Like Daniel: Into the Lion’s den we go!

Have you ever felt like you were going to be eaten by lions? I sure have! Yet, with faith I overcame this fear.

You see, I do not have health insurance and for the past four years I have not seen a doctor. For over the last month I had been calling the low-income clinic trying to reach their social worker to see if I would qualify for their low-income sliding scale program. After telling the social worker my situation I was granted the “free” scale. From there she led me to my nurse’s office where I had to fill out my medical history.

As I waited for my name to be called, I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for meeting my needs and a prayer for courage since going to the doctors were like being thrown into the lion’s den. The reason I was so nervous was because of the sad reality of seeing my mother passed away right in front of me at age 17, and on top of that having quite a few bad experiences with medical professionals when I was a teenager.

As I sat there waiting for my name to be called my palms were sweating, and my heart was racing as the nurse led me from the scale into the exam room. When I finally perch myself on the exam table, I felt like I was in a den of lions ready to be eaten. Trying to calm myself I thought about a Bible study I did a few weeks back about Daniel and the lions. I knew I had to be like Daniel and have faith. The nurse’s assistant asked me the usual round of questions, like if I was in pain, when my last time I saw the doctor, what medicines I was taking, etc.

Then she took my blood pressure, which was fine, however she had to take my pulse twice. My pulse was high at 129. As I sat there waiting on the nurse, I continued to feel like I was going to panic. I started to do my breathing exercises. Breathe in and then slowly out through your mouth I told myself. Then the holy spirit came to me and reminded me of verse John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Then the nurse came in and we talked. She could tell that I was really scared. She gave me a chance to calm down and get all my anxiety out before she did a basic exam. She listened to my heart, lungs, and stomach. She also looked at my mouth, nose, ears, and eye. (By the way, she knew what Nystagmus was. 😊). Then she looked at my legs and ankles.  Afterwards, we came up with a treatment plan.

I am now on a short round of medicines for a rash. It should be cleared up in a few weeks. I also got a referral for mental health for depression and anxiety. Remember it is okay to reach out for help.

I also need to follow up with the eye doctor and dentist at the clinic. When I walked out of the clinic, I felt good that I looked fear straight in the face!