Sooner, rather than later

Schaumburg resident Diane F. was scheduled for an outpatient procedure at NCH on March 15, 2020 for prolapsed bladder and insertion of a transvaginal sling.  

Most people do not look forward to medical procedures, but Diane was disappointed when the State ordered hospitals to cancel all elective procedures during COVID-19 and, as a result, her surgery was postponed. “I was looking forward to having it done,” she says. When NCH could resume procedures on June 4, Diane was one of the first to schedule the surgery she missed.

The procedure Diane received offered a robotic option. She had no apprehension about that. “In fact, I would recommend that those who have a choice, have procedures done robotically. Recovery is so much easier,” Diane shares. “I was told to limit physical activity for six to eight weeks. The soreness in the abdominal muscles was largely gone after one week.”

She has advice for those who have been holding back because of concerns of COVID-19 or any other delay. “If you need surgery or a specific procedure, do not hesitate. I am so much more comfortable and feeling downright normal after having the procedure I needed.”

Getting through the procedure sooner rather than later is better for both your mental and physical health.

Worrying about getting COVID-19 at the hospital is simply unfounded. NCH is taking so many extra precautions to protect patients and staff from COVID-19. All patients must receive a COVID test within 72 hours before having a procedure, and those patients who test positive for COVID-19 are treated in a separate part of the hospital.  They are cared for away from the general population and have their own focused clinical team to reduce the risk of cross contamination. All NCH facilities adhere to the strict CDC and state department of health guidelines to ensure the safety and health of patients undergoing procedures. 

Please, don’t wait to be well.

Learn more about COVID-19 safety standards in place throughout our healthcare system.

No case is the same; results may vary.