is for those that are able not those that. Want to get the shots but Are unable to get the shots.
Something’s gotta turn these minds.

[AngryOldDem]

41. Like people who don't evacuate in hurricanes are told to wear ID

I understand that wakes a lot of people up.

That, plus having a triage system where they are placed lower in priority of care.

Sounds drastic and cruel, maybe, but whatever it takes to knock sense into people’s heads. The time for coddling these idiots is long over. We need to get a handle on this before it mutates again.

[thinkingagain]

49. I suppose about the only way they could do it would be

Every doctors office would have to send a letter to their patients that they are adding a note to their patient record
If they are vaccine eligible and haven’t gotten the shot that they are being put on a right to die list unless they have proof a vaccine entered in the patient record.

[MyMission]

24. And here's something concerning I just heard from an unvaccinated

Immunocompromised cousin in Florida who just got out of the hospital. She got long haul covid in early 2020. Immunocompromised. Got covid Delta from elderly vaccinated couple or their vaccinated son from NY or their vaccinated granddaughter from SC.

Her text:
Lay in a hospital bed for a week and a half you tell me with frustrated nurses wondering why vaccines are not working as good as they should...

She voted for Biden, yet she is now telling me there are lots of vaccinated people in the hospital, not acknowledging there are way more unvaccinated. Her vaccinated cousin was in hospital too. I found an article to share with her. Interesting because I've mostly seen reports of 97% elsewhere.

Central Florida health officials: More than 90% of COVID-19 hospitalizations are unvaccinated people

https://www.wesh.com/amp/article/central-florida-health-officials-more-than-90-of-covid-19-hospitalizations-are-unvaccinated-people/37170824

She also believes it is being spread by those of us who are vaccinated. Like the unvaccinated are innocent bystanders!?!

I fear this will be the next big misinformation campaign. Yes, vaccinated people can catch and spread it, and be hospitalized, but the GQP engines will spin it that vaccines don't prevent hospitalization and that covid is being spread mainly by the vaccinated! That really upsets me. Even as we've seen an uptick in vaccinations with this latest surge there are forces spinning this latest dangerous crap!

One more thought. As we were texting, I suggested that because of the higher saturation of Delta in certain areas, vaccinated people are overexposed and can't generate an immune response. This may be why Florida has higher numbers of vaccinated in the hospital. But again, most of those have other conditions that make the vaccine less effective (age, obesity, immunocompromised).

And I can only say this here. Her trumpet boyfriend is in hospital with it now! I hope it's a come to Jesus moment for him, and not in a nice way.

Please wear a mask!

[Faux pas]

27. Kickin'

[Skittles]

28. THIS

"I am angry at those who refuse to wear “muzzles” when grocery shopping for half an hour a week, as I have been so-called “muzzled” for much of the past 18 months."


TOO MANY STUPID, SELFISH ASSHOLES WHO THINK WEARING A MASK IS SUCH A HUUUUUUUUUGE SACRIFICE

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

35. K&R

[Rhiannon12866]

36. K&R! This says it:

"I am at a loss to understand how anyone can look at these past months of the pandemic — more than 600,000 lives lost in the U.S. and more than 4 million worldwide — and not believe it’s real or take it seriously."

[AngryOldDem]

38. Well, some will be permanently "muzzled".

I’m done with them all. But save the rest of us from these selfish, stupid people.

I truly do not understand health professionals who are not vaccinated. Are they totally blind to what’s going on in their hospitals? Do they just not give a damn about the medically fragile, non-COVID patients they may treat?

[oasis]

40. Stupid is as stupid does, or doesn't do. nt

[bucolic_frolic]

44. If they'd made it illegal to buy booze without being vaccinated

everyone would have been jabbed 3 months ago.

[ailsagirl]

45. Mass insanity

🤬🤬🤬

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

46. Well, 74,000,000 people voted for TFG.

So whatever they say when they end up in ICU should not come as a surprise to anyone. They'll believe anything, no matter how ridiculous.

The level of dangerously stupid in the US is frightening. Stay away from Republiqans.

[czarjak]

48. Smarter than though?

[sarchasm]

50. Heartbreaking

… my country is unrecognizable.

[bdamomma]

52. this article makes me

Shake my head it's infuriating. Not only Covid is a major problem in the whole world, but stupidity/ignorance of these people who just do not want to believe that this is virus is not going away any time soon unless people get a frigging vaccine. I yell at the TV and say people are so stupid. This is the 21st century, WTF!!

[moondust]

54. Disinformers

should be sued out of existence or worse but I don't know how. Inadvertent misinformers should be required to publicly correct themselves or face consequences. Maybe Congress could adapt Truth in Advertising laws or something similar at least for anything as serious as a deadly pandemic.

[Wild blueberry]

55. Our health care workers deserve MUCH better

A few ideas:
1) All health care workers must be vaccinated, or lose their job (and not be hired anywhere else).
2) Insurance companies send notices to unvaccinated: Your coverage will expire if you do not get vaccinated by a set deadline.
3) Hospitals set up a triage system, where unvaccinated are at the bottom of the list.

I am angry, too. We're about to lose a whole generation of health care workers.