Tuesday, 2nd Jan.
It was my first week at Special Pharmacy, just another day at work I thought. 7.45am on Tuesday morning, I locked my door and zoomed off. I ensured I smelt nice, I usually like to be announced.
8.15am the Special Pharmacy was already set for services, Standard Operating Procedures had already been discussed and we were just set.
It wasn't my first time attending to HIV patients, but yes! It was about to be my first time seeing just these patients all through my day, for 2weeks straight! This was the day my much learnt empathy was to be tested, I never knew.
One after the other, we called out names, as they sat in, the necessary questions where asked. For the older patients, it was basically how well versed they are with their drugs and dosing. The new ones were placed on Intense Counseling before dispensing, after the Sessions with rhe Doctors at Special Clinic. Each patient had a regimen for 2months and is expected to return 5 days to the end of the 2months.
Some of the tablets were big and really oversized, one might worry how it will pass through the throat. One of it seems like a triple of Primpex DS 960mg.
Timing and frequency has been serious contentions, as we advice on strict compliance, depending if you're on a once or twice daily regimen.
Aside the came in, one after the other, from Nursing mothers, children, teenagers, youths, adults and Aged...
The Happy, Sad, Rude, calm and all sort of behaviours been on display... Yet I can only response with care. Some only desire reassurance on Life, Some need a listening ear to tell their worries, Some still living alone in a cloud of shame that doesn't really exist. Some seeking explanations. Some are totally unconcerned
Amidst the busy day, Basseyawan, a colleague of mind had stepped out for breakfast earlier. On getting back she hurriedly seek another permission to step out, she spoke to my Superior personally and left. It didn't feel right to me.
The 3rd patient after she left came in with swollen eyes. Obviously she was just about to cry.
How are you? Have you had your drugs today? My Supervisor queried.
Hello, Can you please look up? When last did you take your drugs? Ma'am asked again. The next response we had was a heavy Sob as the young Lady ran out of the Dispensary. She ran fast as if she needed to catch up with something, while the sobbing at that point had became outright crying.
Emediong, can you meet up with that patient and talk to her? My Superior said. Basseyawan should have been the person to do that since she was a female. But she was unavailable.
I stepped out. Followed the direction the young lady went. There she was, seated under a tree with her face buried to her laps. What could be her problem? What is different today? This was her second refill and she had been religious with her medication. What was really wrong?
I was on a mission, one that I must achieve!
Hello dear, I greeted as I got to her. She raised her head, looked at me, shook her head like she was saying "Go away"!
I reached out to my pocket and handed her my handkerchief.
Can I sit? I sat without waiting for her answer. You smell nice I teased, she looked at me again and said "No, you actually smell nicer". I smiled. Why is a fine lady like you crying in Public? Do you want to mess up your make up? All for what?
quoteShe blurted. Fine girl, fine make up, nice smile, all for what? When my friends will be running away from me. I'm tryna do just everything you guys advice but... She broke now again. At this point, I knew I needed to hold her. She needed some assurance.>quote
I clogged my hand on her neck, rested her against my shoulder. Your friends too need a good level education on this, I started. It could just be anyone. Those particular friends that always make you cry like this, stay away from them. That you're positive doesn't mean that you're worthless! She nodded in understanding. I was classmate with your colleague. Bassayawan?? I enquired.
Yes! and I'm just seeing her after 8years, she couldn't even share pleasantries! She just ran! Do I look terrible? She asked with her gorgeous eyes staring at me to pick my expression. I knew had to tickle her fancy with my reply. Will you go out with me? At your convenience, I quickly added. And I got it right!
The pretty Damsel laughed for the first time that morning. You mean you know my status and you still wanna flirt with me? I am amongst the few persons that understand what you're going through and I find you interesting! Are you gonna turn me down?
Pharm Emediong! Pharm!! I heard from behind, will you stop lying to that innocent girl? That was Supervisor's voice. My absence had been overdue. I stood up, help Joan to her feet. Let's go get your refill. We walked down the Dispensary hold hands. She had a brief phone call, that's when I saw her Iphone 7s. Can we do some selfies? Sure why not? She replied. Being the taller person, my hand served as the selfie stick. 
Joan got her drugs and stepped out. Gimme your contact, I screamed! I thought you won't ask, she said. I walked up to her got the contact. Don't save it HiV patient o, she joked. I typed "Pretty Joan" showed it to her. Emediong thank you, she said as she walked away.
I got back to my unit and yes, I had a case to put up with my Superiors. The unethical reaction of we Health Care Providers to Situations. The very reason these persons are called "Patients"...
quoteHIV is real and it kills, but stigmatization murders.
HiV is an evil to Human, but you that that Stigmatizes, you're actually the Devil.
Testing Positive doesn't take away the taste for Positivity in Life.
Be a shoulder to be leaned on today, not a Shadow that is feared. Remember! It could be just anyone.
Positive or Negative? We owe humanity a collective obligation to fight this Disease!
I closed that day... And had a experience on Friday which will feature in my next post.