Recently, I haven't been feeling well at all. I've tried self-medication to help me feel better, but it only lasts a few hours before my fever returns. My temperature was so high last night that I was unable to even fall asleep. I had to soak a small towel in a bowl of water and place it on my forehead in order to reduce the temperature.
I decided to take some paracetamol to ease the temperature, but as soon as I did, I started to wonder if I might be having malaria once more. Knowing that I had already treated malaria three times in three months, I said to myself, "This doesn't seem right." What may be the issue now though I was informed that malaria should be treated at least once every three months?
I had to go to the nearby hospital this morning in order to see the doctor and complain to him. I get ready in the morning and head to Ahamdiyah Muslim Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in my neighborhood. When I got to the hospital, the security guard greeted me and asked me to use my face mask. But since I wasn't aware, I had no choice but to purchase one; fortunately, the security guard was selling them for the same price as those being sold outside, which was just 100 naira (1 STEEM).
As soon as I paid for the face mask, the security told me to go straight to the counter desk to register because it was my first time there. By registering, I'll automatically become a member, and would be able to use all of the hospital's amenities, which includes seeing the doctor or health counselor. A lady helped me at the counter, and she seemed very kind and friendly. The registration fee was only 2000 naira, and my details which includes my name, date of birth and other health related status were collected and recorded. I was then handed a document to sign and also given the Hospital bank account to pay into. After the confirmation of the payment. I was given a number and asked to sit down at the reception and wait for my turn to see the doctor.
When it was finally my turn after waiting for more than 30 minutes, I was called in, but before I was allowed to enter the doctor's office, my blood pressure and temperature were first checked. The person who checked them noticed my high temperature and asked if I had any symptoms of a cough. I replied, "No, I've been suffering body aches and my fever is just elevated." She then inquired as to when I last took malaria medication, to which I replied that it had been a few months. After taking note of this information, she asked me to go see the doctor.
I had to wait for the doctor to enter because he wasn't sitting there; it appears that he left to ease himself. As you can see, the seat was empty. I had to wait for him, and after less than two minutes he entered, welcomed me, and expressed regret for making me wait.
The doctor looked over my file, then he asked me about the problem I'm having. I told him about the high body temperature and pain throughout my body. He asked how long I've had this problem, and I replied that it started a few days ago, though I've been using pain medication to lessen it. However, it will return eventually, and last night was the worst so I decided to go in for a checkup. Before prescribing medication for me, he noted it down and instructed me to do a blood test to determine whether or not I had malaria. He noted some information on the file and instructed me to deliver it to the lab's employee. I arrived at the lab, handed the employee my file, and she asked me to sit down while she collected some blood samples for the test.
I was told to go sit at the reception lobby and wait for the results of the blood test. The result will take more than 1 hour so I couldn't wait, I just decided to go get something to eat and also stretch my legs, I took this two beautiful picture of the hospital building.
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I was extremely frustrated when I returned after an hour and discovered that the results weren't ready yet, but I had no choice but to wait. After waiting for about 15 minutes, my name was called and I was informed that my results were ready. I went straight to the lab where the lady wrote something on my files and instructed me to return to the doctor. When I gave the doctor my file, he checked it and cleared his throat before saying that the test results indicated that I have malaria and that it would worsen if I don't start taking my medication right away, he took a little piece of paper and wrote a prescription for some pills, telling me to go to the pharmacy and get them.
The mini pharmacy is located in the same building, in fact, it was next to the doctor's office. When I arrived, I was informed that the drugs cost 5000 and the blood test I underwent cost 9,800; I was then asked to pay at the cashier before receiving the medications.
I went straight to the cashier to pay for everything and received a receipt, which I presented to the pharmacist before receiving my prescriptions.
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According to the invoice which contains the the following details
| The registration fee | N2,000 | 20 STEEM |
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| The Lab Test | N9,800 | 98 STEEM |
| The Drugs | N5,000 | 50 STEEM |
| Total | N16,800 | 168 STEEM |
I can still recall performing a lab test for only 3,000 Naira last year as evidence that inflation significantly affects every aspect of the economy. However, I believe that paying any amount is necessary because my health is so vital. In addition to the price of the food I purchased and the cost of transportation, my overall spending came to almost N18,000 (180 STEEM). I arrived at my house in the evening, and since I had eaten, I decided to begin my medication right away. I drank water. I took the medications just as the pharmacist said. I was advised to avoid cold beverages, alcohol, and soda drinks throughout the duration of the medication's three-day duration.