COVID-19 and Transplant Patients

@guidant07, I am happy that you watched the webinar. I actually thought of you when they talked about working or living with someone who worked during the Covid-19.

As for labs, I had mine drawn April 17 at my local lab. I called them because I was hesitant to go. They told me drop off my lab order, and then wait in the car until they called me by phone. They said they would meet me at the door and take me back. -But there was no one else there, so they took my right back to get the labs. My only problem was that they did not use the correct FAX area code for Rochester (507). They used the code for Louisville KY (502) which they have done before (I am in Kentucky). Fortunately I could get it sent correctly with a phone call. I usually have to request it in person.

Did you get your transplant at Mayo? And do you still have an annual check-up?

Sharing your experience with you lab helps a lot. I am hoping my lab is just as cautious. Thank you.

I had labs drawn on Thursday and while the staff wore masks, unfortunately not all the patients did. Lucky it is a large lobby so I was able to stay away and they took me back quickly. Having an appointment helps plus they know my situation.

My hubby is doing all the shopping. He has a station set up in our laundry room, right off our garage, where he wipes stuff down (take out food as well). We just got a UV sanitizing wand this week so he has started using that.

I'm having labs drawn this Wed. ERCP is to be scheduled the first week in June. This was deferred on Mar 16.

@guidant07 I have had to go to two different labs since the beginning of April for two different things. I was really nervous and concerned about both but I found them to be handled very well. I got to the first lab right at their opening time, 7:00 A.M. so that went well, and the phlebotomist was wearing gloves and a mask. They did expect the patient to bring their own mask, they were not providing them but there were gloves which I took for when I had to use their machine to sign.
The second lab I had to go to was within the hospital's Urgent Care center. As I entered the building they took my temperature and they made sure I had a mask on. The personnel there were all equipped with PPE. The waiting room was large enough for the people waiting to be very spaced out.
Being post-transplant I have lab work done every other month so I will be going again in the beginning of June. Now that I have gone I am pretty comfortable with it.
If you are concerned then you should call the facility to find out what they are doing for patient protection. If you do, hopefully you will be reassured.
JK

@guidant07 Yes! please keep up with your labwork. We know it is one of the best ways to understand our current health status.
This coming Monday 11 May I have to go in to get labwork pulled for my upcoming oncology and nephrology appts on 27 May. Since we are in a rural location, the closest lab is about 20 miles away, and they forward results to my drs, who are 1115 miles away. I made the appt for 8:15, the first of the day. This lab sets aside the first hour for patients who are in high risk category. It is only a little office [it is like a supply closet!] on the side of the medical clinic/urgent care. They set appts every half hour to be able to thoroughly clean between patients. I expect they will follow the guidelines as directed.
Ginger

@amyintucson
I love the idea of using a UV light to sanitize especially after reading recent studies showing it is an effective option. I want to add that wearing eye protection is a must with UV light.

@amyintucson The UV light idea sounds intriguing. Could you please share more about the UV sanitizing wand you got - what range & intensity of UV light? What is the length of exposure required to kiil the virus? Has it been tested by an independent government, university or consumer lab for effectiveness and safety?
Thanks.
Sue

I had previously looked into UV light because of its use in curing gel nail polish plus I have a friend (a bit of a germaphobe) that used one in all hotel rooms. Knowing it had disinfecting properties I didn't do extra research but bought a wand that has a wavelength of 260-285nm and disinfection time of 10 seconds. I'm cautious, as we all are, but there is a balance in everything so I just bought one. Hope this helps everyone.

Stay safe.

@amyintucson Thank you - my husband has talked about getting one, so I was curious as to which one you got. Does your state the "Irradiance" value? It seems like the claim of 10 second disinfection time might be overstated based on this: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/does-uv-light-kill-coronavirus/uv-light-covid/
I'm getting a bit nervous about continuous use of chemical sanitizers, so looking for other, safer options since Covid-19 isn't about to "just go away" any time soon.
Thanks
Sue