INSIGHT
FROM THE
INSIDE by Brooke Ezzo | photos courtesy of Allyson Smith
A
fter 24 straight days working the frontlines in New York, Flower Mound resident Allyson Smith is home and sharing her experience not only as a nurse but also as a patient.
With over 20 years of nursing experience, including labor and delivery and triage, Allyson’s knowledge was much needed in what was considered a hot zone for COVID-19. “I wanted to learn how to treat COVID in the states, in a higher resource setting,” Allyson said. Assigned to Coney Island Hospital, where every floor was a COVID floor, Allyson was aware of the heartbreak from the moment she arrived. Mainly working in the obstetrics unit, she cared for mothers who were separated from their newborns and loved ones. “Moms that were COVID-positive would have to send their babies home with someone else for at least two weeks until
they tested negative,” Allyson said. “It was very sobering, and we treated them like family members.” Allyson is no stranger to tough decisions and quick treatment plans. For 10 years, she and her husband and their three children lived in East Africa where Allyson worked as a nurse in areas with low supplies and no electricity. She treated patients with malaria, those in labor, and everything in between.
“I have a voice. I should use it,” Allyson said. “I wanted to spread some positivity and help bring some insight from the inside.” After six days in the hospital, she was discharged and began her time in quarantine. Feeling much better now, Allyson and her family intend to begin another journey overseas where her medical expertise is needed.
During her time on the frontlines, Allyson saw loss but there were moments of victory as well. She wants everyone to come together as a community.
“That is another reason I went to New York,” Allyson said. “I am prepared for this. I have seen the worst of the worst. Emotionally and psychologically, I am in a good position to weather this.” Allyson came home May 11, and within days started noticing a rash spreading over her face and limbs. She also had a blood clot in her left bicep. Thinking it was a reaction to weeks of wearing her personal protective equipment, she went to the hospital and tested positive for COVID. “I thought it was a skin infection, so I was shocked when they told me it was COVID,” Allyson said. “I have seen so many patients with it, I think that is what scared me.” Wanting to stay positive, Allyson stuck to a schedule she made for herself while in the
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hospital that involved doing lunges and making her own bed. During this time, she realized she had an opportunity to be a voice, not only as a health provider but also as a patient. She started a Facebook group to help explain and educate those willing to listen.
“I recommend for courtesy of others to wear your mask when you are out and about,” Allyson said. “We can be a bit uncomfortable for the sake of someone else. COVID is real, but I also don’t want people to live in fear.” To follow Allyson’s journey and stay up-to-date with her family’s upcoming travels overseas, visit the NYC COVID-19 Journey Facebook group and her website, www.SmithsInAfrica.com. JULY 2020 | FLOWER MOUND TOWN LIFE | 45
