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By Amanda Curtis
Contributing Writer 

The Rose Review

Grace Women's Clinic

 
Series: The Rose Review | Story 1

April 16, 2020

As someone who is considered "high risk," I have avoided lots of places like the plague during this time. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've made the faithful stop at High Forest ReLeaf, been greeted by the amazing faces giving out school lunches to the kids everyday, and it's quite impossible to avoid a weekly run to wally world or the dollar store. However, all of that stopped for a few days when I developed a cough.

At first, I was dismissive as I had just mowed the yard for the first time this spring. Stirring up all the pollen and weeds were bound to have caused a ruckus inside the sinus cavities. However, when it lasted nearly a week, each day my breathing getting worse, and terrible fatigue setting in, I began to consider the dreaded Coronavirus, COVID-19.

Although I'm not one to run to the doctor for every scratchy throat I get, this was a little more than I was used to.

I had heard of a COVID hotline and decided to call. Six questions later, and I was convinced I had King-Flu, and the immediate appointment in Columbia that day was to confirm that.

However, driving to Columbia with two small children who wouldn't be able to go into the clinic with me just didn't seem feasible. So, I called my trusted Grace Women's Clinic, and Susan Hensley, APRN, CNM, WHNP, confirmed she was able to administer the test. Off I went, skeptical yet scared.

When I arrived, I called and she met me outside with the test. She was completely covered, calm and thoroughly informative as she described exactly what to expect.

The test consisted of inserting a 6-inch long swab into the back of the nasal passage through one nostril and rotating the swab several times for a few seconds, then again in the other nostril. I'll admit, the length of the swab and the idea of it being shoved through my face was intimidating! However, Susan was incredibly gentle and distracted me with banter while administering the test. She then took blood as well. Within four minutes, everything was over. It was painless and convenient, and I would know my results within 24 hours.

At 8 p.m. the following day, I received a personal email from Susan telling me the results. Negative for Corona. However, the blood test she took, showed the reason for the respiratory symptoms, and she called in a prescription to Jones Hometown Pharmacy where I picked it up the following morning. She contacted me a few days later to check on how I was feeling.

I appreciate the personal attention and care she and her staff showed throughout the entire process. She eased my nerves, met me where I was, kept me informed and followed up. She went above and beyond to ensure I wasn't left waiting in the unknown.

Thank you, Grace Women's Clinic, for being thorough, detailed and protective.

 

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