Afraid of dying

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2020

I don't want to die right now but if it is my time, then it is my time. Honestly I don't let fear rule my life but I can't judge others, because they have a different view on this.

pbandnv, BSN · Mar 26, 2020

I just finished 3 12s in my ICU and we had our first Covid death. I work in the NW so it’s starting to hit hard. 1/2 the unit is either Covid RO or positive. We are all on edge but trying to keep it together. I keep thinking about my own life, my family, and my coworkers and it’s hard not to to despair— especially since we are starting to run out of PPE. I'm glad I’m not alone for feeling like this— when I really think about it though, I know deep down that the vast majority of us will make it through this okay. Just have to keep reminding myself of that.

Jungle-Nurse · Mar 26, 2020

I think you're missing the point here. Me telling how things are managed here is simply informative. I'm very aware of how things are managed in the US, I have friends in the medical field in the US. My point is this: when you're in good health (key words *in good health*) the virus isn't deadly. So in that case, there is no reason to be scared to the point of anxiety that I see around here. I need to stress the fact that I'm talking about the fear of a person's own life because that's what the OP was talking about.

And it surprises me that testing kits are in short-supply. Makes me wonder how they are dispersed and how the use of them are prioritized, since the only factories that make them are in the US and in China.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2020

13 minutes ago, Jungle-Nurse said:
I think you're missing the point here. Me telling how things are managed here is simply informative. I'm very aware of how things are managed in the US, I have friends in the medical field in the US. My point is this: when you're in good health (key words *in good health*) the virus isn't deadly. So in that case, there is no reason to be scared to the point of anxiety that I see around here. I need to stress the fact that I'm talking about the fear of a person's own life because that's what the OP was talking about.
And it surprises me that testing kits are in short-supply. Makes me wonder how they are dispersed and how the use of them are prioritized, since the only factories that make them are in the US and in China.

The news is reporting that healthy people are dying from it. Not that I am trying to scare people.

Jungle-Nurse · Mar 26, 2020

1 hour ago, CaffeinePOQ4HPRN said:
I think you're missing the point here. Me telling how things are managed here is simply informative. I'm very aware of how things are managed in the US, I have friends in the medical field in the US. My point is this: when you're in good health (key words *in good health*) the virus isn't deadly. So in that case, there is no reason to be scared to the point of anxiety that I see around here. I need to stress the fact that I'm talking about the fear of a person's own life because that's what the OP was talking about.

We actually do have movement restrictions. I don't know where you get that we don't. We stay 6ft away from each other. Only a certain amount of people are allowed into a supermarket or a waiting room for a doctor's office. Yes, that gets enforced. We just don't have a complete lockdown. That's our last resort when people don't obey the rules, but they seem to do so now. It seems to work out fine, since we have a relatively low death toll compared to other countries right now, and our hospitals aren't flooded yet.

Jungle-Nurse · Mar 26, 2020

8 minutes ago, Workitinurfava said:
The news is reporting that healthy people are dying from it. Not that I am trying to scare people.

Yeah well, worldwide, your media outlets aren't exactly known for their truthful news reporting. They reported that the COVID19 virus was able to survive on a plastic surface for 72 hours. What they failed to tell is that after that period of time only 5% of the total amount of virus had survived after 72 hours.

I'm curious what exactly those healthy people died from. If it was actually from a COVID infection, or from secondary infections. Because a healthy person doesn't die from this.

I posted my story to try to ease people's minds a bit, but it seems everybody already made up their minds that they're going to die from it. If the experience from a nurse who is actually living with a COVID19 infection won't ease your minds a bit, I don't know what will. I really regret posting my story now.

I'm off battling my COVID19 now. Thoughts and prayers please guys, thoughts and prayers.

2BS Nurse, BSN · Mar 26, 2020

2 hours ago, Jungle-Nurse said:
Looks like your media outlets scare you *** while there is no need. I'm a Dutch nurse. I recently found out that I've tested positive for COVID19. I have no idea where/how I contracted it. At our hospital you're getting tested when you have a cough. You won't be allowed to work until the test results are in, which is within 24 hours.
I had a dry cough every now and then this one day. And a slightly sore throat the next. That's when I consulted with my manager and she told me to get tested. The test came back positive.
I'm isolated at home, I take a spray bottle with bleach and some paper towels with me whenever I do have to leave my room and clean everything I touch on my back to my room. I'm in my 4th day after displaying the (very mild!) symptoms. I have some sore muscles and a dry cough. That's it. I'm not dying, I'm not going to die, and neither are my husband and daughter. My daughter still hugs me and gives me kisses, though sporificely ofcourse. Simply because you can't explain to a three year old she can't hug or kiss her mommy any more. She washes her hands and face after. She still hasn't displayed symptoms. My husband had a mild cough and sore muscles for two days and was up and running again after that.
We are not in lockdown here. Our government advises us to stay at home, and only come out to get groceries or for doctor's visits. Shops are closed, except for supermarkets and pharmacies. So we stay at home, we keep our distance, wash our hands. People with mild symptoms get isolated at their own home to take the pressure off the hospitals. Only when you get respiratory problems you're allowed to get medical help when you're positive for COVID19.
Why aren't we in lockdown? Because the virus won't disappear as soon as we've kept people in isolation for a long time. When we let everybody out at once after a lockdown, people will get sick again, and this time a great amount of people at once. Now, we people will get sick, but it will happen gradually, so we can manage the flow of sick people through the medical system.
Most people don't die from this. Hell, I bet you'd be shocked how many people already carry the virus. Most people will get mild symptoms, some may not show symptoms at all.
So take it from a nurse who's actually living through a COVID19-infection: it's not Ebola. If you're in good health, you're going to be fine. Just remember that only the worst cases get admitted to the hospital. We often tend to forget that.

We see stories on the news mostly about the nurses and doctors who have died. We don't see many stories of the hundreds who have mild illness or have recovered. We wouldn't even have a clue how many are asymptomatic and immune.

Green Tea, RN · Mar 26, 2020

Death is scary. I am also concerned to get something irreversible, like permanent damage in the lungs, and you may have to live the rest of the life with respiratory issues. It is a new virus. We do not know the long term effects yet in case of infection. Only time will tell.

cartwrk · Mar 26, 2020

I'm in a very small town in the USA. We have zero cases in our county. I work L&D, so not a lot of difference in my unit.

I appreciate the Dutch nurse's personal story and perspective. To US nurses, stop watching mainstream news outlets. They are trying to stir up panic. They lie about stuff all the time. I'm 51, in good health and I'm not afraid at all, in some ways I'd like to get Covid19 and get it over with.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

S.Brown BSN RN CCM · Mar 27, 2020

We tend to forget that Jesus conquered death.... Get to know Him personally He WILL keep you during these times!! He is the Prince of Peace!! I am a living witness as He has kept me through some very dark times!! Glory be to God!! I encourage you guys to visit www.livingwaters.com it's a great site. We are living in very perilous times but God is sovereign over ALL!!

Nurselexii · Mar 27, 2020

5 hours ago, Jungle-Nurse said:
I think you're missing the point here. Me telling how things are managed here is simply informative. I'm very aware of how things are managed in the US, I have friends in the medical field in the US. My point is this: when you're in good health (key words *in good health*) the virus isn't deadly. So in that case, there is no reason to be scared to the point of anxiety that I see around here. I need to stress the fact that I'm talking about the fear of a person's own life because that's what the OP was talking about.
And it surprises me that testing kits are in short-supply. Makes me wonder how they are dispersed and how the use of them are prioritized, since the only factories that make them are in the US and in China.

A lot of Americans may not be in good health unfortunately:/

speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 27, 2020

Honestly, I feel like this country has dealt with so many difficult things that I feel like this is just one more hurdle to get through. Maybe that’s part of being an ER nurse and constantly exposed to stressful situations or maybe I am just accepting things for how they are, but I guess I am not as terrified as others. I am just grateful I still have a job when so many others are at risk for losing theirs.