My Recent Admission Among the COVID-19 Pandemic

My Recent Admission Among the COVID-19 Pandemic Originally I wasn't going to share about being in the hospital, but I think my experience might help someone else. Before I went to the emergency room (ER) on April 14th, 2020, I had been in pain (chest, legs, arms, back, and heel of my foot) for days but I was SCARED to go to the ER because of COVID-19. My chest pain wouldn't let up, so to be safe I went. The precautions the hospital had in place made me feel a little more at ease. A nurse took my temperature before allowing me into the waiting area. Also, I sat alone in a secluded area until a room was ready for me. As we walked to my room I noticed nurses and security guards posted at every entrance and in the hallways controlling access to rooms and patients. As I arrived at my room I noticed an iPad. The doctor spoke to me on the iPad until we knew the results of my COVID-19 test. Initially, I was not nervous about taking the test because I assumed it was like the flu test—but I was wrong. The test is an uncomfortable 15 seconds of a nurse swabbing your nostril as deep as possible. Until my test results returned, all of the nurses wore gowns, gloves, and masks. Registration was done verbally as well—so I could tell they were limiting extra contact as much as possible. Once my test came back negative the nurses took off the gowns and treated me as they normally would. I was ultimately admitted to the hospital. The staff told me that all the COVID-19 patients were on one floor, the 12th floor. I was on the 6th, a floor I'm not typically on. I felt safe and I was glad I finally went in. I had been sitting at home suffering and in fear, which triggered my anxiety—all for what seemed like nothing! I know that our “new normal” is scary and uncomfortable, but we have to remember to seek medical attention when needed. I suggest calling your hematologist or primary care doctor before going to the ER. If you do not have a healthcare provider, I suggest calling your local ER to ask what is the protocol for patients not experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Many hospitals nationwide have new protocols in place.   Shamonica Wiggins Former CEO & Founder, #BoldLipsForSickleCell Media-Marketing Intern, Sickle Cell Community Consortium Dallas, Texas