So. This is the only picture I’ve taken of it all, but I just thought I’d let y’all in on the process, of all of this, and my personal journey today...
First, well, I am a single mom and kids nobody but the patient is allowed to enter the clinic, I called to verify this, and then have struggled for two days to find somewhere to send my boys just so I can go get an inhaler (their dad is unwilling and uninvolved)! After a little (near) begging, I finally got that covered.
Next, I headed to the urgent care clinic. As I had heard, they DO have a drive-thru covid screening and testing. This is good for us, but sucks for all of them outside in this nasty weather! The nurses doing the screening and testing are under a cover at least, but the intake person is sitting in a chair in the parking lot, and not under any cover 😞 (she had an umbrella and a blanket! That’s it).
There was one car in front of me, so thankfully not much of a wait (when I left the clinic there was like 5 cars, so I must have gotten there at a good time!) But, since I needed to see a doctor, they sent me to a parking lot on the side, in order to go inside. They then walked me in the “back door” to the clinic. That whole process took maybe 15 min...
*Side note: I’d like to clarify a “hot topic” I keep seeing floating around on good ‘ol social media... And that is those posts about the healthcare providers not being allowed to wear NEW masks, gowns, etc,.. It’s FALSE. I watched a new nurse come in, and get a brand new “packet” out of their drawer. It included a full surgical mask with “screen guard”, an N95 mask under it, AND a sterile gown, and gloves! And the other screening nurses all had new gear on, as well... So, just so y’all know, folks, our healthcare providers ARE indeed being taken care of, in regards to keeping themselves safe... At least here, for sure!
Once inside I was given a mask and sent to a “waiting room” in the back that was one of their urgent care rooms. It had 7-8 chairs spread out around the room, and that was it. There was one other person in the waiting area. I waited there, maybe 45 minutes or so? (I really wasn’t watching the clock..)
After that I was taken to a room. The MA got my info and symptoms and told me it would still be awhile because they only have two docs atm. I waited in that room for maybe another 40-50 minutes.
Once the doc came in, he knew right away that I didn’t have covid-19, but said he was still going to test me due to my symptoms, due to having kids, and due to me needing to work... He prescribed me 5 different meds, one of which is a steroid in case it gets worse (that’s an absolute last resort for me as I don’t like taking steroids or antibiotics, but I accepted it just in case and so I don’t have to go back later)... Some Cough stuff... And of course the albuterol inhaler that I knew I needed! That whole process was maybe 30 min. (Including fixing my pharmacy to send to the VA)
**Side Note #2: Now, what y’all want to hear about... Is the test as bad as they say it is/was? [NO.] This new test was just a swab on the back of my throat. Simple. It did gag me just a little bit, but only because my throat is already sensitive... But not anything near as bad as we’ve been hearing about with the original covid-19 test...
With prescription orders in hand, I then headed to the VA... I walk up to the entrance that you see in this pic and there’s 3 MP “guards” at the door. Even though I was just at the urgent care clinic, I still have to go to the tent on the side for their covid screening. (2 minutes)
At this point, It was now COLD outside. I wait on the outside of the tent. Not sure if I am supposed to just walk in, it was kind of awkward. Finally someone comes out, and lets me in. There were 4 ladies behind tables, with their laptops. And one chair inside for a patient. I explained the situation. They asked if I had gotten authorization for the urgent care and prescription. ([Nope.] I was told with the new law we don’t have to..) Anyways, I then had to make a phone call to get authorized so that I can pick up my prescriptions. About 30 minutes and a few phone calls later, and I got it. One of the techs was attempting to get my approval electronically as well. And she finally did. So she took my prescriptions and ran them into the pharmacy. (45ish min total).
Now... I just got done waiting in my car while they filled the prescriptions... They brought them out to my car, for me. (A little over 1 hour).
***Side note #3: In regards to wearing masks all around: So, in all my “extra” time waiting, I asked every health professional on this lovely journey today their “opinion” on how effective the wearing of masks is... EVERY SINGLE one of them (at every location) said they’re not. Most did mention that it’s just an extra precaution. It’s a very slim chance that it helps, but it doesn’t hurt any (which I completely agree with). Those of y’all that don’t know, I used to be a scrub technician in the O.R. in the military, and the masks being worn are the same surgical masks. We wear them to protect the patient (from our germs), not the other way around. Those masks do NOT protect germs from coming in, they keep (most of) the germs from going OUT!! So, for instance, by me wearing a mask it DID help to protect from MY germs spreading when I cough, however, if I were to cough directly on to them (without a mask myself), the germs would still enter through their own mask, to them... Does that make sense? One nurse even told me it makes no sense for the general public to wear masks out and about, (for those that are well), unless you’re coughing (which if that’s the case you shouldn’t be out and about anyways, lol)... My doctor was actually quite frustrated with the whole thing and kept taking his off, lol. I mean, it definitely doesn’t hurt any (as each one of the professionals mentioned), but let’s save them for those on the “front lines” and for those that are sick!! Agree?? Ok, glad... Thanks. 🙄 Anyways, there’s your little bit of info for the day 😉 (since I’ve seen this come up many times around here... 🤔)
My overall synopsis.... First, don’t get sick during this time! Lol. 😷 And second... I am actually very impressed with the organization that has quickly taken place for this. Everyone was so kind and helpful and gracious. Nobody likes being at work right now. Nobody likes having to wear masks, or do their jobs outside, but they are.
Thank you so very much to ALL of our health care workers! I have acquired a new appreciation for each and every one of you, through this experience! ❤️
