Steve Dettle - A Widow's Journey to Healing and Advocacy #8

In this episode of Every Patient's Right, host Steve Reiter speaks with guest Steve Dettel about his experiences during forced medical isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steve Dettel shares the challenges he and his late wife faced while being isolated in the same hospital, even though they both had the same illness. Their story emphasizes the effects of such isolation, highlighting the obstacles to human connection and care during a difficult time. As they discuss Steve's journey, listeners will learn about the strength and hope he found after his loss, including his support from a community of widows and widowers and the new relationship he formed with another COVID-19 widow, Kat. Join us for this insightful discussion on loss, recovery, and the need for changes in healthcare protocols. Outline: (00:03) "Ending Isolation in Healthcare" (05:09) Hospital Communication Challenges (08:51) Confusion in Hospital's COVID Ward (11:22) Playing Dumb with Blood Thinners (19:29) Caregiving Challenges and Family Support (21:22) Chaotic Hallway Dragging Incident (25:42) "Hospital Encounter with Security Threat" (31:12) Recovering from COVID Incrementally (33:32) Overmedication Concerns and Seeking Answers (36:53) Censorship in COVID-19 Discussions (41:23) "Emerging from the Cave" (44:25) Huberman Podcast Explores Grief Science (46:36) "Overcoming Exhaustion for Family" About the Guest:  Steve Dettel found himself in an unusual and unsettling situation. Amid a chaotic environment filled with confusion and urgency, Steve faced a medical emergency that seemed to involve numerous doctors, each seemingly unaware of his circumstances. After receiving treatment for five days, during which he began to feel somewhat better, Steve decided to take matters into his own hands. Venturing into the hospital hallways, he discovered an eerie emptiness, even as he explored what appeared to be a COVID ward on the Fifth Floor. Despite his best efforts to call for attention, his shouts echoed unanswered—a surreal moment highlighting the isolation and disarray of his experience. About The Host:  Steve Reiter is the founder of the Never Alone Project and the host of its podcast, "Every Patient's Right, Ending Isolation and Healthcare." He lost his wife to forced isolation on May 19, 2020, and believes no one should die alone. The show delves into the significant issue of forced medical isolation that began in March 2020, examining its profound effects on patients and exploring ways to balance essential medical care with the nurturing human contact that aids healing and recovery.  Share your story, learn more, listen, and subscribe at neveraloneproject.org