Ali in OR Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 This is a post and run (kind of like dine and dash), but I will come back to check answers later! I'm due for my annual screening mammogram--it was during the week of Thanksgiving last year. But I find myself reluctant to go in and have it done just now during the winter Covid surge. My dd had a blood draw this summer and the lab is on the same floor where I get my mammogram. I noted then that they were checking in everyone, whether lab or mammogram, with one long line in a fairly crowded waiting area. The mammogram center does have a waiting room off to the side, but I would have to be in the main room with everyone for checking in, and depending on the line could be 15-20 minutes. I'm tempted to wait until spring, but maybe go ahead and schedule it now to make sure I don't skip this year entirely. I'm curious if others are going ahead with regular appointments at this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Kind of depends on how the facilities are handling them, I think. I had a mammogram in October. The facility had changed its procedures so that there was much more distance between people - I never sat next to anyone - there were no lines. It seemed very safe. I had blood drawn last month. We sat in the car until we were called in. Again, seemed very safe. YMMV. Anne 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I had a mammo over the summer. You called when you arrived. You wore a mask, you waited in your car till they were ready for you. I went to the waiting room where there were like 3 other people (very large waiting room probably chairs for 50 there) where I was immediately checked in with the receptionist. I sat for like 3 minutes in a chair till they called me back to a room. I never saw another patient after that point. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Mine was supposed to be back when everything was closed. I wish I had remembered in the summer. Our numbers are worse than ever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I had my teeth cleaned last week but it had been cancelled by my dentist 3 times and it had been almost a year at that point. They put in air purifiers in every bay and were being very methodical with precautions. In fact, it is my understanding someone with covid came through (reason my appointment was cancelled last time). They shut down a few days to have everyone tested and no one got covid so they clearly are doing something right. But both me and my kids are due for a few things I feel comfortable putting off. My 20 year old was supposed to have his wisdom teeth removed in the spring and they have not called back to reschedule. He is not having problems with them at all so we wait. My husband has all his and hasn't had issues so I'm not super excited about doing it. Some more routine stuff too. I may try and get my kids in for a dental cleaning in January if we're on the backside of this surge. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Granny_Weatherwax Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) Yes and No. My mammo is in January and I hope it's not cancelled. Many elective procedures are being rescheduled. I did go in for a skin screening earlier this month and am glad I did because one biopsy came back as carcinoma. Luckily, I was able to get in for Mohs surgery almost immediately and can relax knowing that (for the time being) I am cancer free. For the screening, everyone wore masks and I was the only patient there. For the surgery, everyone was masked and temps were taken when we registered, the waiting room was set up to maintain social distancing, and my DH was allowed to be with me. I felt completely safe. I did isolate for 5 days pre-surgery and have yet to see anyone outside my pod post-surgery. Edited November 30, 2020 by The Accidental Coach 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cintinative Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) I just went two weekends ago. I go on Saturdays and it is its own breast cancer/mammogram center so they don't have many people. I didn't see any other patients. I waited in the little dressing room until they called me to bring me to my mammogram (instead of in the waiting room). Everyone was masked. Edited November 30, 2020 by cintinative 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Yes, but my doctor's office (which is in a very large medical office building) has people screening you when you enter the building. They enforce social distancing everywhere (except for the elevator which did make me nervous so I waited for a less crowded one). Masks are strictly enforced and worn by everyone - staff and patients. So in that environment, I felt comfortable getting lab work and taking care of even routine medical care. But I have a respirator that I reserve especially for medical appointments - nothing is getting past that thing! (It's an N100 mask). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acorn Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I went to the dentist, but I might skip mammo and pap for 2020. I need to have 3D mammos which are only offered in our hospital several flights above ground. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 It depends on why you are going annually. If you aren't particularly high risk, I don't think it's generally considered necessary to do an annual screening. So I would pospone at least until summer, when many illnesses (including Covid) are likely to be less prevalent. But if you are high risk, then I'd probably go ahead and do it. I was thinking to go do mine over the summer, but I never got around to it. At this point, I will probably just wait, unless I see any symptoms. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellydon Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Absolutely! I have been to the dentist several times, annual well visit, mammogram, kid well visits, blood draws etc. Wear a mask, wash hands. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 My mammograms are done at the cancer center every 6 months and all my other routine appointments/blood draws are also there. They try to make sure there is more than enough space for people to be seating or standing apart. We have not been to the dentist for our routine cleaning since that’s not an emergency and we are in a COVID hotspot region. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Absolutely. I just had a friend whose mammogram this fall detected cancer (not felt by self exams). She ended up with a double mastectomy as it has spread a tiny bit. If she had waited for her mammogram, the outcomes for her would likely be very different. She is very covid cautious but said that mammogram might have saved her life . 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 That’s a tough call I think bc I don’t think I’d feel comfortable with the way your facility is handling things, but likewise, a mammogram isn’t a routine thing I like to delay (unlike say, dental cleanings or something). I did have my mammogram this summer, but the facility had me wait in the car and then when I entered there was not a single person in the waiting room. I only saw the front desk person and the person performing the mammogram. Maybe you could call and ask if waiting in the car until it’s time to walk directly into the room is possible??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BakersDozen Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I have been and will keep scheduling every appointment I possibly can for myself, my dc and my mom. We have a few things left in December (2 wisdom teeth removals, dentist visits, etc.) and I will sigh with relief when those are done. I would not put off a mammogram or well woman check for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted November 30, 2020 Author Share Posted November 30, 2020 Thanks all. I like the idea of calling to see how they are doing things now--they may have changed their procedures since the summer. The mammogram area itself is always empty--just me waiting, just the tech and me, and usually I check in at the counter in the mammo area, just me. It's just the check-in I saw this summer that's making me nervous, but maybe that's different now or maybe they can help me figure out a time that's not busy. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) I did delay routine dental care, but I did not delay my mammogram. I wouldn't say I felt comfortable about it all, but I felt less comfortable not having one. I would hate the procedures that you describe, though. Maybe you could get a first of the day appointment. I'd wear a really good mask. edited: I should add that my mother had breast cancer. Maybe I would feel differently without that additional risk factor. Your situation may weigh out differently. Edited November 30, 2020 by sbgrace 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Yes. The facilities I have been at have all been really great at making it safe—spacing clients, running additional air filtration, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 No routine medical appointments for me. I am not comfortable with the high frequency of mammograms and have no family history for any cancers, so I would not hesitate to push back a year or two. I am also not going to the dentist since I have no issues. I would only seek in person medical care for an acute issue, and even then try to get it done via telehealth if at all possible 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not_a_Number Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 No, I am not doing routine stuff right now. I got all the routine things done before the numbers went up, because I knew they'd go up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ditto Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 We have done all scheduled appointments this year. All of the medical facilities have excellent protocols in place and I feel it is important to keep up these routine appointments. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 The only thing we’ve canceled are dentist appointments. Those bother me more since we can’t mask. None of us have problem teeth though so it feels fine to do so. I actually have a follow up gyn appointment, first was this summer, in two weeks. Not looking forward to it but I feel it is more risky to put it off than the slim chance I get Covid for going. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 Yes. I tried to schedule in time for December (when I should go), but appointments are behind, so I'm looking at February now. This, IMHO, is important -if you were of the age for a baseline, maybe I'd wait a while, or if I were many, many years older, I might skip, but otherwise, no. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlktwins Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 I skipped my mammo in April, but I have been every year (for years) and the year prior (2019), I had my routine mammo and an ABUS (for the first time). They called me back for an ultrasound and I was cleared. So...I felt a little better about missing. I will be waiting until next summer (2021) for my mammo and will change where I typically go, which sees patients for all kinds of xrays and mammos, to their facility that is further away, but only handles mammos and other breast screenings. We have skipped dental appts this year as I feel we are most vulnerable during those. We did decide to go back to my boys' orthodontist visits because the virus isn't going away and they won't get out of their braces if they don't keep going. They went in July and October and we all felt really good about the measures they were taking. But...one of my boys is supposed to go back next week and I'm planning to cancel. I don't like that cases are rising here and my doctor's office posted on their FB page a bunch of pics of a retirement party at the office. I wasn't happy to see the pic of everyone huddled together for a group photo with no masks on. We all skipped our routine eye exams this summer (we all wear glasses and/or contacts), but we will go next summer for sure. I did have to go to an urgent eye appt this month and was sent to a retina specialist. I go back to the retina specialist next week for a follow-up. I felt pretty safe in that office, but the doctor is off this week and I'm worried he is hanging around extended family or whatever (travel) for Thanksgiving. I'm a little nervous to go back in, but I have to. I praying I don't need eye surgery when I go back. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted November 30, 2020 Share Posted November 30, 2020 (edited) I hadn't been to the dentist in a year because they cancelled my March preventative appointment. However, in October I had a crown fall out with significant pain. They were able to schedule me the next day to have it replaced and to have x-rays and a cleaning which I felt that I needed because I had another tooth wasn't feeling right. Sure enough, the other tooth needed a filling. So I got it all done. I decided to delay my mammogram which was due this month. I've had ten years of clear ones and no family history. I also decided to delay my annual eye exam, and my annual skin exam at the dermatologist. I go in for blood work and a doctor visit twice a year because of blood sugar and one medication I'm on. I'm not going to skip that. I chose to schedule a 7am appointment when the facility is supposedly clean from the night before and only two doctors are on duty. Even prior to COVID, I liked those appointments because almost no one was there. I think you have to be wise about it but everyone is a little different of course. Edited November 30, 2020 by G5052 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I am reluctantly seeing one practitioner, but I am in and out in 15 minutes, they are careful, and they are keeping people away from each other. I switched to this practice because my other one would not take the same precautions. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I have been going to lots of medical appointments with no problems. I wear a N95 mask. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebcoola Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I would wait until spring if possible. Those procedures don't seem that great. We have kept the babies well child visits because of vaccines. We snuck into the dentist in late August when numbers were low. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not_a_Number Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 44 minutes ago, kbutton said: I am reluctantly seeing one practitioner, but I am in and out in 15 minutes, they are careful, and they are keeping people away from each other. I switched to this practice because my other one would not take the same precautions. I've been surprised at the people not taking precautions. Like, my dentist installed separators for the rooms, but was still using her waiting room 😞 . 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 6 minutes ago, Not_a_Number said: I've been surprised at the people not taking precautions. Like, my dentist installed separators for the rooms, but was still using her waiting room 😞 . Gosh, I don't know of anyone in my area using a waiting room. The norm is that you call them when you arrive, and then they call you to come in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not_a_Number Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 1 minute ago, G5052 said: Gosh, I don't know of anyone in my area using a waiting room. The norm is that you call them when you arrive, and then they call you to come in. Sounds nice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted December 1, 2020 Author Share Posted December 1, 2020 We did appointments over the summer. We had all been due for dental cleanings in March--finally got them done in July. Did that blood draw and an orthotics appointment for disabled dd (plus telemed for an annual follow up for her). We even had youngest's wisdom teeth out, thinking the situation would only get worse (which was true). But I could not have done a mammogram then because I'm just hitting the one year mark now. I've done I guess 14 years now with no problems so I might just wait a few months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 35 minutes ago, Not_a_Number said: I've been surprised at the people not taking precautions. Like, my dentist installed separators for the rooms, but was still using her waiting room 😞 . I don't have any issues using my dentist waiting room. I have never had anyone else there even before COVID 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 If you go, make sure you wear a super good mask. Research the best kinds you can, for instance, 3 layers of cloth, or 2 layers with a filter in between. And then wear safety glasses so your eyes are protected as well. The ones that look like these lie flush against your face. And I’d go as soon as possible if you can. The numbers are only going to go up up up from this point until spring. Or put it off until summer. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not_a_Number Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 23 minutes ago, TravelingChris said: I don't have any issues using my dentist waiting room. I have never had anyone else there even before COVID Yeah, that wasn't the case for me. There were people there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selkie Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 No, I'm not. I decided to delay any routine medical appointments after reading this interview with Dr. Fauci. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/how-fauci-5-other-health-specialists-deal-with-covid-19-risks-in-their-everyday-lives/2020/07/02/d4665ed6-b6fb-11ea-a510-55bf26485c93_story.html He said he would advise his wife or daughter to wait on a routine mammogram. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 1 hour ago, G5052 said: Gosh, I don't know of anyone in my area using a waiting room. The norm is that you call them when you arrive, and then they call you to come in. Same. I've had mammo, all my kids had dental exams, I had a dental exam, and we've had dr visits for all the kids. They've all had no waiting rooms. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I have a routine in-person visit tomorrow. I want my doc to see my new varicose veins and talk about swelling ankles. Also getting a mammogram in January. But I am older than most of you and need to keep on top of stuff maybe more than some/many folks here. I've had a couple of blood tests recently too. I would not risk breast cancer to avoid Covid. But around here all the medical facilities are taking great precautions. No waiting rooms in use. I had an eye exam in September as well. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Are you kidding? I can’t even get my puppy into the vet right now for a well check shots visit because Covid is passing so fast and furious in my area. Seriously. My puppy is due for shots and I had an appt 2 weeks ago that they called and canceled bc their staff was down 50%. They also have a 24/7 hospital and boarding house - staff is typically 20 employees + the 4 vets. Now they are just closed period. There’s no one to staff it. If your pet is literally dying, someone who is asymptomatic will let you drop your pet in the entry, leave, then they can come get it from the entry. Or they will do a very expensive emergency house call to your garage/patio/backyard - no in-house visits. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I have a lady bits checkup and a pulmonologist visit later this month. They’ve been scheduled for 4-6months. I will go to them if I can but the numbers are getting so bad that I wouldn’t be surprised if they cancel on me. I really hope that doesn’t happen with the pulmonologist bc it takes months to get in even before Covid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth86 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 I'm due my yearly gyno visit. The kids are all due dental cleanings. 2 kids missed their yearly well child visit. 🤷 Unless it's an emergency, we aren't going. I know for a fact the kids dentist and pediatrician view the virus as no big deal, so I'm guessing they aren't personally being safe so no way. Locally the positivity rates are at 15% last I checked. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easypeasy Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Other than going in for some required bloodwork, no. I'm putting off everything until after the holidays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.