After five days of on and off again fever spikes, I took Smallsteps to a clinic to be checked out by a doctor, at the behest of my wife more than any real need. Smallsteps has a lot of experience with hospitals, nurses and doctors, so this doesn't scare or phase her. She was even prepared for the pain of the needle - if she needed one.
Because there are "flu symptoms", we had to enter the clinic using a side entrance and into a makeshift area where disinfectant and masks became compulsory. The nurse asked some questions quickly and we were seen by the doctor, who wasn't a children's specialist, but was friendly enough that Smallsteps was comfortable. After a few questions asking things like, "have we traveled internationally" the doctor suggested we test for infection and then asked me if I wanted her tested for Corona.
I found this strange, but assumed that he didn't suspect she had it, but also that many people demand testing. I said that while I don't think it is necessary considering the discomfort, if he thinks it is necessary, than we will get it done. What came next made me laugh,
"Do you have insurance?"
Yes.
"Ok, Let's test for corona"
This was a private clinic - so we have to pay for the appointment and it is very expensive, unlike the public side which would be free - but we would have to wait unless an emergency situation. Having insurance means that we only pay about 10% of the costs. Now, while it sounds like they are trying to get extra money and perhaps in some regards they are, the real reason for the testing is that if tested (and negative), Smallsteps will then be able to be treated on the other side of the wall where there are children's doctors. Without the test, she won't be seen.
Now, I am largely skeptical of the whole Corona pandemic claims and the severity of it for many reasons, but I also don't want to have the healthcare of my daughter compromised due to it. One of the "saving graces" we have had is that we took health insurance for her before she was born and while it didn't cover everything, a lot of the stuff it did cover meant that we were able to get to specialists who were actually keen to take the time to help her. I don't like the idea of private health insurance, but this is the world we live in - one where good healthcare isn't guaranteed.
When it comes to me, I will roll the dice and take my chances with the public side - but my daughter doesn't have to for at least some of these things. Don't get me wrong, the public healthcare in Finland is good and better than most places in the world most likely and when we have had to use it it is always okay, but it still has its limitations. One good thing is that most private specialists spend time in public clinics and hospitals also in Finland. I don't know if there is a law that says they must, but at least the ones I know do.
Once the doctor moved us toward the lab for testing, it got a little funny - as the nurse set up all of the blood test equipment, but rather than use a needle, she decided to use a prick testing method and "harvest" the blood drop by drop, because it hurt less. Smallsteps was okay with the idea and let out a tear at the prick, but wasn't overly comfortable with the long process of collection. While this was happening, she was watching the drops of blood being scraped into a tube and I asked her which method she preferred - "Daddy, I like the needle better" :D There is something to be said about short acute pain compared to drawn out discomfort - Smallsteps is definitely the "rip the bandaid off fast" kind of person.
The corona test was a slightly different story as she didn't know what to expect. The test is a flexible cotton swab that scrapes the nasal passage and it is uncomfortable and weird - which Smallsteps attests is correct. She hated it, even though it was very fast, but like normal, she thanked the nurse as we left and now we will wait til Monday to get the results.
We already got the blood test results back (took 2 hours) and she has markers for an infection of some kind, but that was already known and it is likely in her throat. The doctor isn't overly concerned. It is interesting - I know quite a few doctors well - none of them seem to be overly concerned about Corona - but they are all forced to go through the processes.
Anyway, this afternoon is the first evening all week where Smallsteps' temperature didn't go up, so I am hoping that tomorrow she will be back to normal. She is the most wonderful sick kid you could imagine, so we are pretty lucky in that regard, but it will be good to have her get back into her life routines again and not have to monitor her throughout the nights. I haven't slept more than 3 hours in a row since last Friday night - perhaps tonight.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
