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I am recovering from a little scare from my corruptible body. Grateful that it is not the great feared life threatening diagnosis that my mind jumped to. But being a patient always helps me be a better doctor. Few take aways:
1. Medical aid is unreliable at best and useless at its worst. As a patient I do not have the sophisticated algorithms of which providers take my card, how much copayment I should have, which drugs are covered, who to call in an emergency.
2. Avoid falling ill during holidays. Some providers are closed, or charge a premium for services because it is a holiday. This limits access. (Dying during a holiday is also bad, especially if you need a post mortem). This is obviously senseless.
3. You should not be too sick because you need to move from point A to B to get authorisation, investigations, results, drugs. Or have a loved one or hireling by your side who can do the running around for you. The physical process of getting care is strenuous.
4. Have deep pockets. How deep? Nobody knows. USD. Or ZWL rate of the day (its not 81). This money must be available immediately, on demand.
5. The rest of your life must come to a standstill. Or have someone else take care of your kids, elderly parents, pets, flocks and business. Getting care is a full-time job.
6. Private hospitals are not equal. You do not always get what you pay for. Choose wisely. Be informed.
7. Zimbabwe is pretty relaxed about Covid restrictions. Masks on the chin, masks covering the mouth only, masks off to talk, patients crowding in waiting rooms, 2 drops of hand sanitizer per person. There is room for improvement.
8. I still need to learn how to not work when my body complains. I have support systems in place. I should stop feeling like 'let me just do this last thing then I will rest'. I must unlearn my strong woman nonsense.
