Know Your Medical Rights - COVID-19

 One of my attendants became sick in early February.
I initially thought she had just a mild case of the flu. But, she quickly developed a severe respiratory infection. By early March, all of my attendants had become ill to some extent.
 
 All of my attendants had a cough to varying degrees.
We didn't know at the time to wear masks and I in the beginning of March I thought I had a simple cold that would go away on it's own.  By mid-March however, I called the advice nurse and she put me in touch with a doctor in my county specializing in COVID -19. Looking back at the situation I probably should have called the advice nurse much sooner. He suggested that I keep my distance from my sickest attendant. I gave her errands to run but insisted that she leave the bags outside my home. My other attendants came into work, but I shortened their shifts as much possible.

I was considering going to the ER.
One of my friends, who is an acupuncturist, strongly suggested against it. She said that if I didn't have COVID, catching it in the hospital was a significant possibility. Knowing this information made me extremely nervous. I've had bronchitis and pneumonia in the past. But the pain in my lungs I had this go-around was nothing like I've never experienced before.
   There were two nights specifically, where I was afraid to go to sleep, thinking that I would not wake up the next morning. I had long discussions with friends daily about whether to go to the ER. Another reason I was so concerned about going to the ER was because of possible medical rationing. My suggestion is that if you are ill call an advice nurse, especially with COVID on the rise. Don't wait to call like I did!
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Here are Some Coronavirus Resources: 
  In March 2020, the Disability Rights Education Defense Fund (DREDF) fund started writing some COVID-19 resources for healthcare providers and people with disabilities.

• Preventing Discrimination in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: The Illegality of Medical Rationing on the Basis of Disability.​​
• If You or Someone You Know is Disabled: Know Your Rights to Medical Care - COVID -19. (CA Edition)    *The basic medical tenets are the same in every state.

​I hope you stay well. I hope that if you need medical care due to COVID-19, these DREDF's resources are helpful to you.


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