As we go into fall……the sick are getting sicker.

It is time for a “state of the union” from my office.

First off, EVERYONE has some kind of sniffle respiratory crud. On Tuesday I had hacking barking coughing kids all day. One of the littles poor nose is so raw from blowing it that it was bleeding. I hate seeing little ones sick and feeling puny. I have had several reschedules due to positive covid tests. I have seen some via telehealth and they sound awful. Most are having fever, GI issues, congestion and cough.

The sudden coincidence department marches on. I have received 3 patient sudden death notifications over the last 2 weeks. On top of that, the sudden passing of a local colleague as well. Rapid aggressive cancer is marching on. One of my patients had a cancer that was in remission, got a booster vaccine at their oncologists recommendation, and within a month they were out of remission. They have thrown numerous chemo’s at it and nothing is stopping it. It was a tearful emotional visit with them this week at what was most likely their final visit with me. Other colleagues are not well either. After having covid 1-2x after 5 vaccines they are struggling with their physical health as well.

One positive has happened. I cannot count the number of people who have asked me my thoughts on the covid injection. I am honest with them. I tell them that I cannot tell them to get it or not get it, but I highly recommend not getting any further boosters or injections, the first 5 have not shown efficacy, and there was no human testing on the latest one that came out. I emphasize that it should be body autonomy and freedom of choice, and if they choose to not get another one I 100% support that. I have been asked A LOT recently if I was vaccinated or not. I have honestly told them all that no, I did not get any of them. This has opened the door to many great conversations. It is sad and ironic because if they had asked that question 2 years ago, and I answered honestly, they probably would have fired me as their provider for not “taking it seriously and doing my part”. What a difference 2 years made.

I am bracing myself for what is about to come. We have had a very warm fall here so far. But this weekend has brought much cooler weather. As the season starts to really change, I am expecting things to ramp up in the illness department and sadly, not all will make it through this winter. It is an emotional season to be entering. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared for my patients, family, friends, and colleagues. The sudden coincidences have been getting closer and closer to my inner circle as the months go by.

Praying hard for peace and guidance as I have to help people emotionally handle what this season may bring us. Stay healthy and strong friends. ❤️